Pre-Novice Agility

6 one-hour class sessions Prerequisites:  Intermediate Sequencing & Handling and Intermediate Weave Pole Skills (Intermediate Weaves can be taken concurrently with this class) Go to list of all courses to learn more about prerequisite class(es)

This transitional class brings together the many skills you and your dog have learned thus far.  Contact obstacle heights, such as the teeter, will be adjusted as needed for your dog to become confident on full-height obstacles while running courses.  The weave poles will also be adjusted as needed.  You’ll have the opportunity to commit basic crosses to muscle memory as you get your flow going as a team before successfully moving into the Novice Agility class. 

Special Notes:  The focus of this class is practice, practice, practice, for both you and your dog.  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 are continuing to build their dog’s confidence on obstacles and are working towards getting straight-up weave poles when incorporated in a course. It is also suited for handlers who are still getting comfortable with basic handling skills. 

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:
- To try different types of basic crosses and build muscle memory for crosses
- To identify skills which need more training, both handling skills and obstacle skills
- What it will take to train your dog to go from “open” weave poles to “straight-up” weave poles

Your dog will learn:
- To follow your cues, both physical and verbal, and stay engaged with you on a course
- Confidence on full-height obstacles - height will be adjusted
- Confidence doing weave poles (can be “open”) as part of a Novice level course