For class content, Private Instruction, and Pre-requisites, click on the class level above.
* All Beginner Agility candidates must complete and pass the graduation criteria for the Pre-Agility Level 3 (P3) class.

PREREQUISITES for all classes:
(1) Your dog must not exhibit aggression towards people or dogs at any time ….. for any reason. This stipulation is not to be taken lightly. You will not be permitted to work an aggressive dog at Dallas Dog Sports, and no refunds will be made should you be excused from classes.

PREREQUISITES for Beginner Agility class:
(2) Your dog must complete and pass the graduation criteria for the Pre-Agility Level 3 (P3) class, which includes: a reliable 'sit-stay', and 'down-stay',  off-lead, with distractions/other dogs and people around; Targeting; Tire, Table and Tunnel proficiency; come to hand, front cross, flipturn; post turn and sweep.
(3) Your dog must have a reliable 'come', off-lead, with distractions/other dogs and people around.

If you and your dog don't quite meet the prerequisites for the Beginner Agility class, we offer Pre-Agility classes to help get you there.  Click on the Pre-Agility button for a detailed description of our Pre-Agility program.

CLASS CONTENT
All classes are designed to meet the needs of the dogs/handlers at each level. We concentrate on teaching the individual obstacles in the Beginner classes. The Novice classes work on developing the technical skills you will need to sequence obstacles on a course. The Intermediate level classes assume full comprehension of all obstacles, and concentrates on 'finding the flow' on the course. The Advanced classes work on the nuances of handling, perfecting the lines to execute the most efficient course, and take all these skills and push it to the limit.

BEGINNER AGILITY/GRADUATE BEGINNER AGILITY CLASS:
This is the entry level class for dogs with no previous agility obstacle training.  The focus for this class is introducing the dog and handler to the correct performance requirements for each individual obstacle.  Dog and handler will also be introduced to short sequences of obstacles and learn to incorporate basic handling techniques such as the front cross, the rear cross, and the flip-turn into their sequences.

Foundation work for the Beginner Agility Class is completed in the Pre-Agility Classes Levels 1-3.  You must complete and pass the graduation criteria for the Pre-Agility Level 3 Class (P3) to gain entry to the Beginner Agility Class.

To graduate from the Beginner/Graduate Beginner Agility Class to the Novice Agility Class:

• Dog must be totally under control when off-leash.
• Dog must have a solid STAY at the start line.
• Contact Obstacles: Dogs must be crossing the low dogwalk and aframe at speed, and performing a reliable contact zone behavior.
• Tire, Tunnels, and Jumps: Dog must be reliably and successfully sequencing the Tire, Tunnels, and Jumps, not necessarily working the jumps at their full jump height yet.
• Weave Poles: Dog should be reliably and successfully performing the channel weaves with a maximum of a 5 inch off-set, without the aid of training wires or handler interference.
• Pause Table: Dog should be performing a quick and reliable Sit and Down on the Table.
• Dog must be in fit condition and at a working weight that will allow them to be successful at their full jump-height.  No overweight dogs will be promoted to the next level class).
   

NOVICE AGILITY CLASS:
This class level is designed to take your basic training of individual obstacle and short sequences on to the next step.  Our goal in the Novice Agility Class is to get you and your dog ready for agility competitions. 

To graduate from the Novice Agility Class to the Intermediate Agility Class:

• All Obstacles: Dog must be able to successfully and reliably negotiate each obstacle in its final form (jumps at full height, contact obstacles at full height, straight line weaves).
• Dog must have at least TWO QUALIFYING SCORES in a Standard Class; and additionally, TWO QUALIFYING SCORES in a Non-Standard Class (Snooker, Gamblers, Jumpers/JWW, Pairs Relay).  You may use a combination of venues (AKC, USDAA, and NADAC) to achieve your 4 qualifying scores.

INTERMEDIATE AGILITY CLASS:
The Intermediate Agility Class is for dogs that are competition-ready and have at least some experience in an agility trial situation.  Our focus at the Intermediate Agility Class level is to improve and add to our handling repertoire, further our dogs' education on obstacle performance, and delve into course analysis.

To graduate from the Intermediate Agility Class to the Advanced Agility Class:

• Dog must be competing at the top level (in the
  Standard class) in any venue: (Masters (USDAA), Excellent (AKC),
  or Elite (NADAC).
   

ADVANCED AGILITY CLASS:
The Advanced Agility Class is our highest level class.  It is reserved for dogs that are competing at the top level class - Masters, Excellent, or Elite.  This is the class where we 'find the flow' and set out to train and handle for that Blue Ribbon performance.

PRIVATE INSTRUCTION
If you would like some one-on-one training, book one of our instructors for some valuable concentrated training. We offer private instruction in both pre-agility and agility. Fees are listed under the “Classes” icon from the main menu or click here on Class Fees.