Introduction to Agility
At the introductory level, dogs are on a five- or six-foot leash and the handler uses food and toys to reinforce and shape fundamental agility skills. These skills include:
· Introducing you and your dog to all of the obstacles
· Learning the names of the equipment
· Building a good foundation with terms, commands and handling techniques
· Negotiating obstacles and moving in different directions according to course designs

By the end of the session, you and your dog should feel successful running a short sequence of obstacles. Depending on the extent of your obedience background, you may run a course off leash for graduation. This class is for dogs older than six months. Puppies under six months can learn agility obstacle imprinting in puppy kindergarten.

The advanced introductory level builds on the foundation skills from the beginner class. The goal of this class is to work toward performance of obstacles and control between obstacles. The dogs will start to understand obstacle discrimination and independently handle obstacles. Handlers start to work on moving with their dogs as a team.

Agility in the Works
Handler strategies come into play at this level, including crosses and more advanced handling techniques. Dogs are working off leash, performing obstacles with distance and speed and expanded sequencing.

Competition Handling
The saying "run fast, run clean" has meaning in this class. Class work focuses on the handler's timing, strategies and ability to direct the dog efficiently through a course. You should now be comfortable performing side changes, back, front and half crosses, reverse flow pivots and directional calls. Dogs should have solid contacts and stays at the start line. Motivational runs and obstacle discrimination should be coming together.

If you're not sure which class would be the best fit for you and your dog or if you would like to schedule a private lesson, call Blairwood at 773.235.7489.