Agility Classes
Note: As agility has become more popular, TCOTC has found it difficult to meet all members' needs. With a long waiting list for evening Foundation classes, we cannot accept more names until further notice.
All classes are held in the annex space at the club (2101 Broadway NE, Minneapolis.) All students must be members of TCOTC and have proof of dog's up-to-date rabies vaccination.
For information about registering for evening classes contact the Director of Training .
TCOTC is committed to using positive training methods to build reliable behavior at speed on the agility course.
Important
Agility is a sport that requires a long-term training commitment to be successful. To meet that need, TCOTC must continue to offer classes to our advanced and intermediate level students on an on-going basis. Foundation (entry-level) classes are offered when space becomes available. To participate in agility your dog MUST be well under your control, especially in a close contact setting (indoors). If an instructor identifies any aggression or socialization issues you will be given a referral for specialized help in that area. An evaluation will be necessary to resume agility classes. Agility should be a fun experience for all involved and TCOTC believes in acting proactively to prevent problems or injuries.
Dog and handler teams must have successfully completed the previous class to be able to register for the next level. Students coming from other schools will be evaluated for placement.
Please note that teams do not progress at uniform rates. However success at agility is more likely when there are frequent practice sessions and when the handler has learned how to effectively communicate with the dog.
Children in Agility Classes
Unless the class specifically states otherwise, children under the age of 12 are not allowed to handle a dog in agility classes. Children/teens between the ages of 12 and 15 may register for classes with PRIOR approval of the instructors. Instructors will evaluate the level of maturity of the handler and the degree of control the handler has with his/her dog. This requires an in-person evaluation before joining the class. Instructors have the final decision whether a child/teen is an appropriate fit for their class. Teens between the ages of 16 and 17 must have parental approval to register for classes. Please read TCOTC's Policy Regarding Children in Class.
Class Descriptions
Prerequisite for admission to agility classes is successful completion of the previous level class. Students coming from other schools will be tested by the instructor for appropriate placement.
Foundation I (9 weeks) $90
Foundation Agility is the right place to start building a working relationship with your future agility dog. Every top-level competitor will tell you that a strong foundation in self-control, mutual trust, self-confidence and fun! is a MUST for success in agility. Those who simply learn the obstacles and begin trialing without a solid foundation in the basics will develop training issues somewhere down the road - and then they will start working on foundation. In Foundation Agility, handler and dog will perfect stays and recalls, learn to move together in synchronization, gain confidence working both sides and at a distance, and experience some of the excitement of agility in a safe, controlled environment. Though a few obstacles will be introduced in this class, the focus will be on control and teamwork.
For more information, please read Agility Foundation Class FAQ.
Foundation II (9 weeks) $90
This session is a continuation of Foundation I. Some agility equipment will be introduced at this time, including zero-height jumps, tunnels and the table. Students will continue to work skills taught in Foundation I. Emphasis will be on focus and teamwork. Students must successfully master the skills taught in Foundation I and II before continuing on to Beginner I.
Beginner I (9 weeks) $72
Beginner I agility requires successful completion of Foundation I and II classes. Dogs will be introduced to full sized AKC/NADAC contact obstacles at less than the standard heights and start learning to weave. Dogs will gradually learn to navigate obstacles at full height and will begin to do obstacles in short sequences. There will be continued emphasis on control as well as motivation (not mutually exclusive)!
Beginner II (9 weeks) $72
In this class, teams will practice a range of sequences and exercises designed to continue to develop their teamwork and motivation, and enhance performance. Handlers in this class will be introduced to a variety of jumping exercises, standard crosses used in agility (front and rear), and beginning distance work. Dogs will move up to full-sized contact equipment. This class is designed to teach basic handling techniques while increasing confidence, communication and obstacle familiarity.
Intermediate I (9 weeks) $72
For dogs who have completed the Beginner II class or its equivalent. Dogs should be fluent on all equipment, though they may still need work on weaves and contacts. Dogs must be able to work sequences completely off-leash. This class will continue to build teamwork and enable handlers to develop basic handling and course strategy skills.
Intermediate II (9 weeks) $72
This is a pre-competition level class. Dogs will continue to work on confident and safe obstacle performance, emphasizing speed and accuracy. Students will work on improved handling on more difficult sequences. This class can and should be repeated as needed until the team reaches class goals (can perform all obstacles without issues, teams are working together with focus and motivation.)
Competition I (9 weeks) $72
Dogs must be able to properly and safely navigate all obstacles at full height, including teeter. Dogs may need some assistance from wires in weaves but can weave 12 poles. The purpose of these classes is to help the dog and handler begin to run full courses as a team. More advanced handling, including reverse flow pivots, serpentines, wraps, and threadles will be taught. Distance & obstacle proficiency exercises will be included. Coaching will focus on handler body position and cues needed for standard courses.
Competition II (9 weeks) $72
Same as Intermediate with teams continuing to advance in technique. Focus is on motivation and smooth handling. Teams at this level are generally competing at Open or Excellent/Elite Levels.
Advanced Competition
Dogs are actively and successfully competing at excellent/elite level. Can perform all obstacles and weave with reasonable speed and accuracy. Emphasis is on efficient handling, course analysis, distance, independent obstacle performance, and motivation.
Little Red Schoolhouse Agiligy Class $90 (9 weeks)
This is a special class that gives class members the opportunity to focus on specific training skills in agility for either the dog and handler and work toward better performance on all obstacles and handler skills.
In order to start the class you must have one prior approval from one of TCOTC’s Agility Instructors. The instructor will forward an e-mail message to the instructor of Little Red Schoolhouse Agility class, Marsha LeDuc. Marsha will contact the student and make arrangements for entrance to the Little Red Schoolhouse class.
Contact equipment (aframe, teeter and dogwalk) will be used in this class as appropriate for the dog. You will learn to strengthen the dog’s skills with tunnels and jumps. Handling moves, start stays and other techniques will also be strengthened. Instructor: Marsha LeDuc
