Agility Training & Competition

​​

Even if you don't recognize it by name, you have probably seen an agility competition. Designed to demonstrate a dog's willingness to work with his handler in a variety of situations, agility is an athletic event that requires conditioning, concentration, training, and teamwork. Dogs and handlers must negotiate an obstacle course while racing against the clock. Agility is a great form of exercise for both dog and handler, and a fun way to bond.  Many people start the sport just for fun, only to get bitten by the agility bug and become lifelong competitors!

 

NEW STUDENTS: The following are descriptions for our Agility Foundation Classes.

All foundation classes must be completed prior to registration into regular agility classes. 

Please reach out to Crystal McLane crystal.wilson1824@yahoo.com or Sara Wiederholt sara.wiederholt@hotmail.com for any questions on these courses.

​

Flatwork
Prerequisites: Ability to do basic commands – Sit, Down, Stay, Recall, and successful completion of a Basic Obedience class is recommended.
This class involves the foundational handling and training skills of directing your dog on flat ground without obstacles. It focuses on the communication and movement that occurs between obstacles, which is where most guiding and positioning take place during an agility course. Our class drills are structured to facilitate learning basic flatwork skills to the connect the handler and dog, which can create a cohesive team for navigating the agility course. Class objectives include: Moving Through and Around an Upright/Wing; Side Work; Basic Crosses; Driving Forward; Lateral Push; Canine Body Awareness; and Basic Flatwork Maneuver Integration.

 

The following classes have a requirement to have first taken the Flatwork class offered at FMKC or have been tested and approved by an FMKC instructor prior to joining these classes. If you have not done so, please read the flatwork course explanation above.

​

Jumpers 1, 2 and 3
Prerequisites: Being a flatwork class graduate.

Jumpers course classes will be offered in succession, with Jumpers 1 being the beginning course, followed by Jumpers 2 and 3. In our jumper courses, we will continue to work on the
connection you built with your dog in flatwork, while building additional skills such as distance work, independent thinking, and jump confidence. The goals in these classes are for the handlers to feel more comfortable with difference crosses, the dogs to become more secure with obstacle commitment and directional cues, and for the teams to be able to work together through a course. We will work through the foundational exercises that will build on one another to help create a confident dog/handler team. In these classes, depending on the exercise being practiced, teams will take turns running designated sequences and receiving feedback from the instructor.
 

Contacts 1, 2 and 3

Prerequisites: Completion of Jumpers 1 and 2.
​Contacts classes will be offered in succession, with Contacts 1 being the beginning course, followed by Contacts 2 and 3. The goals in these classes are to learn how to execute safe, confident and consistent performance on the agility contact obstacles; those being the teeter, the dog walk, and the A-frame. We will break down the process into short sequences to allow for repetition and clarity, while keeping a large focus on teaching a safe and controlled behavior on the equipment. In these classes, depending on the exercise being performed, teams will take turns on the floor practicing skills and receiving feedback from the instructor.

​

Weaves 1 and 2
Prerequisites: Completion of Jumpers 1 and 2​​.
Weaves class will begin with the basics of how weaves are approached and taught in a safe manner for the dog, weaves are the toughest skill needed for agility trialing. Some dogs catch onto the concept quickly others and take awhile. We recommend this is something you build a version at home to work daily, for more clarity for the dog. There are several 'homemade versions’ that you can make at home that will help you with your progression.
Weaves 2 will be adding independence, confidence, and distance. Along with various entries and exits.
​​