WE TEACH YOU TO TRAIN YOUR DOG!

Beginner’s Guide to Dog Agility Training

Handlers practicing dog agility training in Montgomery, AL with large and small dogs outdoors.

What Is Dog Agility? Dog agility is a fast-paced sport in which a handler directs a dog through an obstacle course, competing for both time and accuracy. It is an incredible way to build trust and communication between you and your pet. Your dog can learn to walk a 12-inch-wide plank suspended four feet above the ground and weave through a line of poles like a snake.

Dog agility is a fast‑paced, teamwork‑driven sport where a handler guides their dog through an obstacle course.

Dogs learn to:

  • Race through tunnels
  • Cross a 12‑inch‑wide plank set four feet high
  • Navigate a seesaw and climb an A‑frame
  • Weave through poles with precision

It’s fun, mentally stimulating, and strengthens the bond between dog and handler.

🏫 Agility Classes at MADOC

MADOC is an AKC‑affiliated club, welcoming purebred and mixed‑breed dogs. Training uses positive reinforcement and takes place on private property in early evenings or weekends.

  • Sessions last six weeks
  • Participants must be 12+, with handlers under 16 accompanied by an adult
  • Dogs must be fully vaccinated and have basic obedience skills

📘 General Rules for Agility Training

The page includes a General Rules Document and encourages printing the rules to keep with training notes.

🐶Class Levels

Foundations I

For newcomers to agility or those starting with a new dog.

Dogs should already know:

  • Name recognition
  • Come when called
  • Sit, down, stay
  • Walk on leash

Focus: teamwork, confidence, and basic performance skills.

Equipment includes: ladder, wobble board, box, board/target, jump stanchions.

Foundations II

Prerequisite: Completion of Foundations I or passing the Foundations I Test Exercises.

Focus: more advanced control and handling.

Introduces:

  • Small dog walk
  • Lowered A‑frame
  • Small teeter
  • Curved tunnels
  • Weave poles, table, single jumps

Teams begin short obstacle sequences. Extra practice outside class is strongly encouraged.

Beginner Class

Prerequisite: Completion of Foundations II and passing its test exercises.

Focus: learning all agility obstacles, including regulation‑sized equipment:

  • A‑frame, dog walk, teeter
  • Broad, double, triple, panel, and tire jumps

Handlers learn to read course maps and run short sequences. Regular field practice is essential.

Advanced Beginner

Prerequisite: Beginner Agility or equivalent.

Focus:

  • More advanced handling
  • Reinforcing contact criteria
  • Running novice‑level courses

Intermediate classes may be offered depending on interest.

Specialty Classes

Offered periodically—check the Agility Class Calendar for updates.

📝 Enrollment Information

To register:

  • Finish the Enrollment and Waiver Form
  • Include a current vaccination record
  • Send payment one week before class
    • $100 for non‑members
    • $75.00 non-members repeating the class with the same dog
    • $50 for members

For questions or trial information: Agility@madoc.club