Fairfax County agility classes...

Classes will no longer be held at the Frying Pan Park site after September 16, 2010.  Information will be posted when a new location is found for Fairfax County classes.

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FRYING PAN PARK in the Equestrian Barn
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Training semesters are held in January, April, July, and October at Frying Pan Park (FPP) on Thursday nights. No weekend classes are offered.

DGOTC does not offer agility classes at Frying Pan Park during this quarter.

Agility Classes
Frying Pan Park Only (see here for Loudoun County agility classes)

No classes are being offered during this quarter.

Class Descriptions

Note that not all classes are offered in all sessions.

Beginner Agility

For dog/handler teams new to agility. Introduction to all equipment will be covered. Dogs should have solid basic obedience skills including sit, down, stay, and recalls around distractions. Dogs should be at least one year of age, and not aggressive around other dogs or people.

Beginner II Agility

For dogs who have had some introduction to agility concepts. Focus on contacts, weaves, and basic handling skills. Dogs should have solid basic obedience skills including sit, down, stay, and recalls around distractions. Dogs should be at least one year of age, and not aggressive around other dogs or people. Both handler and dog need to come to class ready to train. Please walk/relieve dog prior to class. Bring water for both.

Novice level to Excellent level nested run-thrus

This class is for dog/handler teams who are preparing to compete or already competing thru Excellent level. Each week there will be two to three levels of full competitive courses offered from AKC or USDAA venues presented with instructor feedback and discussion regarding course analysis and strategy. Dog/handler teams will have an opportunity to do run-thrus on courses that offer multiple handling and obstacle discrimination challenges appropriate to their level. Open to members and non-members. Dog/Handler teams should be comfortable with all agility equipment including weave poles and full-height teeter. Dogs must be able to work off-lead, having excellent recall, and not be aggressive around other dogs or people.

Please read and understand the Training Philosophy and General Class Policies before registering for any agility class.

Introduction

Agility is excellent for helping to build a positive handler-dog bond and confidence in dogs. It is also a great way to reinforce obedience in a fun way. Our strong belief and philosophy is that agility training should be accomplished using exclusively positive reinforcement techniques. You will need plenty of motivational treats or toys for the dog! Clickers are welcome!!

Expectations To Be Held During Class

Dogs enrolled in agility classes must be easily controlled by their handler on a flat collar and not demonstrate any aggressive behavior towards other dogs or people. Prior training in obedience is helpful and dog control on and off-lead is a necessity. All dogs must be controlled and on-lead at all times unless advised to run off-lead by an instructor. It is the responsibility of handlers to ensure that their dog does not enter the space of another dog. During class, only flat collars and leads, or slip leashes, are acceptable (no choke or other training collars, and no tags). A small hand tab with no loop is also acceptable as a secondary leash for those who can run off-lead.

Equipment may not be used unless an instructor is working directly with the dog/handler team and/or teaching a class. Reckless or unsafe handling of dogs and/or equipment as well as excessively harsh treatment of dogs is prohibited and may result in dismissal from class.

Bitches in season are not allowed in agility classes; and it is recommended that they not train in the Activity Center.

Junior Handlers

Children under age 18 may handle a dog in class at the discretion of the instructors, but a parent or guardian must be present in the Activity Center at all times. Children not in the class are not allowed in the training area and must be supervised by an adult.

Day of Class

Please plan to arrive early to help with set up and stay after class to help put away agility equipment. We advise you to bring fresh water for your dog, a towel to wipe off dusty dog feet after class, and bags to pick up after your dog.

The Activity Center is unheated and dusty. Please dress appropriately. Please walk your dog in the grassy areas outside the Activity Center prior to class and dispose of the waste properly in one of the trash receptacles.