DOCOH Dog Agility

Agility is a popular, fun, fast-paced sport to enjoy with your dog that was recognized by the AKC in the early 1990s. Dogs race against a clock as they navigate an obstacle course with strong concentration and speed. Whether you just want to have fun exercising with your dog or want to go further and enter an Agility competition, get ready for a rewarding experience that will get you and your dog in the best shape of your lives. For more information about AKC Agility, please go to the following page: https://www.akc.org/sports/agility/.

History Of Agility

The first widely-documented appearance of dog agility was as entertainment at the Crufts dog show in England in 1978. A committee member from the 1977 show was tasked with coming up with entertainment for the audience between the obedience and conformation competitions in the main ring. A local dog trainer was asked for assistance, and they presented a jumping-style course resembling something from the equestrian world to demonstrate dogs’ natural speed and agility. Many obstacles recognizable to modern handlers were present at that demonstration, including the A-frame/tunnel combination, the tire, weave poles, chute and dogwalk. The demonstration immediately intrigued dog owners because of its speed and challenge and the dexterity displayed by the dogs. People wanted to see more and wanted their own dogs to be able to participate. The demonstration was so popular that it went on to grow into local, then national, and eventually international, competitions with standardized equipment.

In 1985, Kenneth Tatsch began collaborating with a local obedience club to put on all-breed agility exhibitions in Garland, Texas. Mr. Tatsch founded the United States Dog Agility Association (“USDAA”) and incorporated it in January 1987. At that time, almost no one had heard of dog agility in the United States, while in England it had become an extremely popular sport. By 1989, when the USDAA Grand Prix of Dog Agility was first filmed for TV, nearly 2,000 spectators attended the final round and a year later, the attendance doubled. The event’s popularity sparked interest around the country, and in 1989, Tatsch expanded the tournament to include local qualifying events, hosted by groups formed by competitors in attendance at the Grand Prix the prior year in Texas.

The AKC’s first Agility advisory committee met in August 1993 to start the process of creating its own set of agility rules and standards. Sanctioning by the AKC made the rapidly growing sport nearly explode in the United States, as AKC handlers began exploring USDAA and other sanctioning organization competitions as ways to expand their agility experience.

Agility Training

Agility training is fun but requires a strong foundation. In the event that a dog does not exhibit the basic training and behavior required to participate in a class level, the Instructor reserves the right to deny participation in that class level. This decision will be made at the time of the first class in that level, and payment for that level will be refunded. The instructor will also make recommendations for other classes that can be taken to prepare the dog to re-enter that class at some time in the future.

Our Agility classes are open to all dogs, mixed breeds included, 9 months of age and older. Dogs MUST be non-aggressive to other dogs and people. Proof of rabies vaccine/titer is required. Each Level I through V series of classes is 6 weeks and cost $100.

Agility Class Descriptions

Level I: Agility Foundation

This 6-week class is geared towards beginner handlers who have not previously trained for Agility or competed in trials. Handlers who have prior experience but want remedial work on the basics may also attend this class, as approved by the Instructor.  This class is a pre-requisite for all beginner handlers to take in order to register for any successive Agility classes. This class will teach dog and handler the foundation skills necessary for successful agility training. We will concentrate on your relationship with your dog and build drive and motivation through positive training methods. You will begin to learn basic handling techniques and your dog will be introduced to targeting, board work and low jumps.
Pre-requisite: Group obedience class or equivalent approved by instructor.

Level II: Introduction To Obstacles

This class builds on the fundamentals taught in Level I and introduces the dog to all agility equipment. Emphasis will be placed on end behaviors for all contact obstacles.
Prerequisite: Level I Agility Foundation class or equivalent approved by instructor.

Level III: Obstacles and Handling

This class will continue to build the dog’s confidence on all the obstacles. Dogs in the class will be off leash. Handlers will be introduced to front and rear crosses and perform short sequences. Emphasis is placed on proper technique and placement of reward.
Prerequisite: Level II Agility class or equivalent approved by instructor.

Level IV: Building Handling Skills

Teams will work on handling skills including the front cross, rear cross, and basic course analysis. The class will also work on gradually increasing the number of obstacles you and your dog can complete in a sequence.
Prerequisite: Level III Agility class or equivalent approved by instructor.

Level V: Advanced Skills and Trial Prep

Teams will work on advanced course analysis, walking a course, different handling methods working up to running complete courses of 18 to 20 obstacles. Runs will be filmed and analyzed. Also covered will be entering a trial, what to bring, what to do to get ready for their first trial.
Prerequisite: Level IV Agility class or equivalent approved by instructor.

Advanced Practice Classes/Run Thrus

This class is for those already competing, actively preparing for competition or students who have gone through our Level I through V series. If you have some agility foundation training from another training group and would like to participate in our classes, please contact our Agility Director for information on how to join this class. Emphasis is placed on course analysis using skill sets and full course run thrus. Sessions are on Tuesday nights as coordinated with the Agility Director; Setup is at 7:15 PM. Students should register online for Advanced Agility and use the 6-week class payment button to submit $100 to pay for a 6-week series of classes.

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