Offering Obedience and Agility Classes in Central Kentucky.
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Level I is appropriate for adult dogs and puppies over 4 months of age. For younger puppies there is a special Puppy Class which provides socialization opportunities and age-appropriate training as well as basic puppy care.
Our Rally class is not an obedience training class but rather a "Learning about Rally" class, teaching you about the sport and teaching the signs used in the routines. All levels will be covered. We will take a few signs every week and practice them and then do a short course including those signs each week. On the last night there will be a more difficult course set up that will be run like a Rally Match.
To participate, the dog should already be trained to at least on-leash Novice obedience level. [class schedule] [registration form]
New for 2014!!! As the sport of agility evolves, we have restructured our agility classes to include new techniques and allow more focus time for preparing you and your dog to meet the challenges seen on today's agility courses. Each class session is now four weeks and the intermediate levels now have two parts. We have added special focus classes for weaves, contacts, and jumping skills.
This class is for dogs that are new to agility. Your dog is introduced to the agility obstacles safely and you will start to learn basic handling skills. Obstacles are taught individually using positive reinforcement, in a step-by-step approach which increases the challenge as the dog's confidence increases. You must have basic control of your dog on and off leash to participate. Basic obedience is necessary and a good working relationship with your dog is required. Wear shoes with good traction, and bring plenty of bite-sized treats, water, and a hungry dog! Instructor's recommendation is required to move on to the next Level. [class schedule] [registration form]
The level after Intro is Level Two and is in two parts. This level continues your dog's agility education with more challenging obstacles and sequences. Focus on building a sound foundation of teamwork, motivation and obstacle performance that will serve you both well throughout your agility career.
Part 1 - Continue to progress your dog's obstacle skills towards competition. Flatwork, intro to new obstacles and jumping skills. To graduate from Level Two Part 1, your dog must have the instructors’ recommendation, must exhibit a great relationship with your dog during class. Now is a good time to also take the contacts and weaves classes. [class schedule] [registration form]
Part 2 - The second part of Level II. Continue to progress your dog's obstacle skills and your handling skills, towards competition. You will start to use the flatwork skills with the jumps in a sequence of obstacles. Continue to work on weaves and contacts in those classes as well. To graduate from Level Two Part 2 and move to Level Three, your dog must have the instructors’ recommendation, must have done the weaves class and the contacts class, and have a great working relationship with your dog during class. You should have been taught all equipment, but may not be proficient or at full heights yet. [class schedule] [registration form]
Part 1 - This class will introduce weaves to your dog. We use a combination of 2 by 2 method and channel weaves method. Your dog must be fully matured physically to work on inline weaves due to the stresses inline weaving puts on a dog's body. Instructor's recommendation is required for Weaves Part 2. [class schedule] [registration form]
Part 2 - Continue step-by-step weave training to learn how to build your dog's weaving skills to competition level. This class is a pre-requisite for Level III agility. [class schedule] [registration form]
This class will safely introduce the contact equipment (dogwalk, A-frame, teeter). There are different styles of contact performance. We use methods which promote a safe and reliable performance. This class is a pre-requisite for Level III agility. [class schedule] [registration form]
This class will help your dog learn/improve various jumping skills using Susan Salo’s method of jump grids. Because a dog can jump doesn’t mean that he knows how to jump. When a dog understands how to jump… path, distance, appropriate takeoff place, weight transfer, angle of elevation, and height, he will run more smoothly, efficiently, and decisively… and therefore, be faster and less prone to injury. You can check out Susan Salo at www.jumpdogs.com [class schedule] [registration form]
This class features sequences from Nancy Gyes' Alphabet Drills--jump sequences based on patterns from letters of the alphabet. Each letter focuses on specific handling skills or dog skills. [class schedule] [registration form]
Part 1: You have the foundation, now increase your handling skills to competition level. Learn key handling skills, timing, including side changes. Continue building teamwork with longer and more challenging sequences. Contacts will be worked individually until your team is at full height. Short weave sequences will be available. Must have instructor's recommendation to move on to Agility Three Part 2. [class schedule] [registration form]
Part 2: This is a continuation of the previous level. At this level your dog must be able to perform all of the obstacles proficiently. Contacts and Weaves are incorporated into the handling skills. Discrimination and proofing are also taught. The class will work towards running full Novice competition courses. This is the class where it all comes together. To graduate from Novice, your dog must readily perform all the obstacles, including straight line weaves and must be able to complete a sequence of at least 10 obstacles as a team. Must have instructor's recommendation to move on to Competition Prep. [class schedule] [registration form]
Put it all together so you and your dog can show in agility competitions. "Competition Prep" topics cover more advanced skills, including sequences seen in Open and Excellent/Masters levels of competition. In order to get the most from the class, your dog must be comfortable performing all the obstacles, remain with you in a distracting environment, and be capable of performing a qualifying run at the novice-level or higher. Learn how your handling affects your dog's performance. Work on distance and directional control. Learn to analyze different handling options and discover what works best for your dog. Learn about agility competitions, what to do on a course walkthrough, etc. Practice course run-throughs. Play agility games. [class schedule] [registration form]
