Serving Fairfield County, CT, NY Metro and the Surrounding Areas
(203) 838-7729
Agility Fun at Dog Gone Smart!
WELCOME TO AGILITY FOR FUN!
Learn how to join our Agility Program by clicking here
Dog Gone Smart Agility Classes are so much fun!. The ultimate in teamwork for you and your dog!
You learn to direct your dog through an obstacle course negotiating tunnels, jumps, weave poles, A-Frame, Dogwalk, See-Saw and more! Great exercise for you and your dog! Various classes are offered at different skill levels. These classes are very popular and fill up fast! 6 classes/$285
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AGILITY SCHEDULES-SIGN UP HERE
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QUESTIONS ABOUT PRE-REQUISITES CONTACT BETSY@DOGGONESMART.COM
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Pre-Requisites:
Agility For Fun NOVICE: Foundation 2 Level Obedience or Equivalent
Agility for Fun CORE: AFF NOVICE or Equivalent
Agility for Fun Advanced: AFF CORE or Equivalent
Agility for Fun Expert: AFF ADVANCED or Equivalent
Betsy Schwartz is committed to only positive, force-free, dog-friendly training methods, which create a bond of trust and foster teamwork. Training is all about relationships and clear, two-way communication between handler and dog. Betsy believes that training should always be enjoyable for both human and animal alike, and she interjects humor and fun into all her classes.
Everyone LOVES Betsy!
They fill up quickly, so make sure to sign up!
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Do you want to have some fun with your dog while strengthening the bond you have and working on basic skills that help your dog to be better behaved? Agility for Fun is all about teamwork and relationship building with your dog, while building confidence and mentally stimulating your dog. Classes provide you and your dog with a little exercise, a bit of brain work and whole lot of fun!
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Agility for Fun 1 - NOVICE:
This is where the fun begins! Starting on-leash, you and your dog will learn the various pieces of agility equipment and run short courses each week.
Prerequisite: Foundation 2, or the equivalent
Requirements: Dogs must be over 7 months of age, Dog must be able to focus on owner with other dogs in room, sit, down, have a fairly reliable come, wait/stay. Dog is not reactive or dog/people aggressive.
Topics Covered:
Tunnels, Table, Jumps, A-Frame
Dog-Walk (ramps on table), Weave-a-matics open
Seesaw (flat and stuffed), Dog-Walk (ramps onto table)
Ramps on low Dog-Walk, Tire
Graduating to Short Leashes
Weave-a-matics in line, beginning to sequence
Agility for Fun 2 - CORE:
As dogs become more comfortable with the equipment, teams will begin to work towards going off-leash with focus on the handler learning how to communicate effectively without using a leash for control. Agility obstacles become more challenging and the courses become even more fun!
Prerequisite: AF1-Beginners
Requirements: Dogs must be over 7 months of age, Dog must be able to focus on owner with other dogs in room, sit, down, have a fairly reliable come, wait/stay. Dog is not reactive or dog/people aggressive. Dog has had experience and is confident on each piece of equipment without luring or using leash to pull dog over obstacles.
Topics Covered:
Working dogs left and right
Mostly holding short leash
Sequencing two obstacles
Learning Obstacle discrimination
Moving Weave-a-matics upright
Seesaw unstuffed to raised low
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Agility for Fun 3 & 4 - ADVANCED:
Working completely off-leash, Advanced Agility for Fun's emphasis is on teamwork and effective two-way communication between you and your dog to help navigate more complex courses. Fun reaches new heights as the equipment gets a little higher!
Prerequisite: Instructor's recommendation
Requirements: Evaluation by instructor
Topics Covered:
Fluent left and right all equipment
Learning front and rear crosses
Sequencing several obstacles and knowing when to do it
Mostly Off leash
Raising Seesaw
Learning Upright Weaves
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Agility for Fun 5 - EXPERT:
For those teams who are running courses off-leash without hesitation on all obstacles at any height, the Expert level focuses more on handling skills and strategies. Tie your sneakers tight because the fun becomes fast and furious!
Prerequisite: Instructor's recommendation
Requirements: Evaluation by instructor
Topics Covered:
Fluent left and right all equipment
Fluent crosses and sequencing
Completely Off leash
Upright Weaves left and right
AGILITY INFO/FAQ'S
Agility is great fun for both you and your dog! It is a great work out and a wonderful opportunity to bond as you both work together to learn new skills as part of a team. Dog Gone Smart offers various agility classes at our Canine Center for all different skill levels, from puppy to advanced competition.
Agility is all about teamwork, which will help to build the bond with your dog as a loving member of your household.. It is a super fun sport in which you teach your dog to go through an obstacle course negotiating tunnels, jumps, weave poles, etc. Agility work builds trust and communication which will deepen your relationship with your dog, and is also useful in obedience training and instilling good behavior and manners.
Agility is also a great activity for those who have already completed obedience but want to continue working with their dogs. It fosters strategic thinking which keeps both you and your dog sharp and focused and most importantly, having fun.
Here's a tip before starting Agility, know what your dog finds most rewarding that can be used in a training situation. Usually, treats or toys are good choices. Find what works best for your dog before you start so you will be able to motivate him with success when beginning your agility training. Remember you will be in a big room with other dogs and lots of fun equipment to play on, so you want your dog looking to achieve all good things through your direction, which will bring them their reward.
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What kind of dogs can do Agility?
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Agility is not limited any specific breed or size, any dog can participate in this fun activity but it is suited best for:
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Dogs that have a nice temperament and a willingness to learn and have fun
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Dogs that are well socialized and get along well with other
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Most Agility Classes Require Pre-Requsite Obedience Courses
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