Southwell Agility Classes

Agility
We are particularly proud of our agility classes. Our unique understanding of agility (thanks to Bob Sharpe,) how dogs learn and the cause and effects of stress means that our classes are, to the best of our knowledge, unique.

We run a variety of agility classes ranging from an Introduction to Agility for beginners to more advanced Competition Classes. The Competition classes are run by Bob, a guest member of our team and experienced Agility Instructor. (Bob regularly trains with the previous World Agility Champion Greg Derrett and uses his methods of training.) Classes are arranged to minimise stress for the dogs (dogs are allowed to move out of the way when they are not working meaning that they are unlikely to learn unhelpful things like barking and lunging at other dogs or nipping owners!) creating a fun, relaxed working environment.

Dogs work one at a time and can wait in one of the stalls or in the car when they are not working. Although class sizes are kept very small (typically 4 or 5 in a class unlike many other agility clubs who often have about 15 dogs per class) please be prepared for the fact that you will not be working solidly for the whole of the lesson. Owners are also asked to help set up and clear away the equipment.

Young Dogs - Because their bones are still developing until they are at least 12 months old (18 months / 2 years in giant breeds) it can be dangerous for dogs to jump or land off contact equipment until they are fully grown (and their bones fully developed.) It can also be harmful for them to do a lot of running / turning.

We also find that young dogs need a lot of practice of general obedience before they are ready to take on an agility course. Our Bronze, Silver and Gold classes introduce dogs to some of the equipment and may be good classes for dogs that will eventually go on to do agility. Please contact us if you are unclear as to which class would be most appropriate for your dog.

Beginner Agility (level 2)
Agility from the beginning! Dogs will learn each piece of equipment, how to run on ahead of their handler (the majority of handlers will be unable to keep up with their dog!) as well how to turn and follow directional commands. This class is open to all healthy dogs (vet checks are strongly recommended – see booking form) of any breed. It is very helpful if your dog already has a good sit, wait and recall (if not you may find it helpful to do a beginner general obedience course first.)

Intermediate Agility (level 3)
A follow on from Beginner Agility.

Advanced Agility (level 4)
All dogs that are of the required standard are welcome whether you wish to compete or not. They focus on the skills needed to successfully handle courses and are taken by our guest Agility Instructor Bob.

Agility Practice
Practice time for members of our agility classes. These sessions are not instructed as such but are overseen by members of our team.

 

Class dates and times

Introduction to agility session.	Venue - Wendy's Home (The Hawthorns) (For dogs who have established basic training.)	Exercises, games and advice on real life skills needed to prepare dogs for the sport of agility.	Times - to be arranged indivually with Wendy	Places - Yes	Wendy	£15 per dog 6 months old and upwards. Prebooking & payment essential.
Agility Foundation Classes	TBC	A 5 lesson course to develop basic handling skills and the exercises of the Introduction Session	TBC	Limited	Wendy	Cost £8 per class payable as £40 per course. Pre-payment essential.
MONDAYS	AT CALVERTON		2nd & 4th Mondays of each month.		Wendy	Paid as £32 for 4 classes
Mondays	6:00 set up for 6:20-7:35pm	Novice Agility Level 2+	2nd & 4th Mondays of each month.		Wendy	Paid as £32 for 4 classes
Mondays	7:45-9:00pm	Novice Agility Level 2+	2nd & 4th Mondays of each month.		Wendy	Paid as £32 for 4 classes
Mondays	9:00pm set up for 9:15	Intermediate Agility Level 3	2nd & 4th Mondays of each month.		Wendy	Paid as £32 for 4 classes
TUESDAYS	AT WENDY'S HOME		1st and 3rd of the month subject to demand.		Wendy	Payable monthly at £8 per session
Tuesdays	6:45pm onwards	Novice Agility Level 2+ FOLLOWED BY INTERMEDIATES IF REQUIRED	1st and 3rd of the month subject to demand.		Wendy	Payable monthly at £8 per session
SATURDAYS	AT WENDY'S HOME		Weekly ongoing course.		Wendy	Payable monthly at £8 per session
Saturdays	2:00pm set up for 2:15-3:45pm	Novice Agility Level 2+	Weekly ongoing course. There will be NO CLASSES Easter weekend		Wendy	Payable monthly at £8 per session
Saturdays	3:45pm set up for 4:00pm start.	Intermediate Agility Level 3	Weekly ongoing course. There will be NO CLASSES Easter weekend		Wendy	Payable monthly at £8 per session
Friday	1pm. onwards	Agility Handling. Competition focused work at various levels	At Wendy's home - 7th May, 25th June, 6th August	Yes (There are also a limited number of private 1 hour sessions available at £25 per handler.)	Bob Sharpe (grade 7 handler)	Generous training time each. Advanced booking necessary. Cost £15 per dog
TBC	TBC	Agility Practice	Next date TBC	yes	Wendy	Agility practice for current clients £4 per dog at the training centre for 2 generous training session. Pre booking & payment essential.
Individual agility training	Day or evening	One-to-One Agility training	By arrangement	yes	Wendy	£15 per hour at Wendy's home.

 

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