New to Four Paws for 2008

AGILITY CLASSES

What is Agility?
Dog agility, in it's simplest form, is an obstacle course consisting of a set of standard equipment that the handler and dog must negotiate. Agility is primarily a team effort with a dog and handler working together to complete the course within a set time and without error. The equipment that the dog will need to negotiate includes things like: jumps, tunnels, a-frame and weaving poles.

All breeds can join in on agility training!
Contrary to belief, you don't need a Border Collie to do agility, and you don't have to partake in agility for the sole purpose of trialing in a competition.
ALL dogs can learn agility, even it it's just for pure fun..

Agility at Four Paws K9 Training
You do not need to be enrolled in any of our regular obedience classes to partake in our agility classes, however we do ask that your dog should demonstrate the following criteria:

*Have some basic obedience skills and be generally under control
*Have a relatively good recall
*Does not suffer from aggression (human and/or dog)
*Be in very good health and of good weight
*Be 12 months+ of age with all vaccinations up to date

Why choose Four Paws K9 Training agility over the many other agility clubs around Victoria?
The answer is simple! We are a privately owned school with trained and professional instructors, not volunteers! Our agility instructors are all Nationally Accredited dog trainers and have achieved numerous agility titles with their own dogs, in addition to accomplishments in other areas of dog training, behaviour and dog sports.

Prior to joining Four Paws K9 Training agility, your dog will undergo an assessment for suitability. If suitable, your dog will commence training in our 6 Week Foundation training block, where you will learn all the necessary fundamental skills required for agility.

You and your dog will be given the proper attention required in order to plan for your success...this is the Four Paws way!

The levels

6 Week Foundation training block
This is the initial starting point for teaching agility and will cover all foundation and fundamental exercises for agility. Your dog will get a 'taste' of most of the equipment and exercises involved and thorough instruction on the proper execution of each will be given.
NB: Dogs under 18 months of age will not be jumping full heights.

Level 1 (Basic)
After successfully completing the 6 week Foundation training block, you then have the option of continuing the training in Level 1. This is where you will learn to group various pieces of equipment to complete basic runs. You will remain training in this level until all criteria has been satisfied and the instructors feel you are ready for the next level.

Level 2 (Intermediate)
This level continues to polish all skills taught, with many new ones introduced. The level of difficulty increases and we now start to look at the speed and accuracy of your dog.

Level 3 (Advanced)
This is competition level! By this stage, you and your dog are proficient in all exercises and the aim here is to train and practice for competition work - if that is your goal!

Your dog must satisfy the criteria for each level before moving on to the next. For those who have previously trained in agility and wish to join, your dog will be tested to see which level he/she will commence in.

When and where are the classes held?
Classes will be held every Saturday afternoon at the Keilor Park venue (refer to Contact and Locations page) for address details. Starting time is : 12.30pm for 1 hour.

New enrolments now being taken. Please complete the Enrolment form or contact us for more information.