Intro to Agility Foundations - Build the skills that create confident, connected agility teams. This class is designed for dogs and handlers who are new to agility and want to develop strong fundamentals before introducing sequences and equipment. We will focus on relationship and communication first, teaching dogs to work enthusiastically with their handler while developing clarity, value for cues, and commitment to tasks. Exercises will be done primarily on the flat with thoughtfully introduced equipment to ensure understanding, safety, and confidence. Puppies (12+ weeks of age with immunizations current to that age) less than one year are eligible for the class. However, they will not be using full-sized agility equipment, but rather building a foundation for agility or other training.

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Intro to Obstacles- Dog and handler teams will learn how to help their dog focus, work on foundation exercises to build obstacle commitment, learn basic commands for negotiating agility obstacles, as well as be introduced to the obstacles themselves. All ages are welcome at this level and individual needs will be considered. Puppies (12+ weeks of age with immunizations current to that age) less than one year are eligible for the class. However, they will not be using full-sized agility equipment, but rather building a foundation for agility or other training.  Goal: Canine teams learn to work as a team and canine (1+ years of age) is able to negotiate most obstacles on their own.
Prerequisite - Must complete Intro to Agility Foundations before registering for this class or by approval of the instructor.

Agility 1: Jumps and Tunnels- Building power, confidence, and understanding on two of the most common obstacles-jumps and tunnels. This class is designed to develop safe jumping skills, strengthen your dog’s body awareness, and introduce foundational handling concepts through fun exercises. We will focus on proper jump forms to promote long-term soundness, commitment to obstacles, and thoughtful lines between sequences. Dogs and handlers will also begin putting skills together in short, flowing courses that reinforce teamwork and timing. Goal: Off-leash control and handlers use clear and consistent cues. Prerequisite- Must complete Intro to Obstacles before registering for this class or by approval from the instructor.

Agility 2: Contacts- This class will focus on building safe, confident, and reliable contact performance. Teams will learn how to teach and maintain clear stopped contact behaviors while developing an understanding and independance on the dog walk and a-frame. This class will focus on teeter performance with an emphasis on confidence, proper stopped behavior, and noise/ movement desensitizaion to help create a strong, positive experience. Lastly, we will introduce weaves with a foundation that prioritizes correct entries, commitment and enthusiasm. Goal: Performing contacts with  safe and clear understanding. Prerequisite- Must complete Agility 1 before registering for this class or by approval from the instructor.

Beginning Handling Strategy and Sequencing - Intermediate - Teams will learn handling skills and begin running short sequences and learn to negotiate common challenges in courses. Handlers will learn how to read course maps, and navigate small sequences using different handling techniques. Goal: Off-leash control and handlers use clear and consistent cues. Prerequisite- Must complete Agility 1 and Agility 2 before registering for this class or by approval from the instructor.

Handling Strategy and Sequencing  - Advanced - The focus of this class will be short sequences and different ways to handle opstacles using a variety of crosses and location side changes and discrimminations. Goal: Off-leash control and challenging the handler to understand how different crosses effect the dogs line. Prerequisite- Must complete Beginning Handling Strategy and Sequencing before registering for this class or by approval from the instructor.

Introduction To Odor and Beginning Search Foundation - The focus of this class will be to introduce the dog to the odors used in AKC scentwork and to build drive in the dog for searching. We will be using food (dog treats) which you will need to bring with you. In this class, you, the handler will learn how to prepare and handle odor. You will not need to purchase odor - sweet birch (Betula Lenta) will be supplied. Eventually, if you wish to continue with scentwork, you will want to purchase your own scentwork kits. The dog will be introduced to odor using a combination of ‘It’s your choice’ selection and games that build value for searching. Later on in this class, we will introduce the container element. Even if you believe your dog is working at a level above the scope of this class, it is always a good idea to go back to these foundation exercises every now and then. The meeting location will be announced ahead of each class and will vary depending on the goals for that class.

Beginning Search Elements- This class will be a continuation of Intro to Odor and will focus on developing the foundation for successful searching in the four elements of AKC Scentwork: containers, interior, exterior, and buried. Prerequisite- Intro to Odor or equivalent experience.

ACE reserves the right to dismiss any team and refund adequately. ACE also reserves the right to ask any team to move to a more appropriate level for their abilities.

Also see:  How to Register for a Class