Agility Classes at the Blue Barn Farm

Click here for a registration form.

A 4 week rally obedience class will be offered this fall. Class will be held either on Tues. or Thurs. evening starting in Sept. Email/call if interested.

CONTACT:
debh @ dunnsmarshlabs.com
608 698-8113

CLASS INFORMATION

Each class is held once per week for 6 weeks and lasts 45 to 60 min.
Classes will be held outside, weather permitting, or in a 60 X 120 indoor arena with sand surface.
Dress accordingly for the weather (layers are best).

Please note we HIGHLY recommend at least a beginning obedience class prior to signing up for agility. If your dog does not have basic obedience skills as class advances you and your dog will likely become frustrated as dogs start to work off leash even in beginning agility. There are many places in the Madison area such as
The Dog Den
Mad-City Dog Training
Badger Kennel Club
that offer this level of obedience.

Beginners Obedience: This course is for any dog over 4 months of age who needs basic obedience training. Behaviors taught will include how to get your dog to pay attention to you, sit, down, come, stay, walking on a loose leash and behaving around other dogs/people. Some agility equipment will also be introduced. Fee $75.

Rally Obedience: Rally is an obedience sport in which the dog and handler complete a course of designated stations. Each of these stations has a sign showing the skill that is to be performed. Examples of exercises are sits, circles, spirals, and other fun exercises such as going over a jump as you get into more advanced levels. The course is timed but you do not have to complete the course in any special length of time. Handlers are allowed to talk to their dogs, clap their hands, pat their legs and give multiple signals and encouragement to their dogs throughout the course. This is a fun event which can serve as a bridge to competing in more formal obedience. Deb has been competing in AKC Rally for 5 years with 4 different dogs and has put Rally Advanced Excellent titles (RAE) on 2 of those dogs so has extensive experience in this young sport. Try it, your dog will love it! 4 week class, fee $60.

Introduction to Agility (Beginners): This course is for first time handlers of at least 10 years of age and dogs at least six months of age. Foundation skills will be taught and each class will introduce one or two new pieces of equipment with the focus on safety as the number one priority. Dogs should not be aggressive towards other dogs or people and must have taken a basic obedience class or have instructor approval. Handlers should bring small size, soft treats and/or a toy for motivating and rewarding their dog. A secure collar and leash must be worn by the dog during these classes.
Class fee $85.

Sequencing Class I: This class will build on the obstacles introduced in the first class (or beginners class taken elsewhere). We will run short sequences, work on jumping skills, weave poles, contacts, start-line stays and introduce the different type of crosses. Skills taught will vary with level of students/dogs. This class will again focus on safety and training in a motivational manner. Dogs must be able to run off-lead so a good recall is important. Handlers should bring small size, soft treats and/or a toy for motivating and rewarding their dog.
Class fee $85.
Minimum Prerequisite: Handler and dog must have had a beginning agility class.

Sequencing Class II: This class will build on longer sequences, continue to work on jumping skills and weave pole negotiation, start-line stays and work on increasing handling skills. This is a class that dogs may take more than once as different exercises will continue to be offered to build up sequencing skills. Dogs must be able to run off-lead so a good recall is important. Handlers should bring small size, soft treats and/or a toy for motivating and rewarding their dog.
Class fee $85.
Minimum Prerequisite: Handler and dog must have completed beginners and sequencing I or equivilent classes.

Competition Agility (for dogs/handlers competing or preparing for competition): This class will build on the skills learned in previous classes. We will run sequences, work on lead-outs, do jumping drills and work on handling exercises. Most people who take this class are either competing or hoping to compete in agility trials in the future so we will discuss courses and strategies for competition. Dogs must be able to run off-lead so a good recall is important. Handlers should bring small size, soft treats and/or a toy for motivating and rewarding their dog.
Class fee $85.
Prerequisite: Instructor Approval.

Practice Time Available for dogs/handlers who have completed sequencing I (or equivilent): This time is for you to work on practicing your sequences, weave poles, contact obstacles, jumping drills, etc. A call or e-mail ahead is appreciated so we can get an approximate head count and have everything all set for you to use.
$5.00 per dog.

Run-Thrus: Available for dogs/handlers who have completed sequencing I (or equivilent): A jumpers or standard course will be set up for you to practice on. A call or e-mail ahead is appreciated so we can get an approximate head count.
$5.00 per dog.