Agility is a sport in which you guide your dog in, up, through, and over an obstacle course. In competition, the fastest and most accurate team wins. Competition is divided between small dogs and large dogs. There are several types of agility competition besides the standard courses, including Gamblers, and Jumps With Weaves.
Obstacles include: tire jump; A-frame; dog walk; teeter; jumps; tunnel; weave poles; and chute.
Agility is great for any healthy dog - it helps to build your dog's confidence, and strengthens the bond between you and your dog!
AGILITY CLASSES
ABTCA offers Beginners and Intermediate classes. The Beginners classe offers a basic introduction for you and your dog to the equipment and handling techniques. The Intermediate classe offers more training and challenges. Both classes run six weeks and are held on Tuesday evenings. The cost for these classes is $75. There is no refund for class deposits and/or fees.
Prior to being accepted into your first agility class, your dog must pass an evaluation. ABTCA's evaluations consist of: checking your dog's response to a stranger, and to a strange dog; and checking your dog's response to distractions, such as tossed toys, food, and a fast-moving dog. Also, your dog needs to exhibit a solid understanding of basic obedience - Sit and Down, a reasonable Stay, and a reliable Recall (or Come).
What you need to bring: Your dog; your dog's proof of vaccination or a health certificate from your veterinarian (on your initial visit to ABTCA, and when updates occur); soft training treats (such as string cheese or microwaved turkey hot dogs); a flat buckle or quick-release collar (no chain collars or prong collars permitted in Agility) and a 6-foot lead (no flexi-leads or chain leads). Don't forget the praise!
AGILITY RUN-THROUGHS
ABTCA's agility run-throughs are normally held the first Monday of every month, starting at 6:30 pm. The schedule for August through December 2008 is:
October 6, 2008
November 3, 2008
December 1, 2008
The cost is $10 per dog (unlimited runs). These run-throughs are not a training class, but are geared toward competition. If you and your dog are ready to move from class to a fast-paced workout, then these are for you!
Please see our home page for location and contact information.
