Prerequisites:  Although these commands and exercises will be covered in class, to expedite training it would be beneficial for you’re dog to understand or perform the following:

 *Sit & Down (until released)  * Come when called * Have reasonable off leash control *  Ability to be handled by a stranger

What should I bring to class?
1)  Flat buckle or quick release nylon or leather collar.
2)  4 to 6 foot nylon or leather leash (no wider than 3/4 inch)
3)  6-inch flat nylon or leather tab (no loop on end). This can simply be made with a snap and short length of thin rope.
4)  Your dog's favorite toy or food treat (several different types of treats).
5)  Water and a water pan or bucket.
6)  Tennis or sport shoes for running (soccer shoes work well).
7)  Most importantly... a positive attitude.

     We will have a limited number of supplies (targets, training treats) available for purchase before and after class.

 What will be covered in class?

We offer beginner through advanced levels of training. We concentrate on the safe and proper execution of obstacles, course, motivation, and handling strategies as well as what to expect in a trial situation. Course difficulties and handling techniques increase in difficulty as your training progresses. Dogs are much like humans and often learn at different speeds. Your dog's sex, breed, size, temperament and age will be contributing factors to your dog's learning ability (as will your ability to express your wishes to him/her). Students will receive an exercise or exercises to work on each week at home so be prepared to come to class the following week with your homework done.

Beginner Class - Tuesday 7:45 PM - During the beginning class students are introduced (not necessarily executing) to agility equipment and the proper execution of each obstacle. We begin with behavior shaping and ground exercises; focus, drive building, targeting, control and basic obedience with motivation (sit, stay, down, recall). Students will receive an exercise or exercises to work on each week at home so be prepared to come to class the following week with your homework done.

NOTE: Our beginner classes continue on with the current students through novice, intermediate and advanced should they chose to do so. Therefore, we do not often offer beginner classes but will be happy to put interested parties on our waiting list if we do not have current openings.

Intermediate Class - Monday 6:30 PM - Continuing obstacle and course navigation with more emphasis on increasing distance, speed, handling techniques (crosses, lead outs, etc.) and trial strategies. Students are introduced to trial type situations and courses, what to expect, what to do and not to do during competition.  Additional obstacles will be introduced as the students progress. Dogs and handlers will be required to demonstrate the ability to willingly and independently (without leash and constant handler coaching) negotiate the obstacles before advancing to the next level of training.

Advanced Class - Tuesday 6:30 PM - For dogs and handlers competing at advanced levels (masters, elite, excellent). Students concentrate on difficult approaches, speed, focus, distance and advanced handling and complex course navigation. 

Skills Class - Monday 7:45 PM - For dogs and handlers that are having difficulty with, need to learn, revisit or sharpen certain skill sets. An evaluation of the dog and handler team is performed the first night to determine a training plan. Students may not all be working on the same set of skills at the same time. This is an ongoing class and drop ins are welcome after an initial evaluation or permission from the instructor.

Non-competing students - Don't want to compete? No problem. Many student use our classes to develop a stronger bond, instill confidence and spend quality time with their dog. We give the same consideration and quality of instruction to non-competing students.

Classes are taught in  group settings, however individual attention is given to each handler and dog team based on their ability and needs. We emphasize positive reinforcement and motivation techniques using many different methods necessary to achieve maximum results for each dog and handler. As each team is unique, different methods may be necessary for each team to achieve maximum results. My goal as an instructor is for my students to achieve their goals and their dogs maximum potential to compete at whatever level or venue they desire.

What commands should I USE?
Dogs require consistency and repetition in order to retain the information directed to them during our training sessions. Select a command for each obstacle that is easy for you to remember and be consistent in its use. The following are examples of obstacles and commonly used commands:    

Jumps - (wing, non-wing, broad, high) over, jump, bar, hup.
Tunnel - (rigid)  tunnel, get in, go through.
Tunnel - (collapsed)  tunnel, chute, push.
See-saw - teeter, see-saw, walk.
A-frame - climb, walk, scramble, "A".
Dog walk - walk, climb, dog walk, ramp.
Pause table - table, box.
Weave poles - weave, poles.
Tire jump - tire, through, jump.    

Please remember, there are no rules for the commands you use. The less complex the command the less confusing for the dog and yourself when running a course. Also, avoid using the same or similar command for two different obstacles. Be consistent in giving commands and direction and most of all… be positive and have fun!  

Fees
Fees are based on a five-week session and are payable during the first class of each session. Sorry, there are no credits for unattended classes (except bitches in season). We also offer a discount for multiple dogs enrolled (same owner or same immediate family). Sessions may be paid via cash, check or PayPal for your convenience.

UPCOMING CLASSES
Beginning Agility Starting September 9, 2008 contact us for enrollment
Other Classes - Limited openings at this time for all classes. Please contact us for details.

Location
Norco, California - Classes are currently being held on Monday and Tuesday evenings at 6:30 and 7:45. Our facility is completely fenced and illuminated for evening classes. We are located at a private residence off Temescal in Norco, CA. Visitors are welcome to observe prior to enrolling but please contact us for directions and a time to introduce ourselves.


To inquire about upcoming classes or request further information on class times and schedules or to visit prior to enrolling, please contact: Terry Fisk   (760) 868-0676 or k9agilitycoach@earthlink.net.