Agility Class Descriptions and 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. Starting with the Foundations class the handler will be required to move with their dog as the dog negotiates
agility obstacles such as 4”-6” low jumps. Channel weave poles are open at least 8”-10” apart with guides.
Students in wheelchairs are welcomed and encouraged, however a distance handling class would be an advantage.
A signed agility release form and current rabies vet certificate 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 - Beginning 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, 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, 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, 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 2 test at the end of the class.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of the Skills 1 class.
Skills Handling
This class is designed to increase your handling skills so you are free to choose the best handling strategy for the course. The class will focus on short sequences and drills designed to uncover and address gaps in your current abilities and you dog’s understanding. We will refine handler cues and increase the dog’s recognition of handling skills such as front crosses, rear crosses, threadles, serpentines, 270s, 180s, jump wraps, and backsides of jumps. We will also analyze and run sequences from national and international competitions with an emphasis on developing handling strategies for these challenges.
Goals:
-
Add tools to your handling toolbox.
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Give your dog more timely information and increase speed and accuracy.
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Increase your confidence and effectiveness walking and running the course.
Prerequisite: Dog and Handler must be currently competing at a Novice level or higher. Sequences will be adapted based on the level of the team
.
Pre-Novice Agility
More handler/dog skills are performed in this class. It is designed to prepare the handler/dog team to start running sequences preparing you for Novice class. It teaches the dog to focus on the handler and learn when the handler gives a queue for the dog to turn or change the existing path. Emphasis is on place on contacts, weave poles, and the ability to read and run courses.
Goals:
- All obstacles must be performed at full height.
- Handler/dog teams must run a full course set by the instructor.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of the Skills 2 class.
Novice Agility
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 Pre-Novice 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 three (3) Open standard AKC qualifying scores or equivalent before advancing.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of an HOTC Novice Agility Class,
earn three (3) 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.
Goals:
- 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 three (3) qualifying
scores in AKC Open standard or equivalent and instructor referral are required.
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