Intro to Agility

·         General Description: this class is an introduction to some of the obstacles of agility, including the tunnel, chute, tire jump, a frame, dog walk, and table.  Jumping skills will be introduced, as well as basic concepts for handling.

·         Prerequisites

o    Dog demonstrates beginning level control through sit/down, stay controlled on-lead walking and informal recall

o    Dog must allow handling by a stranger and show NO signs of aggression or excessive fear of other dogs or people.

o    If the dog cannot be handled it cannot be in class.

·         Goals

o    Confidently perform on A-Frame and dog walk (set low), tunnels, table, jumps and tire.

·         Requirements to Advance

o    Ability to perform obstacles confidently with little physical guidance from handler without undue physical or mental stress

o    Control on and between obstacles.

o    Dog must have a basic idea of targeting. May need reminder treat occasionally.

o    Handler must understand targeting concepts.

 

Beginning Agility

·         General Description: this class is a continuation of Intro to Agility.  Short  2-4 obstacle sequences are emphasized, and focus is on continuing to build on the concepts of intro to agility, especially jumping skills and handling.

·         Prerequisites

o    Intro to Agility, or other agility experience (subject to BRAG approval)

·         Goals

o    Perform off lead with some control, including short sequences, comfort working on both sides of handler and proper jumping habits.

·         Requirements to Advance

o    Show obstacle proficiency, proper jumping technique and off lead control.

o    Ability to perform 3 obstacle sequences smoothly with focus

o    Ability to perform contacts readily and smoothly with good target behavior. May perform with target dish in place but recognition of behavior is expected.

o    Confidence on all equipment taught to date.

o    Ability to perform a reliable recall, dog comes in most situations.

 

Foundations of Agility

·         General Description: this class is a focus class.   Weave poles are taught, as well as the teeter.  There is also a continuation of handling skills.

·         Prerequisites

o    Beginning Agility, or other agility experience (subject to BRAG approval)

·         Goals

o    Confidently perform the teeter.

o    Capably perform 6 weave poles in line.

o    Completely perform introductory handling exercises.

·         Requirements to Advance

o    Ability to perform 6 weave poles in a straight line.

o    Dogs must weave independently without handler assistance (i.e. excessive verbal commands, waving hands back and forth and dancing to name a few)

o    Confidence on teeter with the ability to complete floor to floor.

o    Able to perform handling and control exercises.

 

Beginning Handling Goals

·         General Description: this class will focus on teaching the dog and handler to work as a team. Emphasis is on skills like front and rear crosses.

·         Prerequisites

o    Foundations of Agility, or other agility experience (subject to BRAG approval)

·         Goals

o    Learn directional commands, develop handling (turn, heel, position) and body language

o    Work with the A-Frame at 5’ and Dog Walk at 4’.

o    Progress with weaving skills, develop independent weaves

o    Work on varied approaches to obstacles

o    Build confidence and develop flow in sequences

·         Requirements to Advance

o    Complete comfort on all obstacles, including teeter

o    Maintain focus through a 5 to 6 obstacle course

o    Perform contacts with minimal assistance

o    Perform 6 in-line weave poles.

 

Intermediate Handling

·         General Description: this class will continue to focus on the teamwork of agility, building on skills from Beginning Handling.

·         Prerequisites

o    Beginning Handling, or other agility experience (subject to BRAG approval)

·         Goals

o    Learn basic jumping patterns; further develop handling and body language.

o    Work to full height obstacles (A-Frame at 5’6 and Dog Walk at 4’)

o    Work on varied approaches to obstacles

o    Solidify obstacle performance

·         Requirements to Advance

o    Ability to perform short standard agility courses

o    Complete comfort with minimal assistance on all obstacles

o    Maintain focus through an 8 - 10 obstacle course

o   Perform contacts with minimal assistance

 

Advanced Handling

·         General Description: this class builds on the concepts in the previous classes, with more difficult sequences.   Students will refine handling techniques, proof performance of obstacles (especially weave poles), and prepare to compete at the starters/novice level.

·         Prerequisites

o    Intermediate Handling, or other agility experience (subject to BRAG approval)

·         Goals

o    Obstacle discrimination

o    Full height jumping

o    Intro games (Gamblers, Snookers, etc.)

o    Courses with handling critique

o    Distance work

·         Requirements to Advance

o    AD, OA or similar, or ability to earn one

 

Competition I

·         General Description: Competition class, concentrates on advanced handling strategies, getting dog ready for higher levels of competition

·         Prerequisites

o    Advanced Handling or other agility experience (subject to BRAG approval)

·         Goals

o    Refine skills used in agility (crosses, turns, distance, etc)

o    Continue to proof obstacle performance

o    Perform more difficult sequences and courses

·         Requirements to advance

o    AD, OA, CPE level 4 standard title or similar, or ability to earn one

 

Competition II

·         General Description: Competition class, concentrates on advanced handling strategies, getting dog ready for higher levels of competition

·         Prerequisites

o    Competition I or other agility experience (subject to BRAG approval)

·         Goals

o    Refine skills used in agility (crosses, turns, distance, etc)

o    Continue to proof obstacle performance

o    Perform more difficult sequences and courses

·         Requirements to advance

o    AAD , ExA or CATCH or similar, or ability to earn one

 

Competition III

·         General Description: Competition class, concentrates on advanced handling strategies, for dogs competing at the highest level of competition

·         Prerequisites

o    Competition II or other agility experience (subject to BRAG approval)

·         Goals

o    Continue to build and refine all skills in agility, both for the dog and the handler

 

CPE Competition

·         General Description: Concentrates on CPE games classes and handling skills needed for them

·         Prerequisites

o    Intermediate Handling or other agility experience (subject to BRAG approval)

·         Goals

o    Learn rules and strategies for various games classes

o    Refine handling skills needed for CPE competition

·         Requirements to advance

o    Competent performance of all obstacles

o    CPE level 4 or greater, or ability to achieve level 4