We are currently running a waiting list for beginner agility for dogs with a good level of obedience who are aged over 1 year.
Please email for more information.
All of our agility training takes place out of doors either on a sanded Ménage or on a grassed field. Our classes are open to all breeds of dog and any age of owner. We welcome junior members and currently have a growing number of children aged between 7 and 18. All of our trainers use positive, reward based methods appropriate to the individual dog and handler and level of training.
Our classes provide an excellent introduction to this exciting and rewarding sport as well as catering for more experienced and advanced participants, with several of our members and trainers having competed in national final events.
What is agility?
Agility was first introduced to the UK at Crufts 1978 and the structure of the competition has not changed very much over the years. It’s a comparatively new form of dog competition, where the animal’s fitness and the handler’s ability to train and direct the dog over and through certain obstacles are tested.
It is fast, furious and a great favourite with competitors and spectators alike. Your dog does not have to be a pedigree dog to take part, It is a test of control, accuracy and handling, with time being the deciding factor.
Courses are complicated enough that a dog could not complete them correctly without human direction. In competition, the handler must assess the course, decide on handling strategies, and direct the dog through the course, with precision and speed equally important. Many strategies exist to compensate for the inherent difference in human and dog speeds and the strengths and weaknesses of the various dogs and handlers.
Dogs can begin training for agility at any age, however care is taken when training dogs under a year old so as to not harm their developing body. The club often runs foundation courses which are designed for those dogs just under 12 months. Courses are designed so the handlers and dogs learn the foundation aspects of agility such as self control, focus, learning to trust their handler and take cues from them and also some more specific aspects such as contacts, weave entries and obstacle discrimination.
Agility can be a great way to increase confidence in a dog if taught in the correct way as it encourages them to think for themselves. It can also enable an owner with a spirited dog to gain better control. Above all it’s great fun and in a relaxed class environment the onwers and dogs have time to learn and observe different techniques and methods for teaching and learn even when they are not actively running their dog.