4RK9s Dog Training Club

910 2nd Ave SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404 - (319) 366-5668 - 4rk9s.com

Agility Class Skills Assessment

In order to help you determine which agility class is right for you please read the descriptors below.  The core skills are the skills you will learn in that class.  Before advancing to the next class you should have mastered the core skills.  If your dog has not mastered all the core skills for a particular level you should re-take that class until you have mastered everything.

It is perfectly acceptable to re-take classes and many people find that it helps them learn at their own pace and helps their dog gain confidence before progressing to the next class.  If you have a question about which class you dog belongs in please contact the agility coordinator at ebgilly@mchsi.com .

Puppy Agility-  Puppy agility is sometimes offered.  Puppy agility is designed to get dogs comfortable on the equipment and introduce obstacles.  All obstacles are lowered and only very low jumps used.  The focus of this class is fun and confidence building. Puppy agility is appropriate for puppies age 5 months- 9 months.

Beginning Agility-  Beginning agility is a basic intro to all agility obstacles.  The class will begin doing one obstacle at a time while focusing on basic skills needed to run agility.  Doing obstacles in a sequence will be slowly added throughout the course.  Dogs should have basic obedience skills and respond to come, sit and down before entering class.   Dogs also need to be dog friendly to take this class.  Dogs should be around 9 months old before beginning agility.

Core skills:
Able to do A-frame at lowered height
Able to successfully teeter at a lowered height
Able to run through 10 ft of tunnel unassisted
Able to successfully do jumps at a lowered height
Able to complete a sequence of 4 obstacles successfully
Complete channel weave poles (4 spaces apart) with wires

Advanced Beginning Agility- Advanced Beginning agility continues the work of beginning agility and continues working each obstacle.   During the class we will work on moving to full height for equipment and adding more sequencing and handling skills.  Many dogs benefit from retaking Advanced Beginner as they may need more time to become comfortable with the equipment at full height.

Core Skills:
A frame at full height
Teeter at Full Height
Complete Weave pulls no spaces with wires
Sequence of 6-8 obstacles off leash
Front Cross
Rear Cross
Able to do dogwalk

Intermediate Agility- Intermediate agility is designed to add more handling work and more sequencing.   Focus on mastery of all equipment.

Core Skills:
Sequence of 10-12 obstacles
Working weave poles with limited use of wires to assist

Novice- The Novice class is designed for people getting ready to enter Novice level competitions.  The class will focus on handling skills, sequencing and lead up to running full length novice courses.

Core skill: Ability to run a full length Novice course

Advanced handling- The advanced handling classes are designed for the seasoned competitor.  The handler/dog should be titled at the Novice level and working at the Open/Excellent levels. 

Just 4 Fun- The Just 4 Fun class is designed to have fun and bond with your dog.  A variety of agility games will be played.  Emphasis is on having fun with your dog doing agility.  Dog should have passed Advanced Beginner or Intermediate agility in order to take this class. Class will be off leash.