Beginner Agility classes
Please email kim at [email protected] if you are interested in classes.
Beginner Questions & Answers
What is Dog Agility?
Dog Agility is a sport where you direct the dog to perform a series of numbered obstacles while running. Dogs typically run courses in 20-50 seconds depending on the course. The dogs need to be athletic and handlers need to be able to jog &run.
Is Agility right for me and my dog?
To start training your dog in agility, they must be people and dog friendly. No “aggressive” dogs should start training until this behavior has been extinguished. Dogs can be “reactive” or “shy; although these behaviors are not ideal for training agility, classes will build a working relationship with your dog and help to give them confidence. If you are not sure if the sport is appropriate for your dog, an evaluation with an instructor can be performed to let you know if class would be appropriate.
Dogs should be food motivated, and able to eat food around other dogs.
Dogs should be “fit” not over weight. Dogs will be running and jumping so it is important to have a well-muscled dog.
How old does my dog have to be to start Agility training?
Dogs can be any age to start Agility training. Dogs are grouped into classes by age; Beginner Puppy 8-20 weeks, Adolescent 5-10 months, over 1 year and senior 8 years. All levels may not be offered during a 2- month class session. All puppy training is modified to be appropriate for the age of the puppy. No equipment is performed at competition height or in any way to harm the puppy.
What do we learn in Beginner Agility?
Beginner Agility training teaches you how to communicate with your dog using “food” and a behavior marking tool “clicker”. Students learn how to teach the dog physical and verbal cues to get the dog to offer a variety of tricks. These tricks like “roll over” or “crawl” teach the dogs how to use their body on cue. Beginner classes are fun, with the emphasis on learning not correcting the dog in any way. Dogs learn how to work with their handler around other dogs with focus and attention.
What does my dog need to know to attend beginner Agility class?
Your dog does not need to have any formal training to attend agility class. Dogs must however be dog and people friendly. Dogs must be able to take food around distractions and stay with the handler on a loose leash. No other training skills are required. Beginner class will teach obedience skills required for the sport of agility.
Does my dog need to have Obedience training?
No, but your dog must be controllable on leash, not dragging you around to get at another dog or person. Dogs MUST be able to take food in a distracted environment with other dogs and people.
Can my son or daughter train the dog?
Handlers must be at least 13 years old and be able to physically control the dog. No aggressive or protective dogs allowed with Jr handlers.
Can I come and observe a class?
You may come to observe any class with out your dog. Please email to schedule your appointment so the instructor can be aware you are coming to observe.
How much do classes cost?
1-hour classes are $21.50 a class and 1.5 hour classes are $25 a class. Class sessions run every two months in a 6-9-week session depending on the months.
Does my dog have to be spayed or neutered?
No, dogs do not have to be altered but it is the handler’s responsibility to manage their intact dog. Females must wear pants to class during their season and males will be in classes with females in season.
What vaccines are required for my dog to attend class?
All dogs must be rabies vaccinated in accordance with NJ State law. Other vaccinations are at the discretion of the owner and should be decided with you and your Veterinarian. Be advised that sick dogs should NOT be brought to class. Any facility that multiple dogs frequent can have contagious viruses so it is possible for your dog to bring in or pick up a sickness. Although we disinfect the facility, flooring and equipment there is still no guarantee your dog may not pick something up. We require all obviously sick dogs should stay out of class.
I don’t want to compete in Agility, but Can I do Agility for fun?
Yes, Agility can be trained just for a fun outlet to do with your dog. Many students enjoy coming to class and training with friends. There are over five venues that you may compete in if you decide you want to. Competition if a fun extension to your agility training when you are ready to advance but not required. Classes are taught in accordance with the general rules of the sport to ensure a safe execution of the equipment and handler cues.
My dog has had some Agility training, what class should I take?
It is recommended you get evaluated by an instructor to see what skills you and your dog have.
How long does it take to train a dog?
Generally, attending class with an adult dog, over 1 year of age, with no behavior issues and who understands how to use their body will take 1-2 years. 1 year with an experienced handler or 2 years with an inexperienced handler. Starting puppies early is the best way to get them started.
Can I do agility with a Senior dog?
Yes, senior dogs who are sound and can hear and see are good candidates for training. We offer tricks classes, senior fitness as well as they can train in regular classes with lower height equipment. Seniors are generally classified as dogs who are 9 years and older.
Can I take private classes?
Yes, private lessons are available with instructors upon availability. Please email [email protected] to request a lesson.
Can I drop into classes?
Yes, Drop-ins are $30 a class and at the discretion of the Instructor. There are no drop-ins allowed in classes that are full.
How many dogs in a class?
Beginner classes are limited to 8 students, but usually are 4-6 students. All other classes are limited to 6 dogs in all 1.5-hour classes.
Does my dog have to be people or dog friendly?
Yes, but your dog can be evaluated to see if they are appropriate for a class.
What if I must miss a class?
Attending classes are your responsibility. KS Dog Agility offers no refunds or credit for missed classes. If there is a comparable class that is your dog’s level or lower you may contact the instructor and ask to make-up your missed class in the comparable class. There are no make-ups allowed in classes that are full. Make-ups are offered as a courtesy and are not allowed to be held for use in the next session or for credit in the next session. Please make all attempts to attend scheduled classes.
Can I alternate dogs in a class?
This is up to the individual instructor to decide, and only if the dog is trained to a comparable level of the class.
What if my dog gets sick or injured and I can’t attend class?
KS Dog agility will offer class credits applicable for the next session or to be applied up to one year from the date of illness or injury. Credits are only for missed classes if a dog or human is sick or injured only will appropriate documentation from your Veterinarian or Physician. KS Dog Agility does reserve the right to deny offering class credits.
