Agility at DTCT

What’s in it for you?

Agility is a fun dog sport that enables you to build upon the basic obedience that you learn in our Basic, Advanced Basic, and Rally classes. We offer training at all levels from Foundation to Competition. We require an Introduction to Agility class at DTCT or another facility prior to enrolling in Agility Level 1. The only prerequisite for Introduction to Agility is Basic Obedience.

We hold several agility trials a year.


Specialty & Suggested Classes

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Prerequisites:

Introduction to Agility: Foundation for Agility for Competition or Fun

This 7-week class will prepare dogs and handlers who are considering pursuing agility and want to participate in a future Agility 1 class.

Dogs must be 6 months or older and have successfully completed a minimum of a Puppy Obedience class or a Basic Obedience class. Dogs must be housebroken and show no signs of aggression. A 5 or 6-foot leash and a flat buckle collar without attachments. Please bring treats that do not crumble, a treat bag or dispenser, and a favorite toy or tug.


Prerequisites:

Agility Level 1

After completing our Introduction to Agility, you are ready for Agility Level 1. This 7-week class is for dogs and handlers to learn how to approach both the various type of jumps, as well as the tire, tunnels, weave poles, if time, and some basic beginning contact obstacles including the table, teeter, A-frame, and dog walk.   Dogs and handlers will learn about safety in agility, start line stays, release ques, reward zones, contact zones, agility terminology for obstacles and commands.   This class will include hind end awareness with ladder work as well as basic touch, target, down, sit, come, (recalls) and stay.

Dogs will be on leash and will not be jumping at competitive heights, nor using contacts at competitive height. 


Agility Level 1-Level 2 Transition Class

This abridged transitional class is designed to continue progress on the skills learned in the Agility Level 1 class.  It will be individualized to the handlers and dogs, helping them make a smooth transition into Agility Level 2.

Dogs will be on leash and will not be jumping at competitive heights, nor using contacts at competitive height. 


Agility Level 2

This 7-week course builds upon level 1 basic agility skills. This class expands upon terminology used in agility, obstacle proficiency and teamwork skills necessary for a successful handler and dog team. Level 2 introduces basic handling skills, including front and rear crosses, obstacle focus work, and building drive in your dog.


The A-frame is a common contact in AKC agility standard courses. The first title you can earn that includes the A-frame is NA or NAP.

Agility Level 3

Building upon L1 & L2 skills, this class includes beginning sequencing and increases agility skills with obstacles and handling skills.


Agility Level 4

Building upon L3 skills, this class is a repeatable instructional drop-in class that expands on obstacle proficiency and prepares the dog/handler team for trialing.

AKC agility is a competitive sport that allows for advancement as you complete qualifying runs in trials.

After you have completed Agility Level 4 you will likely be competing.


Agility Level 4/5

This is an advanced class for dogs/handlers already competing above Novice levels. Different options will be given for handling difficult segments.  A full course will be run at the end of each class. Each week an AKC agility course will be set. The course will be walked, run in full, evaluated in two parts, practiced, and then run completely once more.