Foundation Agility FAQ
Why can't I enroll immediately?
Because of high demand, it is necessary for TCOTC to maintain a waiting list for the Foundation agility class.
When do new Foundation classes start?
Students remain in agility class with the same instructors, on the same day and time through Foundation, Beginner and Intermediate. Therefore, new Foundation classes can be formed only when current students have advanced out of Intermediate or dropped out of the program. Because each class progresses at a different rate, it is not possible to say when instructors or time slots will be available to form new Foundation classes. That is why we canÕt predict how long you may be on the waiting list or when the next opening will occur.
Why isn't there a regular schedule like Obedience?
Although the ongoing curriculum/infrequent Foundation openings approach is disappointing news for prospective students, TCOTC feels it is more advantageous to current students to provide a dedicated, continuous class schedule and instructor relationship.
What about daytime classes?
One exception to the waiting list period is daytime Foundation classes. If you are able to attend class on Tuesday or Thursday morning, you may be able to get into Foundation more quickly. Please indicate if daytime classes are a possibility with your schedule.
How will I hear when I get in?
When a new Foundation class is starting, you will receive an email offering you a place in the class. If you do not have email, or if your note bounces back to us, we will call you on the phone. Since the enrollment period is often at the last minute, you should reply by email or phone as soon as possible when you're notified, then return the application and payment by mail right away.
I've trained dogs before. Does that help?
If you have dog training background and experience, you may wish to work on Foundation Agility concepts with your dog at home. TCOTC has created an informal “do-it-yourself” (DIY) document that outlines the most basic concepts covered in class. If you are able to master all the concepts, you may ask to be evaluated for placement in a Beginner-level class. Depending on class schedules, this approach might enable you to bypass the waiting period for a Foundation class. Click HERE to access the DIY document.
What should I do while we're waiting?
While waiting to enroll in Foundation Agility, it's a good idea to continue with other training options (obedience, flyball, tracking, therapy, etc.). No matter what curriculum you follow, working and having fun with your dog will build a strong relationship that serves you well in agility.
What are the age requirements?
Dogs must be at least 1 year old before starting the Foundation class, not because they learn anything that would injure a younger dog, but because of the possibility of dog-on-dog incidents. Without a carefully structured introduction designed for a puppy, many youngs dogs are overwhelmed by the stimulation of the agility environment. Also, most trainers and veterinarians agree that most dogs do not achieve full physical maturity(growth plate closure) until about 14 months of age. The age requirement will stay in place until TCOTC is able to offer Puppy Foundation classes.
Does it matter what breed my dog is?
TCOTC welcomes every breed and mixed-breed of dog except wolf hybrids. Agility classes are not geared to any specific competition registry (AKC, NADAC, USDAA, etc.), and instructors will discuss registry differences throughout the curriculum.
I'm enrolled! What do I do for the first class?
Please arrive at TCOTC about 15 minutes before your class time. Directions to the club are available elsewhere on this website.
All agility classes meet in the Annex, which is through the yellow double doors to your left as you enter. You do not need to check-in at the desk in the Ring Room as you would for an obedience class.
Please bring your dog to class on a 6-foot leash. Gentle leaders or other types of harnesses are permitted if necessary, but a plain collar and leash are best. For safety reasons, your dog may NOT wear a harness while training on agility equipment. Flexi-leads are also not useful for training.
As you enter the Annex and while waiting for class to begin, keep your dog close and focused on you. A good method for maintaining focus is to require a "sit" and "wait" at each door while you ensure no one else is coming through. Reward correct behavior with treats. Besides building good habits, this method will help prevent unexpected dog-on-dog encounters. Dogs are often very stimulated by the agility environment and even calm dogs can react in unexpected ways.
You will also need to bring:
- a clicker (you can buy one before class at the desk in the Ring Room if necessary, but be sure to allow extra time)
- a "target" - the lid from a plastic margarine or sour cream tub, Pringles, etc.
- lots of treats, cut into tiny pieces
- your dog's favorite toy (no squeakers)
- a plastic bag in case of "accidents"
A good way to manage all these items is to wear a fanny pack or carpenter's waist apron with pockets (available from Home Depot or hardware stores).
If possible, avoid feeding your dog for several hours before coming to class. Hunger is an excellent motivator to work hard for those treats!
Water bowls and clean water are available in the Annex, as well as clean-up supplies. Try to potty your dog before class, but don't be embarrassed if there's an accident – they happen all the time. Leave your dog with a dog-less observer or place him/her in an empty crate while you clean up, then rejoin the class when you're done.
Do not enter the agility ring and NEVER allow your dog on any agility obstacle until your instructors have told you to do so.
Where can I learn more about agility?
Here are a few of the many, many resources for agility-related education. You may also wish to check out a book or video from the TCOTC library. Greg Derrett's Agility Foundation is excellent, and illustrates how to train many of the skills taught in TCOTC's Foundation class.
Clicker Training
www.clickertraining.com (Karen Pryor's web site)
www.dogpatch.org/obed/obpage4.cfm
Click for Joy; Questions & Answers from Clicker Trainers and Their Dogs; by Melissa C. Alexander; published by Sunshine Books
Getting Started -- Clicker Training for Dogs by Karen Pryor; published by Sunshine Books
www.clickertales.com/clickertimingame.html (fun on-line clicker game to practice timing)
www.yetisports.org/y/en/online.html (a hilarious collection of clicker games)
Agility
www.cleanrun.com Website of Clean Run magazine; great selection of books, videos on training. Clean Run magazine is a great resource for agility trainers at all experience levels. The TCOTC library has a subscription to this magazine.)
Training Toy Drive
www.clickerdogs.com Click on "articles" for great articles by Susan Garrett on how to create a motivating toy, recalls, shaping target cues, and reinforcers.
Ruff Love by Susan Garrett outlines training to get total attention from your dog. Many people find her program too rigorous, but benefit from her methods of getting a dog to play.