Dog Agility is a sport where you direct the dog to perform a series of numbered obstacles while running. Dogs typically run courses in 20-50 seconds depending on the course. The dogs need to be athletic and handlers need to be able to jog &run.
Is Agility right for me and my dog?
To start training your dog in agility, they must be people and dog friendly. No “aggressive” dogs should start training until this behavior has been extinguished. Dogs can be “reactive” or “shy; although these behaviors are not ideal for training agility, classes will build a working relationship with your dog and help to give them confidence. If you are not sure if the sport is appropriate for your dog, an evaluation with an instructor can be performed to let you know if class would be appropriate.
Dogs should be food motivated, and able to eat food around other dogs.
Dogs should be “fit” not over weight. Dogs will be running and jumping so it is important to have a well-muscled dog.
How old does my dog have to be to start Agility training?
Dogs can be any age to start Agility training. Dogs are grouped into classes by age; Beginner Puppy 8-20 weeks, Adolescent 5-10 months, over 1 year and senior 8 years. All levels may not be offered during a 2- month class session. All puppy training is modified to be appropriate for the age of the puppy. No equipment is performed at competition height or in any way to harm the puppy.
What do we learn in Beginner Agility?
Beginner Agility training teaches you how to communicate with your dog using “food” and a behavior marking tool “clicker”. Students learn how to teach the dog physical and verbal cues to get the dog to offer a variety of tricks. These tricks like “roll over” or “crawl” teach the dogs how to use their body on cue. Beginner classes are fun, with the emphasis on learning not correcting the dog in any way. Dogs learn how to work with their handler around other dogs with focus and attention.
What does my dog need to know to attend beginner Agility class?
Your dog does not need to have any formal training to attend agility class. Dogs must however be dog and people friendly. Dogs must be able to take food around distractions and stay with the handler on a loose leash. No other training skills are required. Beginner class will teach obedience skills required for the sport of agility.
Does my dog need to have Obedience training?
No, but your dog must be controllable on leash, not dragging you around to get at another dog or person. Dogs MUST be able to take food in a distracted environment with other dogs and people.
Can my son or daughter train the dog?
Handlers must be at least 13 years old and be able to physically control the dog. No aggressive or protective dogs allowed with Jr handlers.
Can I come and observe a class?
You may come to observe any class with out your dog. Please email to schedule your appointment so the instructor can be aware you are coming to observe.
How much do classes cost?
1-hour classes are $21.50 a class and 1.5 hour classes are $25 a class. Class sessions run every two months in a 6-9-week session depending on the months.
Does my dog have to be spayed or neutered?
No, dogs do not have to be altered but it is the handler’s responsibility to manage their intact dog. Females must wear pants to class during their season and males will be in classes with females in season.
What vaccines are required for my dog to attend class?
All dogs must be rabies vaccinated in accordance with NJ State law. Other vaccinations are at the discretion of the owner and should be decided with you and your Veterinarian. Be advised that sick dogs should NOT be brought to class. Any facility that multiple dogs frequent can have contagious viruses so it is possible for your dog to bring in or pick up a sickness. Although we disinfect the facility, flooring and equipment there is still no guarantee your dog may not pick something up. We require all obviously sick dogs should stay out of class.
I don’t want to compete in Agility, but Can I do Agility for fun?
Yes, Agility can be trained just for a fun outlet to do with your dog. Many students enjoy coming to class and training with friends. There are over five venues that you may compete in if you decide you want to. Competition if a fun extension to your agility training when you are ready to advance but not required. Classes are taught in accordance with the general rules of the sport to ensure a safe execution of the equipment and handler cues.
My dog has had some Agility training, what class should I take?
It is recommended you get evaluated by an instructor to see what skills you and your dog have.
How long does it take to train a dog?
Generally, attending class with an adult dog, over 1 year of age, with no behavior issues and who understands how to use their body will take 1-2 years. 1 year with an experienced handler or 2 years with an inexperienced handler. Starting puppies early is the best way to get them started.
Can I do agility with a Senior dog?
Yes, senior dogs who are sound and can hear and see are good candidates for training. We offer tricks classes, senior fitness as well as they can train in regular classes with lower height equipment. Seniors are generally classified as dogs who are 9 years and older.
Can I take private classes?
Yes, private lessons are available with instructors upon availability. Please email [email protected] to request a lesson.
Can I drop into classes?
Yes, Drop-ins are $30 a class and at the discretion of the Instructor. There are no drop-ins allowed in classes that are full.
How many dogs in a class?
Beginner classes are limited to 8 students, but usually are 4-6 students. All other classes are limited to 6 dogs in all 1.5-hour classes.
Does my dog have to be people or dog friendly?
Yes, but your dog can be evaluated to see if they are appropriate for a class.
What if I must miss a class?
Attending classes are your responsibility. KS Dog Agility offers no refunds or credit for missed classes. If there is a comparable class that is your dog’s level or lower you may contact the instructor and ask to make-up your missed class in the comparable class. There are no make-ups allowed in classes that are full. Make-ups are offered as a courtesy and are not allowed to be held for use in the next session or for credit in the next session. Please make all attempts to attend scheduled classes.
Can I alternate dogs in a class?
This is up to the individual instructor to decide, and only if the dog is trained to a comparable level of the class.
What if my dog gets sick or injured and I can’t attend class?
KS Dog agility will offer class credits applicable for the next session or to be applied up to one year from the date of illness or injury. Credits are only for missed classes if a dog or human is sick or injured only will appropriate documentation from your Veterinarian or Physician. KS Dog Agility does reserve the right to deny offering class credits.