Agility is a fast-paced team sport where dogs and handlers navigate their way through an obstacle course with precision and speed. This popular sport can be fun for highly competitive or backyard agility teams. Playing at any level requires long-term training commitment, and ongoing practice.
CABTC’s agility program is designed for those interested in competing in the sport and covers foundation skills through continued improvement opportunities for current competitors at all levels. We offer both regular sessions and drop-in group classes.
Prerequisites for entering CABTC’s agility program are:
- Successful completion of FSI & FSII or demonstrated ability to perform the skills taught in those classes
- Passing the Agility Assessment test. Dogs must be able to demonstrate basic obedience skills and self control with mid to high level distractions. Handlers will be required to demonstrate their ability to maintain and/or regain focus of their dog.
- Dogs must be non-aggressive.
- Due to the popularity of agility courses, all interested students must complete the wait list application.
Regular Session Group Classes
These classes meet weekly over a 6 week period. Students remain in the same class until the instructor determines the team is ready for a move up and space becomes available. The skill level of the class advances to meet the needs of the students when there aren’t upper level openings. Often students remain in the same class for up to a year or more.
Drop-In Classes
These classes do not necessarily meet every week. They are designed to focus on and practice a single/limited set of skills and are not necessarily designed as a progressive course. They are best suited for handlers with experience in agility and/or dog training. Once approved to attend a drop in class, students will coordinate attendance schedules with the instructor.
Waitlist:
Due to popularity, all agility classes are full and open for currently enrolled students only. Those teams interested in pursuing agility at CABTC must complete the waitlist application. We will get back with you concerning class availability. CABTC draws from our waitlist to fill all of our classes.
Equipment required for all agility classes
Buckle or flat collar (no martingales, harnesses, prongs or electric collars), leash, wide variety of treats and/or toys rewards.
Teams not interested in competition or waitlisted might consider Attention 1 & 2, Pattern Games or Fit Dog as additional foundational skills and/or fun alternatives.
Upcoming sessions are reserved for students already enrolled in agility classes; new students should fill out the agility waitlist form below.
Drop In
- Wed. 8:00am-9:00am
- Wed. 9:15am-10:15am
Run full courses with the focus on improving running time. Instructors will focus on helping each team choose the most appropriate handling skills that will encourage success for that team. Handling skills will include front crosses, rear crosses, setting different angles, using distance etc.
This is a beginner class focusing on teaching new agility dogs to run a line. We will focus on increasing drive and confidence, ultimately teaching the team how to read and run a line with speed. As teams advance, they will begin to learn how to manipulate the dog’s line with introductions to crosses and turns. While this class is suitable for all new agility teams, it is primarily meant to set the foundation for distance handling. This class will not teach weaves or contact equipment, but they may be utilized for dogs that are already familiar with these skills.
Improve handling and build team confidence. All levels will run sequences on specific skills like distance and handling strategies.
Learn how to understand and manipulate the dog’s line from a distance. This class will focus on handling from ahead to give your dog clear direction and increase speed. Handlers will learn how to position and time their cues/body language to change the dog’s running line. Teams will gain confidence with sends, layering, and more.
Learn and incorporate advanced level skills, first in sequences and then in courses.
Learn how to understand a dog’s line on the agility course and explore different ways of handling challenges to increase a dog’s speed and efficiency. Dogs will be introduced to distance handling.
Day Classes
Foundation class for performance venues with an emphasis on agility. This class will continue until pups are ready to compete in agility. The class is progressive and is based on age-appropriate skills.
This class will focus on the beginning agility skills for handlers and dogs to be competition ready. Each class will focus on the connection between the handler and the dog, foundation skills, handling skills and obstacle basics using short sequences and isolated obstacles. This class will eventually progress to full sequences in preparation for competition.
Focus on handling skills referencing One Mind Dog method and handling elements. Work will be on skills and sequences (not full courses) to introduce and practice various handling elements. The class will reinforce agility foundations. At times, skills will be practiced without equipment. Home practice between classes is highly encouraged.
Work 2-3 short sequences and/or a full course. The focus is on handling skills and on handler connection with their dog.
- Mon. 8:00am-9:00am
- Mon. 9:30am-10:30pm
- Mon 11:00am-12:00pm
- Thurs. 9:00am-10:00am
- Thurs. 10:15am-11:15am
- Thurs. 11:30am-12:30pm
Building on basic agility skills to help teams advance in agility competition.
Evening Classes
Improve handling and build team confidence. We will run sequences on specific agility skills and apply these to a course when teams are ready.
- Mon. 8:00pm-9:00pm
- Tues. 5:15pm-6:15pm
- Thurs. 5:00pm-6:00pm
Develop foundation work needed for the agility specialty. In addition, it will advance to weaves, contact obstacles, jumping, and common jump configurations.
- Mon. 6:45pm-7:45pm
- Thurs. 8:00pm-9:00pm
Perfect obstacle performance, handling techniques, increase speed, improve success rate in advance competition.
Practice and analyze the weekly floor/course to determine the best strategy for running as if in competition. Teams will run a full course and then work on challenging sections or skill building exercises to develop a greater toolbox of skills and handling options for their team.
Build the basic skills needed for any performance dog. Foundation work will consist of recalls, crate games, shaping, body awareness, target, self-control, play and relationship building.
Build agility skills for confident completion of a novice or higher level agility course. Introduction of advanced technical challenges leading to Excellent and Premier levels. Classes include full course and skill drills to improve side work/distance, proper use of cues, obstacle/handler focus, turns, patterns, setting lines, and multiple handling options.
Calendar
Get involved! Check out our agility schedule.