Class Descriptions

Class Descriptions

JAGDog Logo

The JAG Training program allows handlers to take multiple classes and, for higher level students, to also be able to periodically sign up for "BASIC HANDLING" Or Contacts/Weaves class to tune-up on critical skills

JAG Philosophy

The JAG training program will be designed to appeal to the widest assortment of agility students. Classes will be designed so that the student who wants to excel at the highest level will be given proper foundation and handling skills that will enable their dogs to perform to the best of the team's ability.

For the student that wants to compete without concern of being competitive, the program will still teach foundation and basics. However, the student will be allowed to proceed through the program as long as their dog safely performs obstacles. The student will be advised that skipping some skills, for example the ability to have their dog perform a contact with the handler several feet away from the end of the contact, will affect their performance and ability to acquire some of the more advanced skills.

Lastly, for the student that has no intention of competing, but just wants to have fun with their dog, the program will allow the student to take classes as long as the dog performs obstacles safely. In addition, the student will be made aware that skills that are a requirement for entry into a particular class will not be addressed.

SHORT CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

Fundamentals - will teach agility skills, but not on agility equipment. All skills will be taught with an emphasis on both the handler and dog having fun. It includes, intro to clicker, recalls, games to build focus, Games needed for agility skills, obedience and gets dogs ready to get on agility equipment. Some equipment may be introduced after week 5.

Puppy Fundamentals: This class will teach agility skills but not on agility equipment. All skills will be taught with an emphasis on both the handler and dog having fun. It includes intro into clicker, recalls, games to build focus, games needed for agility skills, obedience and gets dogs ready to get on the agility equipment. Some equipment may be introduced after week 4.

Beginner I - For Fun: This course is an introduction to the agility equipment for both dogs and handlers. It is appropriate for both experienced handlers with new dogs and handlers who are new to agility. Emphasis is on teaching the obstacles safely and correctly while everyone has fun. Experienced handlers will be given lots of tips for future competition.

Beginner II – For Fun: This class is the continuation of the Beginner I class. It builds on the skills already learned in I and continues to strengthen these skills. Obstacle performance is still stressed and small sequences and handling maneuvers are introduced.

NOTE: Do not let the name fool you; these classes are great for experienced and new handlers alike. The emphasis is on fun while the new dog learns the obstacle skills needed to negotiate an agility course.

Pre-Novice: This course is structured for the team that has completed Beginners I & II and is ready to start putting all of those skills together. The sequences are longer and the obstacle performance is more exacting thus preparing both dog and handler for a novice agility course. Dogs may still be working on contact and weave performance.

Novice: This class is for the dog and handler team that is preparing to compete or has just started competing in novice. The courses will reflect what the team will encounter in the ring and rules will be discussed to prepare the team for competition.

Open: This class is geared for teams that are competing at the novice or open level. The courses are more complex and the handling more exacting. The instructor will guide the team through these courses to get the most out of each team.

Excellent: This class is taking your handling and obstacle performance to the next level. It is geared for the open and excellent competitors. The courses are tougher and the handling required to successfully negotiate them is much more exacting. The team will be coached by the instructor to become the best that they can be.

Excellent/Masters: This class is geared for the excellent and masters level teams that are ready to take that next step up. The courses are tougher still and the skills required more solid. If you want to go out and win and not just get those Qs then this course is for you. The team will be coached through these difficult courses to do their best and given tips for continued successes in the ring.

Contacts and Weaves Proofing: Just as the name implies this class is designed to help the dog and handler team perfect their contact and weave performance. It is appropriate for all levels and can be taken at the same time as the regular progression of classes.

Wanna Be As Good As Gold: This class is geared for the dog that wants to be good but sometimes cannot help him/herself and needs to run, spin or sniff around the field. The team will work on things needed to help the dog keep his/her focus and succeed at being good on and off of the agility field.