MADOC Dog Agility Training Classes
What is Agility?
If training your dog to jump over hurdles, run through tunnels, climb up a seesaw, walk a 12-inch-wide plank suspended four feet above the ground, scale an A-Frame and weave through a line of poles like a snake sounds fun, then dog agility may be just the sport for you and your dog!
Agility Classes
Since we are an AKC-affiliated club, our emphasis is on AKC agility, and we welcome mixed breed dogs. We use positive reinforcement to shape desired behaviors. Classes are held in the early evening or weekends at MADOC’s private property. Class levels, days and time vary depending on the interest and instructors. The classes typically run for six weeks. Students must be at least 12 years old, and handlers under 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Dogs must have all required shots and basic obedience training to participate.
General Rules for Agility Training General Rules Document Link
Please print the General Rules for Agility Training and keep them with your training notes
If training your dog to jump over hurdles, run through tunnels, climb up a seesaw, walk a 12-inch-wide plank suspended four feet above the ground, scale an A-Frame and weave through a line of poles like a snake sounds fun, then dog agility may be just the sport for you and your dog!
Agility Classes
Since we are an AKC-affiliated club, our emphasis is on AKC agility, and we welcome mixed breed dogs. We use positive reinforcement to shape desired behaviors. Classes are held in the early evening or weekends at MADOC’s private property. Class levels, days and time vary depending on the interest and instructors. The classes typically run for six weeks. Students must be at least 12 years old, and handlers under 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Dogs must have all required shots and basic obedience training to participate.
General Rules for Agility Training General Rules Document Link
Please print the General Rules for Agility Training and keep them with your training notes
Foundations I Class
Prerequisite: This class is for owners/handlers who have never trained a dog for the sport of agility, and those who are starting a new dog. Dogs should have all vaccinations and basic obedience, such as name recognition, come, sit, down, stay and walking on a leash.
Purpose: The goal is to develop good teamwork between dog and handler, and to develop basic performance and handling skills in a fun environment. Simple equipment will be used, such as a ladder, wobble board, box, board and target, and jump stanchions.
Foundations II Class
Prerequisite: This class is for teams who have successfully completed Foundations I or have been evaluated according to the Foundations I Test Exercises and approved to move directly into Foundations II.
Purpose: Control and handling exercises will increase in complexity, and teams will be introduced to new equipment, including a small dog walk, lowered A-frame, small teeter, curved tunnels, weave poles, table and single jumps. Teams will be able to negotiate a short sequence of obstacles. For most dogs, proficiency on these obstacles will take more repetition than class time allows. Handlers should plan to make time for practice sessions at the agility field with their dog.
Beginner Class
Prerequisite: This class is for teams who have successfully completed Foundations II or have been evaluated according to the Foundations II Test Exercises and approved to move directly into Beginner.
Purpose: Teams will build proficiency on all agility obstacles, with the introduction of regulation-sized A-frame, dog walk and teeter; broad jump, double jump, triple jump, panel jump and tire. Handlers will learn to read course maps with short sequences of obstacles, and successfully negotiate short sequences with their dog. The level of performance necessary to successfully complete Beginner Agility is not likely to be achieved without practice outside of class time. Handlers should plan to make time for practice sessions at the agility field with their dog.
Advanced Beginner Class:
Prerequisite: The dog must be a graduate of Beginner Agility or equivalent.
Purpose: Teams will continue to learn more complex control and handling skills as well as maintaining and proofing contact criteria. Novice-level courses will be presented.
Intermediate Class: May be offered as needed. Contact the Agility Training Committee if interested.
Specialty Class:
Check the Agility Class calendar for updates.
Class Enrollment Forms Enrollment Form Link
If you are interested in taking an agility class, complete the Enrollment and Waiver Form and mail to Susan Barmby at the address on the Enrollment Form. A current copy of the dog’s shot record and payment must be submitted 1 week prior to the beginning of class. Cost for each class is $85 for non-members, $35 for members.
Agility Contact Email link - Where should this go to?
For information on the next class openings or agility trial information, please check Agility Classes/Agility Trials Calendar on Home Page or send email to: Agility@madoc.club
Prerequisite: This class is for owners/handlers who have never trained a dog for the sport of agility, and those who are starting a new dog. Dogs should have all vaccinations and basic obedience, such as name recognition, come, sit, down, stay and walking on a leash.
Purpose: The goal is to develop good teamwork between dog and handler, and to develop basic performance and handling skills in a fun environment. Simple equipment will be used, such as a ladder, wobble board, box, board and target, and jump stanchions.
Foundations II Class
Prerequisite: This class is for teams who have successfully completed Foundations I or have been evaluated according to the Foundations I Test Exercises and approved to move directly into Foundations II.
Purpose: Control and handling exercises will increase in complexity, and teams will be introduced to new equipment, including a small dog walk, lowered A-frame, small teeter, curved tunnels, weave poles, table and single jumps. Teams will be able to negotiate a short sequence of obstacles. For most dogs, proficiency on these obstacles will take more repetition than class time allows. Handlers should plan to make time for practice sessions at the agility field with their dog.
Beginner Class
Prerequisite: This class is for teams who have successfully completed Foundations II or have been evaluated according to the Foundations II Test Exercises and approved to move directly into Beginner.
Purpose: Teams will build proficiency on all agility obstacles, with the introduction of regulation-sized A-frame, dog walk and teeter; broad jump, double jump, triple jump, panel jump and tire. Handlers will learn to read course maps with short sequences of obstacles, and successfully negotiate short sequences with their dog. The level of performance necessary to successfully complete Beginner Agility is not likely to be achieved without practice outside of class time. Handlers should plan to make time for practice sessions at the agility field with their dog.
Advanced Beginner Class:
Prerequisite: The dog must be a graduate of Beginner Agility or equivalent.
Purpose: Teams will continue to learn more complex control and handling skills as well as maintaining and proofing contact criteria. Novice-level courses will be presented.
Intermediate Class: May be offered as needed. Contact the Agility Training Committee if interested.
Specialty Class:
Check the Agility Class calendar for updates.
Class Enrollment Forms Enrollment Form Link
If you are interested in taking an agility class, complete the Enrollment and Waiver Form and mail to Susan Barmby at the address on the Enrollment Form. A current copy of the dog’s shot record and payment must be submitted 1 week prior to the beginning of class. Cost for each class is $85 for non-members, $35 for members.
Agility Contact Email link - Where should this go to?
For information on the next class openings or agility trial information, please check Agility Classes/Agility Trials Calendar on Home Page or send email to: Agility@madoc.club