Foundation Classes
“We really strive to help people understand that building a solid foundation through play and training creates a great relationship that is the key to success in any dog sport. We take dogs of any age (the younger the better!) as there is no physical impact that keeps young ones from participating. Older dogs are welcome too!”
Interested in getting involved in agility? A foundation class is the first place to start! Complete the registration form below and one of our instructors will contact you as soon as there is availability. If your dog has prior agility experience an in-person evaluation is required before placement in higher level classes.
The Foundations class series will be 6 weeks in duration and the cost is $120 (due no later than at the start of the first class). You are expected to do some practice at home daily (10 minutes or so 1-2x daily will do it). It won’t take long, but you do need to keep up with the exercises as we go, as each one builds on the next. The Foundations homework exercises will not require agility equipment.
This first level class covers a lot of foundation work to get you and your dog ready for the real agility work ahead. We will introduce the clicker and cover a lot of basic obedience and self-control exercises so your dog will be ready to work off-lead on the course. Also we will work on building a working relationship with your dog thru treats and play. There will be an introduction to balance discs and such to help condition your dog and build awareness of his body so he can safely maneuver the agility obstacles. They will be introduced to crate games; walking a plank; tunnel; table; how to go over, under, and thru things; and you will learn some basic handling maneuvers (“flatwork”). Puppies are perfectly safe in this class, as there is no impact on their bodies. Please let us know the breed and age of your dog as we do try to group puppies together. No formal obedience is required, but we do require that the dogs are friendly with dogs and people and that you have basic control of the dog when off-lead using cookies and voice. The Foundations class is held in our smaller puppy room so there is minimal distraction.
The Foundation class is a great puppy starter class whether you want to do agility or not. It will help build the pup/dog’s confidence and socialization skills as he learns how to control himself as others are working around him; and a great place to start you on becoming a good training partner. We use all positive methods and the young pups learn so much and so fast - it is amazing!
If you find after taking class that you get hooked on agility, we do offer a full program of advancing levels. Many of our students get hooked and choose to continue training and eventually compete in agility trials too! Feel free to stop by and watch the trials and meet our instructors. All of our instructors are experienced trainers with many years of obedience and agility training under their belt. We use positive methods! Agility is all about having fun with your (well-trained) dog.
Join the list
Interested in Countryside Agility classes? Fill out the form below.
If your dog has prior agility experience an in-person evaluation is required before placement in higher level classes.