Class name:     Beginning Agility

Target dogs and age range: For dogs at least 1 yr of age. Younger dogs allowed with permission of instructor. Adjustment in obstacles will be made for younger dogs (refer to final note under equipment).

Goals:

    1. Introduction to agility obstacles appropriate for age of dog.

    2. To introduce owners to methods of efficiently teaching each obstacle, teaching the concept of contacts, and introductory work toward the off-leash control needed for Novice Agility Handling

    3. To prepare the teams for Advanced Beginner Agility and Novice Agility Handling classes.

Prerequisites:

    1. Open to dogs who have completed a beginning clicker obedience type class including the GLKC CGC or Beginner Obedience class.

    2. Other dogs may be enrolled with permission of instructor, but it is strongly recommended that the dog complete a clicker class prior to enrolling. Some clicker review will be covered in class.

Promotion requirements:

    1) Dog confident on equipment (on-leash) & showing ability to begin off-lead work that will be required in Advanced Beginner Agility class.

        Dogs must show confidence on equipment used, including, 3' A-frame, dog walk planks to 16" table, as well as understanding of target/touch.

    2) Handler demonstrates skill to manage the dog around the equipment in a manner safe for other dogs and people, as determined by instructor.

    3) Permission of instructor. Class may be repeated.

Class size, duration: Limited to 8 teams, per 1 hour class. 8 week series

Publications for instructor guidance:     Clean Run Magazine, Clean Run Book of Agility Games.

Skills covered in class:  Basic handling, targeting, stay at start line with short lead out, fast sits/downs, working on both left and right sides, attention, recall.

Equipment provided by handler:

    Collar (flat buckle or snap, martingale)

    Leash (6-foot leather or woven)

Equipment provided by GLKC:

All AKC agility obstacles, teeter board, ladder on floor. Note: Beginning dogs will start with lowered obstacles or obstacles on floor. Dogs under 1 year of age will not be jumping, or weaving. (Due to possible injury to growth plates)