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From the AKC website: "In an Agility Trial, dog and handler work together as a team combining athletic ability and training to negotiate a course of obstacles within a prescribed time period. As the dogs negotiate the course they must constantly be alert to the verbal cues and body language of their handlers."
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| Team Barkingham posed in the Lobby before class on 11-06-02, with the Trial ribbons they won in Orlando the weekend before. |
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| One of our students, Calvin Mercurio, and his Owner, Vince, recently won a series of ribbons at a NADAC Agility Trial. |
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| Candi and Houston Humble, Texas, Fall 2000 |
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| One of our students, Vixen Spivey, displays her ribbons |
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| Houston winning his Novice Agility Title, Fall, 2000 |
Basic Obedience Training is not required at the Beginner Level, but is required at all other Levels.
A six foot lead, cloth collar, and a soft pack (fanny pack) to hold treats are all needed.
Agility is open to all breeds, and so, to all sizes of dogs. The obstacles are adjusted to fit the height and ability level of your dog during training and are adjusted to fit the dog’s height during trials. You’ll do quite a bit of running along the way, and so you can expect to get a lot of exercise, along with your dog.
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| All the agility equipment was constructed onsite, to AKC standards. |
In the Basic Level, you will learn to correctly negotiate nine of the Standard Obstacles. In this course, the obstacles are set at low, training heights. Standard heights are not used until the Intermediate Level. All work is done on lead.
The Basic Level can be completed in as little as four weeks (four weekly sessions), but normally takes eight weeks for the average dog and handler, and it may take longer for some.
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| Sherry Spivey's Vixen recently got her Novice Standard and Jumpers With Weaves Titles. |
At this level, we include Distance and Directional Training (the control of the running pattern of the dog), while giving most commands at a distance (away from the dog).
Because of the large number of obstacles and possible running patterns, most students will spend a considerable amount of time perfecting the skills of this level. In fact, the fun of running different courses each week while learning new skills is certainly an end in itself, and many students and their dogs will attend continuing sessions for the fun and exercise that agility gives them.
However, should you progress well enough and be inclined to enter competitive agility you may wish to step up to the Advanced Level.
Advanced LevelIf you really get even more "serious" about all this, we strongly recommend that you take a series of private lessons from Candi.
Return to TopSCHEDULES and FEES
BasicI’ve never done any training or dog activity, can we do this?
If you and your dog have the desire to run and play, the rest is easy. Your dog should be able to follow simple commands, and, as a beginner, should be willing to work on the lead, as you learn the obstacles.
How old must my dog be?
We begin puppies at four months of age, and as beginners, give them special, separated instruction, since they generally have a shorter attention span than older dogs.
What if I drop out, do I get a refund?
If you find, before attending the 1st class, that you can not begin the session, we will give you a complete refund. If you find, after attending the first class, but before the second class, that you can not continue the sessions, for any reason, your fee will be refunded, minus a $25.00 registration charge, if you notify us before the second class.
What if my dog or I get hurt?
Injuries, as in any sport, will and do occur occasionally. But because of their natural athleticism, most dogs never suffer injury in agility, and when an injury occurs, it is often minor in nature (a scratch or broken nail). A dog in good health should not be prone to accidents. The same is true of owner-trainers, who can avoid accidents if they wear appropriate clothing and proper footgear for their sessions.
We don’t expect our students to get injured in our classes (the equipment is designed with the safety of the participants in mind). However, Barkingham Place assumes no liability for injury to you or your dog, and you should expect to use your insurance to cover the expense of any personal injury. You will sign a release upon registering, to confirm that you understand this at the start.
My dog isn’t big and fast, can he join your class?
Agility is open to dogs of all sizes, from Chihuahuas to Newfoundlands, and while some are faster than others, all dogs can do well. The obstacles are adjusted to size, so that all dogs can succeed on the course. Even In competition at a trial, the Standard Time is adjusted to fit the size classes of the dogs.
Do I need obedience or any other training?
At the Beginner Level, you should be able to control your dog while on lead. If your dog is particularly unruly (or disruptive) we may recommend obedience training. No other training is needed. When you advance to off-lead training (Intermediate Level) you will need skill at obedience, and we will require that you complete our Basic Obedience course, or attend private lessons, if needed, to meet the course requirements. (Agility classes can not be disrupted by an untrained dog, as this is unfair to the others in the class.)
Can my husband also join in?
Not in the first class, because of individual differences in handling the dog. In the advanced classes it is allowed only if the dog responds equally well to both spouses, since otherwise it would be a distraction for the dog and might inhibit his progress.
Can my child work the dog in class?
Yes, we welcome the next generation of devotees! As long as a parent is there for the duration of each lesson, on the sidelines, we accept junior handlers. We want young people to learn to work with their dog. Of course, your child must be able to control the dog well enough to progress in the course, and we will do our best to help in this regard.
Do I have to enter the competition trials, or can I just run for fun?
You do not have to enter competition trials. Fun is the name of this game, and you may enroll in the advanced courses as often as you wish. Many owners find simple joy in working their dog amid the camaraderie of kindred spirits, and often develop friendships with others having agility in common.
Can I participate if my dog is aggressive toward other dogs or people?
Not at Barkingham Palace. Safety is our first concern. If your dog shows signs of aggression, the instructor, at her sole option, may dismiss your dog from the course.
What if the weather is bad?
Classes are often held when there is a light rain with no hint of lightning. In heavier rain, or the presence of lightning, the class will be deferred to the following week. Our training fields were designed to have excellent drainage so that they can be used promptly after a rain storm. However, the student is advised to call us if there is any question about cancellation. In any case, you will not be charged for rain- or grounds-canceled classes.
Where are you located?
We are located South of Rockledge on South Rockledge Boulevard (US Route 1), 1/4 mile South of Barnes Boulevard. Please look for our map link on our Homepage. Return to Top