Open Agility
6 one-hour class sessions Prerequisites: Dogs must be able to perform all obstacles at full (or preferred) height and capable of 12 straight-up weaves. Dogs must be focused on course. Handlers must be able to perform a variety of basic crosses suitable to their Team, and able to commit longer courses to memory. Go to list of all courses to learn more about prerequisite class(es).
Have you and your dog been successful in Novice Agility and are now ready to move into more difficult agility territory? Moving into Open from Novice is a big step. This level is sometimes referred to as “Open purgatory” by agility competitors because they stay at this level so long. When competing in Open, twelve straight-up weave poles are now expected, and the number of faults allowed is reduced as well. In this class, you’ll learn more advanced handling skills, such as wraps, false turns, tunnel brakes, and discriminations. You’ll be continually honing your timing as well as learning which handling maneuvers work best for your team.
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 worked through Novice classes and are looking for the next level of skill-building. Most students in Open will have competed in entry level agility trials and are looking to learn new skills to be successful at the next competition level. This class is also appropriate for teams who meet the entering criteria, who aren’t competing but want to concentrate on higher skill levels.
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 effectively walk a course, understanding your dog’s “line”
- How to determine/identify your dog’s commitment point on various obstacles
- Where on course to do crosses/turns and the timing of those maneuvers
- How to use tunnel brakes
- How to handle discriminations
- How to listen to your dog for feedback and make training/handling adjustments accordingly
Your dog will learn:
- How to follow the handling of more advanced crosses/turns
- How to find the weave pole entrance from different approaches