Agility

Agility is one of the fastest growing dog sports in the country, and there are lots of local trials in which advanced students can compete & earn titles (Check out agility events on Animal Planet & other cable TV stations!). Whether you're interested in recreational agility (for fun and exercise) or competitive agility (for fun, exercise AND earning titles), we have a class for you! 

Our Agility classes teach the dog how to safely maneuver the various obstacles - A-frame, dog walk, teeter-totter, weave poles, tunnels, chutes, jumps and more. They teach the handler how to guide his dog through the agility course, with an eye on safety and control - not just speed!

 

We use the same positive approach to agility training that we use in all our classes. But, to make certain that class time is spent on learning agility (rather than basic obedience), we do have one pre-requisite: all Beginning Agility students must have trained their dog through at least Advanced Home Obedience with Family Dog (or equivalent training through competition obedience or another training school). 

Off leash control is also necessary if you plan to progress into Intermediate and Advanced Agility classes. For your comfort, we have a full sized lighted, heated, indoor area at our 8,300 square foot Kent facility. All of our agility equipment is professionally made and inspected regularly to make sure it is safe and secure. A special note about safety. If you are shopping around for agility classes, be sure to watch for the following red flags: off-leash, out of control dogs; poorly managed and/or crowded classes; buildings or arenas that are not totally escape proof; and unsafe or unsteady equipment. 

Family Dog students and staff are founders of the NADAC agility club called ZAP.   Click the image for more info about this fun and exciting club.

 

 

Be sure to read the "About Us" section of this website for more information on our training philosophy and general information about our various programs.

Contact instructor, Cathy Horrocks, for more information about our agility program. 
 Class   Description
Beginning Agility Obedience at a distance & off-leash control are emphasized while simple agility obstacles are introduced. Bring dogs & current training equipment the first week. Pre-requisite: Advanced Home Obedience with Family Dog Training Center or instructor's permission if training done elsewhere. Bring the dogs on any collar & leash the first week. Bring food treats the dog REALLY likes.  Click here for schedule of upcoming classes.
Intermediate Agility This class continues the introduction of all agility equipment, with emphasis on safety, control & contacts. Obedience & off-leash control are used throughout the class. Pre-requisite: Beginning Agility with Family Dog Training Center or instructor's permission if training done elsewhere. Bring dogs & current training equipment the first week.  Click here for schedule of upcoming classes.
Advanced Agility This class allows the dog & handler to progress as far as they would like to go in the sport of agility. Pre-requisite: Intermediate Agility with Family Dog Training Center or instructor's permission if training done elsewhere. Bring dogs & current training equipment the first week.   Click here for schedule of upcoming classes.
Elite 
Agility 		 Continuation of skills with introduction of coursework.  Pre-requisite: Advanced Agility with Family Dog Training Center or instructor's permission if training done elsewhere. Bring dogs & current training equipment the first week.    Click here for schedule of upcoming classes.
Handling & Coursework Handling & Coursework prepares the team to compete & earn titles. Pre-requisite: Elite Agility with Family Dog Training Center or instructor's permission if training done elsewhere. Bring dogs & current training equipment the first week.   Click here for schedule of upcoming classes.
Private Lessons The Family Dog staff is always available for private lessons to help with specific issues.  Contact us for more information.

This is an information only web site.  We do not collect, retrieve or store any information from this site.

This website and its contents are owned by Kathy Lang and Family Dog Training Center-- unless otherwise noted. NOTHING from this site may be used without the written permission of Kathy Lang, Family Dog Training Center or the identified owner. 2000-2008©

PLEASE READ THIS DISCLAIMER:  Kathy Lang and Family Dog Training Center have taken great measures to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this site; however, neither can be held responsible for errors. Schedules and instructor assignments may be changed as necessary to accommodate student loads. Articles, photos and text contained on this web site are intended to be informational ONLY and do not constitute training guidance, examples or instructions.