Laughing Wolf Agility Academy

from Foundation to Finish Line

Class Information Schedule Location Private Lessons Enrollment Form
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General Class Information
 

Enid, teammate of Judith, holding
her sit stay on the table.

Spring 2010 Fees
Drop - Ins
Novice and Open/Excellent classes are 75 minutes long and the entry fees are $115.00 per dog for a 7 week session. The fees for all other classes are $100.00 for a 7 week session of hour-long classes. We offer a 20% discount for each additional dog from the same household and a 10% discount for clients and employees of House Springs Animal Clinic. Drop- ins are permitted in the Excellent, Open, Novice & Games classes as space allows. Please contact instructor prior to attending. Drop-in fees are $15 per one-hour session.
How old does my dog have to be?
Class Cancellation

For our Foundation class dogs must be at least 6 months of age. The remainder of our classes dogs must be at least 1 year of age. Please see individual class descriptions for any additional performance   requirements. Although we allow young dogs to attend our classes, we do not recommend that they perform repetitive activities that can stress their growing bodies. This includes jumping and weave poles.  However, we take this into consideration during our Agile Puppy and Foundation classes and there is still plenty for your dog to learn in our classes as he matures.

 Your instructor will notify you if class will be canceled due to weather. Class sessions will be extended to accommodate make-up classes.
Which class should I enroll my dog in?
What to bring to class
Class Safety
The class descriptions to help you decide which class is appropriate for your dog's age and experience. Please contact our instructor, Deb, if you need assistance determining the right class for you and your dog.

Classes will be held outdoors on grass. Please dress accordingly.

Please bring lots of small, soft treats your dog really loves, water, toys and a buckle collar for your dog. No “training” collars, please!

We recommend, but don’t require, that our students use clicker training . A LWAA clicker will be given to every student.

To insure an enjoyable and safe learning experience for each student,  it is expressly understood that all students are responsible for the behavior of their dogs and/or children.

Any student whose dog and/or children create unnecessary disturbances or repeatedly engage in unsafe or disruptive behavior may be asked to leave class with no refund of class fees.

 
All classes will be tailored to the needs of individual dog and handler teams. With the exception of the Agile Pups and Foundation Classes, each dog must know the basic obedience commands: sit, down, stay and come when called.  Check out our Agility Resources for a list of recommended training books to help aid you in teaching your dog these behaviors. With the exception of our Foundation class all dogs must be at least one year of age to participate.
Agile Pups

Agile Pups: For dogs aged 10 weeks to 6 months with no prior agility training.  This class will give your puppy a positive & fun introduction to agility.  The class covers targeting, groundwork, some basic obstacle introductions and games to build drive and strengthen your relationship with your future agility partner.


Thunder, teammate of Stacey, enjoying the tunnel.
Foundation
Foundation: For dogs with no prior agility training or dogs who need a refresher on the foundation behaviors of agility. The class will cover targeting, introductory contact obstacle training and beginner jumping exercises. Students will also be introduced to basic handling techniques.


Pepper, teammate of Thea, masters the low dogwalk.

Beginner Classes

Beginner 1: For dogs who have completed the Agility Foundation or Agile Puppy class. We will continue obstacle training and begin jumping, weave pole training and sequence work. Dogs must be at least 6 months old.

 

Beginner 2: This class is for dogs who have completed the Beginner 1 class. We will continue obstacle training and begin sequence work and intermediate jumping exercises. Dogs must be at least 6 months old.

Ally, teammate of Diane, runs the low height A-Frame with confidence.
Pre-Novice
Pre-Novice: This class is for dogs & handlers who have completed the Beginner class and are preparing for competition. In addition to building on their handling skills, students will learn the rules and scoring of competition in preparation for entering their first trial. Dogs must be at least 12 months old and proficient on all of the obstacles,- may use guide wires on the weave poles.

 



Nadia, teammate of Donna, works on her jumping form.
Competition Level Classes

Novice/Open: For dogs that have completed the Pre-Novice class and are ready to compete at the Novice level or for dogs who have earned an AKC Novice Standard title or the equivalent from another titling organization. We will focus on handling techniques for the Novice & Open ring. Dogs must be at least 18 months old, proficient on all of the obstacles and ready to compete at the Novice level or higher.

 

Open/Excellent: For dogs that have completed the Novice class and are ready to compete at the Open or Excellent level or for dogs who have earned an AKC Novice Standard title or the equivalent from another titling organization. On Excellent level courses, we will focus on handling techniques for Open and Excellent ring. Dogs must be at least 18 months old, proficient on all of the obstacles and ready to compete at the Novice level or higher.


Ouija, teammate of Chris, getting some air on the full size A-frame.