This is for dogs new to agility. It is also for dog owners who want to build a better relationship with their dogs based on fun and positive training methods. The class is 8 weeks and we are able to take 8 dog/handler teams. The cost is $95.00 and includes a clicker and plastic disc. Owners must be willing to crate their dogs near them during class. The crate provides a safe learning environment and a place for your dogs to rest between exercises. Your dog must have a reliable recall.
Agility Course Descriptions
Introduction to Agility:
Pre-requisite for this class is our Foundations class. It's also appropriate for dogs that aren't yet competent and safe on all the equipment.
We teach the equipment (especially contacts) in a gradual and safe manner. At no time is a dog ever to be forced or dragged onto or across any equipment. Dogs are taught to run with their handler off-leash, working comfortably on both sides.
Throughout the class, only positive reinforcement will be used. Handlers develop basic control with emphasis on body language and timing.
Advanced Handling:
-Learn how to analyze a course and devise the best handling strategy for your dog.
-Advanced handling strategies like layering and V maneuvers will be taught.
-Continue to develop discrimination and distance work skills.
-Many tricky scenarios will be discussed, analyzed and run.
Prerequisites: In addition to the basic prerequisites listed above, dogs must be able to work comfortably at speed on both sides of their handler. Handlers and dogs should have mastered all basic crosses including front crosses. Dogs should be able to work comfortably at distances of 10-15 feet from their handler.
In the future, additional narrow focus classes will be offered including: Working Away (gamble skills); Speed and Motivation; Snooker Strategy; etc.
Beginner Handling:
Continue to build handling skills with emphasis on body language, voice and timing.
-Work to develop forward motion and flow.
-Introduce changes of sides (crosses) including static, blind and rear crosses.
-Introduce concept of obstacle vs. handler focus.
-Gradually increasing jump height and contact height.
Prerequisites: In addition to the basic prerequisites listed above, the dog must be comfortable and safe on all equipment before entering this class. Perfection isn't required, just safety and lack of fear.
Intermediate Handling:
-Continue to develop drive and forward motion.
-Continue to improve speed and consistency of contacts.
-Work on smoothness and precision of body language: eliminate clutter, make cues more subtle.
-Begin to develop distance skills: send out to jumps etc.
-Teach rollbacks and front crosses.
-Introduce obstacle discrimination.
Prerequisites for all classes:
All dogs must complete an evaluation class before entering any Capital Comets class. This one hour session is free. We'll be teaching some basic groundwork agility exercises as well as ensuring that the dogs are well socialized and have some basic obedience. Dogs must be at least 1 year old and have up to date vaccinations.
