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Agility Class Descriptions

Agility Class General Information

The following applies to ALL agility classes:

Requirements: Your dog must be in good physical condition - able to run, jump and climb without signs of distress. Dogs must be at least 6 months of age to enter our Foundations agility class and 12 months of age for Novice and beyond. The handler will be required to move with their dog as the dog negotiates agility obstacles.  Students in wheelchairs are welcomed and encouraged.  A signed agility release form is required prior to admittance.

Equipment required: Buckle collar, 4 ft leash, soft yummy treats (ex. hot dogs, string cheese, leftovers; chicken, beef; we suggest bringing several types of treats available to provide different levels of 'pay' for your dog), turf type running shoes (no slick bottoms, shoes need to have deep tread) or soccer/baseball shoes (no metal cleats). Dress according to weather conditions as all classes are held outdoors (not under cover) in a fenced area.

Class Advancements/Placements: If you feel you should be moved to a class or are new to HOTC and have not met the prerequisite requirements, contact the Agility Director and he/she will arrange an evaluation for possible advancement/placement in the appropriate class.

Disclaimer: We have the right to refuse and/or excuse any dog who exhibits aggressive behavior toward another handler or dog or whose behavior in class is uncontrollable.  A dog that exhibits any act of aggression toward an individual or another dog while on HOTC premises is subject to discipline under the HOTC Agility Aggression Policy.


Foundations Agility

You and your dog will be introduced to the sport of agility in this first class of a three class series.  Three areas will be emphasized in this class: (1) Drive and Motivation Training, (2) Obedience for Agility, and (3) Obstacle Training.  You will begin the development of a special working relationship with your dog that will grow as you advance through HOTC's agility program.  In this class, you and your dog will be introduced to several agility obstacles (set at very low heights) to include: various jumps, A-Frame, dog walk, teeter, closed tunnel, open tunnel, channel weaves, tippy board, and the Buja board.

Disclaimer:  Completion of one or all three of these classes will NOT put you and your dog on TV.  However, it could lead to an exciting hobby that may lead you down that path!

Goals:
  • Obedience for Agility - sit, down, come, stay - in an outdoor environment.  (An absolute must for agility!)
  • Drive and Motivation Training - learn several techniques to increase the bond between you and your dog.
  • Obstacle Training - complete the individual obstacles listed above.
  • Pass the Foundations test at the end of the class.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of an HOTC Beginner or higher level obedience class is required for nonmembers as well as members who are training their first dog, or members who have not titled a dog.

Skills 1 Agility

This is the second class in a three class series to introduce you and your dog to the sport of agility.  Three areas will continue to be emphasized in this class: (1) Drive and Motivation Training, (2) Obedience for Agility, and (3) Obstacle Training so you can take your learning to the next level - off leash control of your dog on an agility field.  In this class, you will continue to develop the working relationship with your dog.  And you and your dog will be continue to advance in the performance of several agility obstacles (advancing from low to moderate heights) to include: various jumps, A-Frame, dog walk, teeter, closed tunnel, open tunnel, and the channel weaves.

Goals:
  • Obedience for Agility - continue to reinforce the basics of sit, down, come, stay in an outdoor environment - both on leash and off leash.  (Easier said than done with all the other dogs around and those play toys we learned to love in Foundations!)
  • Drive and Motivation Training - use the techniques learned in Foundations to improve your dog's drive and motivation, to properly warm up your dog prior to performing agility, and to strengthen your dog physically to meet the challenge of performing agility.
  • Obstacle Training - complete the individual obstacles listed above set at a moderate height.
  • Pass the Sklls 1 test at the end of the class.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of the Foundations class.

Skills 2 Agility

This is the third class in a three class series to introduce you and your dog to the sport of agility.  Three areas will continue to be emphasized in this class: (1) Drive and Motivation Training, (2) Obedience for Agility, and (3) Obstacle Training so you can take your learning to the next level - sequencing, front cross, rear cross.  In this class, you will continue to develop the working relationship with your dog.  You and your dog will be continue to advance in the performance of several agility obstacles (advancing from moderate to competition level heights) to include: various jumps, A-Frame, dog walk, teeter, closed tunnel, open tunnel, channel weaves, and inline weaves.

Goals:
  • Obedience for Agility - use the basics of sit, down, come, stay to successfully navigate a simple course.
  • Drive and Motivation Training - use your techniques to properly warm up your dog prior to running a course, to continually strengthen your dog physically, and to successfully navigate a simple course.
  • Obstacle Training - complete the individual obstacles listed above set in a simple course at competition level height.
  • Pass the Sklls 1 test at the end of the class.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of the Skills 1 class.

The Novice class is designed to provide the handler/dog team with a more proficient set of handler skills and prepare them for the AKC Novice standard or jumpers title or equivalent. The speed and accuracy that obstacles are performed, as well as problem solving when faced with more difficult sequences will be taught. Side switches, call-offs, front, rear, and blind crosses are introduced.
Goals:

  • Contacts must be performed successfully and consistently at full height.
  • You must earn 2 Novice standard AKC qualifying scores or equivalent before advancing.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Skills 2 and the desire to compete and instructor referral.

Open Agility

This class is designed for the serious competitor. Advanced handling skills will be taught. Weave pole entries, as well as obstacle discrimination situations found in competitive situations are introduced and successfully performed. Handling skills required for execution of a qualifying Open course or its equivalent will be taught. The requirements to achieve an AKC Open standard or jumpers title or its equivalent will be accomplished.

Goals:

  • Competent handling skills such as front and rear crosses, reverse flow pivots, side switches, accurate weave pole entries, nailing contacts.
  • You must earn 2 Open standard AKC qualifying scores or equivalent before advancing.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of an HOTC Novice Agility Class, earn 2 qualifying scores in AKC Novice standard or equivalent and instructor referral are required.

Excellent Agility

This class is designed for the serious competitor. The handler will learn strategies required to run a qualifying Excellent course. Advanced handling skills will be emphasized. The requirements necessary to achieve an Excellent standard, Excellent jumpers title or its equivalent will be stressed.

Goal:

  • To obtain an Excellent or equivalent title.
  • To compete at a level beyond Excellent or equivalent to include but not limited to AX, MACH, etc.
Prerequisite: Completion of Open Agility Class, earn 2 qualifying scores in AKC Open standard or equivalent and instructor referral are required.

Jumping Class

Does your dog jump too long, too short, pull bars, run out? This class is designed to develop your dog's jumping style and correct any jumping problems. Many issues may be with handling skills and this will also be addressed. Cavaletti are used to teach your dog how to adjust his stride. Many jump combinations are used to build confidence, skills, and speed. Jumping sequences with tunnels and weaves are worked as well as entries and execution.

Goals:

  • To improve your dog's jumping style and correct problems such as but not limited to, rushing, pulling bars, hitting, jumps, jumping too shallow, too long, running out, stopping.
  • To successfully complete a Novice/Open Jumpers course at the end of 7 weeks.
Prerequisite: Dog and Handler must be currently competing at a Novice Jumpers level or higher. Must have good control off leash in an open area.  Fairly competent weaving skills is a plus.