Excellent/Masters Agility

6 one-hour sessions PREREQUISITE: Open Agility.  Your instructor will let you know when you are ready to move into this class, based on ability to benefit, competition levels and other assessments. Go to list of all courses to learn more about prerequisite class(es).

Have you successfully navigated the Open level agility courses?  Then it is time to climb the ladder to Excellent and Master’s level AKC courses.  You will learn even more handling skills and when to use them on course.  This class will consist of full courses, skills and drills, and occasionally some AKC Premier level skills (blind tunnel entrances, backsides of jumps, threadles, etc.)  You will be amazed at the things you and your dog will be able to accomplish. You’ll become an efficient team, to the point of knowing what each other is thinking. 

Special Notes: Approval is needed before enrolling in this course. This course is designed to be different each 6-week session. Repeating this class will be a new experience each time.

This class is best suited for:  those who have successfully completed the Open Agility class and are ready to concentrate on finer details and advanced challenges for both dog and handler.

Min/Max Enrollment:  4/6

Bring the Following to Class:
- Flat Buckle Collar (with no tags)
- 4-6 foot leash (no flexi-leashes please)
- Water and water dish
- Small, tasty, treats which are easy for the dog to see when tossed on the floor (such as string cheese, peanut butter Captain Crunch cereal, hot dogs, cheese balls, etc.)
- Toys which your dog enjoys (tug toys, balls, etc.)
- A pouch or deep pockets for easy access to treats

You will learn:
- How to become highly in-tune with your dog to be able to give clear signals
- How to identify the small details which make a difference to your dog
- To perfect your timing, position, and handling choices
- How to push yourself outside of your comfort zone and try new things
- Which advanced skills will be necessary to excel on upper-level agility courses
- A variety of AKC Premier level handling skills

Your dog will learn:
- How to work with you as an ever-more enthusiastic partner, as your signals become increasingly clear
- How to follow your handling on longer and more difficult courses
- How to find the weave pole entrance from more difficult approaches and how to stay in the weave poles when the handler increases lateral distance
- A variety of AKC Premier level challenges