Classes

 

Agility Foundation Class

 

 

            This is a set of classes designed to teach dogs and handlers the foundation skills required to start agility training.  The skills to be learned include:

  1. •Teaching the dog to pay attention to the handler when off leash.

  2. •Teaching the dog to run with their handler off-leash on either side in response to body and hand cues.

  3. •Teaching the dog to turn with their handler in response to hand and body cues.

  4. •Teaching the Handler to be aware of their body language and how their dog interprets and reacts to the cues being given.

  5. •Developing a targeting behavior which will be used to shape contacts and independent equipment performance in future agility classes

 

Some of the tools and training methods which we will teach to the handlers and dogs include:

  1. •The fundamentals of operant conditioning (clicker training)

  2. •The use of toys to reward and motivate the dogs

  3. •Shaping behaviors using clicker training


Each student will be given a clicker during the first class.  Students are responsible for brining yummy treats (small or easily broken into small pieces), favorite toys and a basic collar and flat leash.  No flexi-leads or chain collars please.


    Dogs must demonstrate mastery of basic skills to enter the Beginner Agility Class.  These skills include:

  1. •Perform a short obstacle course off-leash

  2. •Run through a Tunnel

  3. •Walk across a ground plank

  4. •Demonstrate a nose-touch to a target.

We offer classes for all levels from Foundation through advanced competition skills. 

Follow this link to sign up for classes online email me.

See below for a descriptions of Foundation and Beginner level Classes:

Note:  Dogs should be at least 10 months old, current on all vet-recommended inoculations and be free of parasites.  We recommend monthly flea/tick prevention.

Agility training builds strong teamwork between dog and handler.  Agility is physically demanding for both dog and handler, building speed, strength and endurance.  To get the most out of an agility class, be prepared to spend some time at home practicing new skills in between classes.

Other Training Facilities on the Big Island:

Far Flung Agility Training in Papaikou

www.far-flungagility.com

PAWS University in Kona

www.pawsuniversity.com

Other Dog Agility Clubs on the Big Island:

Big Island Agility in Kona

www.bigislandagility.com

Orchid Isle Dog Agility in Hilo

www.oidahawaii.org

Beginner Agility Classes

 

 

            Beginner Agility Classes build on Foundation skills with an increasing focus on training obstacle performance and sequencing. 


  The skills to be learned include:

  1. •Building drive and focus through rewards and play.

  2. •Jumping skills

  3. •Performing all equipment including (Aframe, Dogwalk, Teeter, weaves tire, chute etc)

  4. •An increasing focus on handling skills including:

  5. ‣Turns

  6. ‣Side changes

  7. ‣Obstacle Discrimination

  8. ‣Start Line Stays and Lead-outs

  9. ‣Preparing to enter fun matches and trials

 

Some of the tools and training methods which we will teach to the handlers and dogs include:

  1. •The fundamentals of operant conditioning (clicker training)

  2. •The use of toys to reward and motivate the dogs

  3. •Shaping behaviors using clicker training


Students are responsible for brining yummy treats (small or easily broken into small pieces), favorite toys and a basic collar and flat leash.  No flexi-leads or chain collars please.


    By the time a dog/handler team master the skills covered in Basic Agility, they should be ready to enter their first fun match or competion.