Prairie Dawgs
Info about Agility and our classes:
-We want you to feel welcome and encouraged at our classes! No matter your skill level, type of dog, experience, physical ability, etc. Whether you want to work towards competition, or just have fun learning together with your dog. Families are welcome to learn together or take turns, provided children are always supervised and everyone participating is interested in listening and learning.
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-Small class size (7 dogs per instructor max.) to ensure you have plenty of time to practice and receive individual instruction. Level 1 may have 2 instructors with a max of 7 dogs each, with each class group in their own area.
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-Your dog should be 6 months old to start in Level 1 Class.
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-If you have a dog that shows signs of aggressiveness or reactivity especially around other dogs, please let us know about your concerns before you sign up for a class. We will try to find an option for you that is safe for both you, us and other people and dogs in the class.
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-In Level 1 dogs are kept on leash 90% of the time. In any upper levels they can be off leash as they are ready for that. We often have separate areas for the waiting dogs, so that the dog who is running their turn has their own space to work in. This way dogs can be kept separated and enjoy their own space.
What to Bring:
- your dog
- readiness to listen, learn and work positively with your dog
- a "regular" leash and "regular" collar. No flexi-leads or prong collars. Harnesses are ok.
- plenty of small, high-value treats that your dog enjoys (wieners, cheese!) Something non-crumbly and doesn't take a long time to eat.
- poop bags
- if your dogs has a favorite toy that motivates or excites them, you can bring that if you want, it may be helpful in training.
- appropriate footwear and clothing for the weather (please check with us about the weather if you are uncertain - just because it is raining somewhere, doesn't mean it will be raining at our acreage). Sandals are not the best for class, especially not flip flops!
- bug spray if desired
What you will learn:
-Starting with beginner classes, we emphasize building your relationship with your dog and their willingness to work with and focus on you through playing and food or toy rewards.
-Starting in Level 1 we teach you how to teach your dog all types of agility equipment used in AAC, NADAC and UKI - jumps, tunnels, A-frame, teeter, dog walk, weave poles, hoops and barrels.
-We will be doing some foundation/ground work of getting your dog to follow you and know what position to be in and give you their attention.
-We will be touching on some obedience work such as sit, stay occasionally
-Learning in agility is never-ending. There is always more to practice, more skills to learn, and ways to improve for both handler and dog. Each class will introduce new skills and work on improving your skills progressively.
**If you already have experience in agility, please let us know and we will work out an option for you that is appropriate for your experience and skill level.
