Frequently Asked Questions – Agility

Is my dog ready for agility?

Your dog should be at least one year old and be able to Sit, Down, Come and Stay on command. Students who have taken our obedience classes are generally ready for agility. If we are not familiar with your dog, they will be tested before the first class on their ability to execute the skills above while off leash. We don’t expect perfection. 

We will also observe your dog’s behavior around other dogs. While agility is exciting for both dogs and handlers, dogs that are not under control most of the time may not be ready for group agility.

Am I ready for agility?

Agility is a physical sport for dogs and handlers. As your dog’s confidence and skill increases, they will be negotiating longer courses at higher speeds. As a handler, you will be required to run through all or part of the course with your dog.

Additionally, all students are required to help in setting up and taking down the equipment. This includes contacts, jumps, weaves, tunnels and fencing.

I filled out the form, but I haven’t heard from you. Am I still on the list?

Our classes are usually completely full, and we have a long notification list, particularly for those requesting Saturday classes. As space becomes available, we will notify those interested by email. We do give priority to our active club members and current WLAOTC students.

If you want to increase the probability that you will be offered a space, consider enrolling in one of our obedience classes. 

Has your contact information changed? Make sure to fill out an updated Agility Notification form.

May someone other than myself handle my dog in class

In our agility classes, we are training the team: dog and handler. The dog is not learning skills independently. You are both learning a new way to communicate, verbally and physically.

You may have more than one person handle your dog in agility class, but both handlers need to attend the classes.  

What is the size limit for group classes?

Continuing classes are limited to 8 students.

Beginning classes may have more students, as there is  naturally some attrition.