Agility
Agility is a rapidly growing sport in which a handler directs his dog over a timed obstacle course. The result is a sport that is fun for both handler and dog. The obstacles used on a course include: A-frame, weave poles, pause table, see-saw, dog walk, various types of tunnels and assorted jumps and hurdles.
What agility classes does CDTC offer?
Capital teaches AKC Agility classes at all levels, from introductory to competition. Our classes, which are all 8 weeks in length, in order of progression are:
Who can train?
Your dog must be at least one year old for all agility classes, except Foundations and at a minimum, have completed a basic obedience course or equivalent (such as Family Dog). Due to the nature of agility, we allow only one handler per dog, unlike other classes, so please plan accordingly.
It is also important that your dog be in good physical condition. Agility is strenuous! Your dog should not be overweight or have any other health problems. Dogs with underlying health problems, including but not limited to hip & elbow dysplasia, cardiovascular disease, vision, or other health problems that limit endurance, balance, or motor control should not participate in agility without consultation with a veterinarian who is familiar with agility. If in doubt, consult your vet and if your dog needs to lose weight, start now!
Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who will remain in the building throughout the class. Registration for agility classes is contingent upon evaluation and approval by the Assistant Training Director.
When are agility classes held?
Capital offers four sessions of agility classes each year: a winter session, a spring session, a summer session, and a fall session. While the schedule varies every session, agility classes are held on either Wednesday or Friday nights and Sundays, throughout the day, into the evening.
How do I get started?
If you have never taken an agility class, you will need to start with either Foundations or Introductory Agility. To get a place on the wait-list for introductory agility email the AGILITY PROGRAM.
While it varies, the waitlist is currently several months. Spots fill up very quickly, so once you are emailed about an opening, be sure to respond as quickly as you are able. Once your name comes off the waitlist, you will need to pass our “test-in” to make sure your dog has the necessary obedience skills and temperament to succeed in a multi-dog class setting – where some portions take place off-leash.
If you have taken agility classes elsewhere, please contact the AGILITY PROGRAM to discuss appropriate class placement.
To get a place on the wait-list for introductory agility, please fill out the questionnaire below:
While it varies, the wait-list is currently around 4 months. Once your name comes off the wait-list, you will need to pass our “test-in” just to make sure your dog has the necessary obedience skills and temperament.
If you have taken agility classes elsewhere, please contact Capital to discuss appropriate class placement.
Want further information?
Additional information about Capital’s Agility program, including “test-in” for the classes, is available in Capital’s Training Member Handbook.
Agility Classes
Introductory
Introduction Agility introduces the dog and handler team to the use of equipment. The team is then taught the basic skills to confidently and safely complete each obstacle.
Obstacles and skills taught
- Tunnels
- Contact obstacles (A-frame, dog walk, teeter)
- Jumps
- Weave poles
- Sending dog out to an obstacle
- Target training
Prerequisites
Dogs must be at least one year old and in good physical condition.
Completion of basic obedience class or equivalent training.
Dogs must possess a reliable recall.
Dogs may not be aggressive towards people or towards other dogs.
Prior to enrollment, dogs will be evaluated for temperament, basic obedience skills, and appropriate physical condition (not overweight).
Introductory 2
This class is intended to assist those students who have completed Introductory Agility, but who are missing one or two skills necessary to progress to Beginner Agility.
Prerequisites
Completion of Introductory Agility or equivalent skills set, which is defined as follows:
- Familiarity and comfort with most obstacles
- Previous introduction to teeter
- Previous introduction to weave poles
- Ability for dogs to run down a channel of jumps
- Confident stay in agility class setting
Beginner
This class builds on each of the established foundation skills from the Introduction agility classes.
Obstacles and Skills taught
- Confidence on all obstacles at full height
- Confident weaving, with independent entry from straight on and at least 10 degrees to each side, onside and offside weaving
- Basic understanding of meaning and basic execution of front and rear crosses
- Quick independent table performance
- Ability to push dog ahead into a tunnel or over a jump
- Able to handle a sequence of 5 obstacles
Prerequisites
Successful completion of Introductory Agility or equivalent skill set, which is defined as follows:
- Familiarity and comfort with all obstacles
- Ability to confidently cross teeter (not at full height)
- Ability to confidently enter and pass through open channel weaves
- Ability for dogs to run down a channel of jumps
- Ability for dogs to run alongside owner without crowding or running off, and on both sides of body
- Confident stay in agility class setting
Handling
This sequence of three classes—Handling A, Handling B, and Contacts & Weaves—will rotate in sequence. (For example, in some years, Handling A will be offered in the first session of the year, Handling B will be offered in the second session, Contacts & Weaves will be offered in the third session, and Handling A will be offered in the fourth session.)
All handling classes will combine exercises geared toward learning specific skills, and experience running full courses. It is expected that during one’s time in the handling classes, handlers will begin to show their dogs at the Novice level of competition. Accordingly, courses will be pegged to the novice and open level, and some class time will be focused on preparing students for competition.
Handling A—skills taught include, at a minimum, the following:
- Advanced Front Crosses
- Advanced Rear Crosses
- Serpentines and Threadles
- Out Command
- Pinwheels
Handling B—skills taught will include, at a minimum, the following:
- Lead outs (with pivot)
- Discrimination
- Reverse Flow Pivot
- 180s and 270s
- Blind Crosses
Contacts and Weaves—skills taught will include, at a minimum, the following:
- Reliable contacts at speed (either running contacts or some version of two on/two off as appropriate)
- Confident weaving, with independent entry from straight on and at least 25 degrees to each side, onside and offside weaving
Prerequisites
Successful completion of Beginner Agility or equivalent skill set, which is defined as follows:
- Confidence on all obstacles at full height
- Confident weaving, with independent entry from straight on and at least 10 degrees to each side, onside and offside weaving; dogs must be able to weave with closed weave poles (and no other assists) from a straight entry
- Ability to push dog ahead into a tunnel or over a jump
- Able to handle a sequence of 5 obstacles
Competition Agility
This class provides a forum for competing teams to work on advanced handling skills. Competition Agility is for the advanced student showing her dog in competition. It may be any Agility venue. CDTC’s focus is on AKC Agility. Handlers will run their dogs through courses set up while an instructor critiques and assists the student in fine tuning skills.
Prerequisites
Successful completion of all three Handling classes or equivalent skill set, which is defined as follows:
- Proficiency with all specific skills identified in the three Handling classes
- Ability to consistently complete 12 weaves poles entering from up to 45 degrees on either side
- Standard agility title in at least one agility venue
To inquire further about agility class schedules, requirements and registration, email us.