Classes

Dog agility is the sport of today - and it is growing by leaps and bounds (pun intended)! Sno-King Agility Club offers classes on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights at a covered, outdoor, riding arena in the Clearview/Maltby area. Our equipment is sturdy, safe, and competition quality. Our instructors are experienced at agility competition and instruction.

Sno-King's approach is to train well-rounded agility enthusiasts, concentrating not only on postitive training of the dog, but on competition rules, ring procedures, course and equipment setup, and event management. We want to make sure our students are well prepared for all the types of agility competition held in the Pacific Northwest.

If you just want to have fun with your dog or are interested in participating in serious competition, our classes are for you. Learn new skills and create stronger bonds between you and your dog. Help your dog to meet new challenges and gain confidence. This sport is one of the most fun activities you can do with your dog. Click here for the latest class brochure.

Classes Offered:

Pre-Agility
NEW! Pre-Agility - this class will be offered dependent on demand, please email Bev if interested at Preparing you and your dog for working agility. Students will learn to capture their dog's attention (focus) and get their dog ready to play agility (promote drive); condition their dog to the physical aspects of agility; and teach the student how to direct their dog using positive reinforcement by playing games using treats and toys. The only obstacles that may be used in this class are boards, ladders, and hoops (flatwork). All work is on leash or ribbon. In addition, flat-work exercises to practice at home are provided. Emphasis is on reward training, use of the clicker to shape behaviours, and correct handler position.

Class Requirements
  • Dogs must be at least 5-months old (preferably 8-months old).
  • Dogs should be current on all vaccinations. Proof may be requested prior to enrollment.
  • Dog must not be aggressive toward either people or other dogs!
  • Dogs must have taken at least one obedience class with the person attending class.
  • Dog should be able to sit, down, stay or wait, and come on command most of the time.
  • Handler must be willing to devote approximately 15 minutes/day to homework.
  • Purchase of a treat bag and clicker (at cost) are suggested.

    • Foundation Skills (Beginners)
    Introduction to the concepts of agility. Dog and handler will learn to work together as a team, with dog learning to focus attention on and take direction from handler using flatwork. Scaled down versions of obstacles are used to allow dogs to learn necessary skills without the worry of the height of full-size equipment. Jump heights are very low so that dogs that have not fully developed will not be adversely affected. All work is on leash or ribbon. In addition, flat-work exercises to practice at home are provided. Emphasis is on reward training, use of the clicker to shape behaviours, and correct handler position.

    Class Requirements
  • Dogs must be at least 6-months old (preferable 10-months old).
  • Dogs should be current on all vaccinations. Proof may be requested prior to enrollment.
  • Dog must not be aggressive toward either people or other dogs!
  • Dogs must have taken at least one obedience class with the person attending class.
  • Dog should be able to sit, down, stay or wait, and come on command most of the time.
  • Handler must be willing to devote approximately 15 minutes/day to homework.
  • Purchase of a treat bag and clicker are suggested.

    • Advanced Beginners
    Dog and Handler will continue working with scaled down versions of equipment and may be introduced to full-size equipment. Emphasis will be on correct position and skills execution of dog and handler. Dog may begin training off-leash, but with a short tab (at the discretion of the instructor).

    Prerequisite - Instructor Approval
  • Dogs must be at least 1-year old.
  • Dog must not be aggressive toward either people or other dogs!
  • Dog must have completed Foundations Skills class (or equivalent)
  • Handler must be willing to devote approximately 15 minutes/day to homework.
  • Dog must be controllable off-leash in most situations.

    • Intermediate I, II, & III
    Intermediate I continues work on perfecting obstacle performance and begins executing short drills; lead-outs, front crosses, and rear crosses are introduced. Intermediate II continues with short drills and begins course work - obstacle discrimination and sequencing. Intermediate III continues drills and execution of longer course-work sequences. Emphasis is on dog and handler working as a team in an agility setting. All work will be either done off-leash or on a short tab or ribbon.

    Prerequisite - Instructor Approval
  • Dog must be controllable off-leash.
  • Dog must not be aggressive toward either people or other dogs!
  • Dog must be negotiating equipment comfortably and safely.
  • Dog should have a good 'touch' on contact obstacles by the end of the Intermediate I class.
  • Dog should be ready to compete at the 'Novice' level in the Intermediate III class.

    • Advanced
    For dogs preparing to compete or actually in competition. Emphasis is on control and handling technique. Introduction to competition, including rules, procedures, and strategies for all standard and non-standard classes.

    Prerequisite - Instructor Approval
  • Dog must be having no problems with any equipment.
  • Dog must not be aggressive toward either people or other dogs!
  • Dogs must be able to weave poles on both sides.

    • Competition Skills and Drills
    For dogs competing, or ready to compete, in at least at the Open level. Dogs complete various courses that may be encountered during competition at the Excellent/Elite/Advanced level. Little to any training is given in this class. Handlers learn from watching their peers execute the course.

    Prerequisite - Instructor Approval
  • Dog must be having no problems with any equipment.
  • Dog must not be aggressive toward either people or other dogs!
  • Dogs must be able to weave poles on both sides.

    • All classes are six weeks long. Classes fill up quickly, especially Foundation Skills and Pre-Agility, which are only twice a year; current students get preferred registration in a class. Advancement through class levels is based on the dog and handler's abilities and performance, not the completion of a specific amount of time at any level.

    General Requirements and Rules

  • Dogs must be at least one year old (for everything except Foundation Skills).
  • Dogs who show aggression toward either people or other dogs will be asked to leave without refund of fees! There is zero tolerance on this.
  • Dogs must be physically sound.
  • By signing the release waiver on the application, handlers are affirming that their dogs meet the qualifications for the class in which they are enrolling. Dogs who begin class and are found to not meet the requirements (I.e.; are not controllable off leash; are aggressive; etc.) will be dropped from class and no refunds will be made.
  • Classes are held in a working stable arena. Dogs must be kept on leash or crated at all times except when dog is actually working.
  • Dog training facilities are difficult to get and keep. Handlers are responsible for cleaning up after your own dog(s).
  • Agility is a positive sport. Physical corrections are sometimes necessary; however, absolutely no abusive or overly harsh training techniques are allowed.
  • No bitches in season are allowed in class.
  • In order to advance, it is suggested that handlers acquire some simple jumps and a set of weave poles for practice at home. Instructors will provide some obstacle construction plans upon request.

    • 2013 Class Session Schedule

  • January 7/8/9/10 - February 11/12/13/14*
  • March 12/13/14 - April 16/17/18**
  • May 7/8/9 - June 18/19/20
         (includes 1 week off for Memorial Day)
  • July 8/9/10/11 - August 12/13/14/15*
  • September 3/4/5 - October 8/9/10**
  • October 29/30/31 - December 10/11/12
         (1 week off for Thanksgiving)

    •      *Pre-agility Classes Will Be Offered These Sessions
    **Foundation Skills Classes Will Be Offered These Sessions If Other Classes Are Not Full

    Our Instructors

    Sno-King instructors are all experienced dog trainers and agility competitors. Before becoming an instructor, an individual is required to complete an agility title on at least one dog and to have successfully assisted in one or more sessions of classes at the level they are going to teach.

    All of our instructors are currently competing with their dog(s) in one or more of the organizations that hold trials in our area. They are familiar with the rules and nuances of the various organizations and can help you prepare your dog to compete. We do not advocate one agility venue over another; our instructors are happy to help our students prepare for whatever type of agility they wish to participate in.

    For more information: please contact Bev Wallace at .