Agility @ YABTC photo gallery

• To enroll in a YABTC agility class, email agilityclass@yabtc.com
• All dogs must not be dangerous to other dogs or handlers. 
• A copy of the dog’s shot records and tuition prepayment are required for enrollment in all classes. MasterCard, & Visa now accepted.
• Please bring soft treats and a water dish to class. You may also bring a favorite toy or a clicker if you wish.
• Please bring a crate to agility and classes.
• All dogs should be fit with toenails trimmed. Obese dogs should not be allowed to perform any of the agility obstacles.
• Passing of each level is required to move on. Classes are designed as teaching the skills, but additional practice at home is required. Classes can be repeated and each handler should keep in mind that every dog/handler team progresses at their own speed.

The Agility Basics program is a series of three classes:  Basics, Intro 1 and Intro 2.  The classes, described below, are eight weeks each and taken consecutively.  Each curriculum requires goals to be met to graduate to the next level class. Because the series takes six months to complete and the class is small, limited to six dogs, we are able to offer the Agility Basics series only once or twice a year with the day and time determined by instructor availability.  This is not a program for those who just want to try agility to see whether they and their dog like the sport.  Please request the class only if you are able and willing to commit to the full six months then your dog will be added to the waitlist on which club members’ dogs are given priority over non-members.

Prerequisite: Dog must be 4 months of age

This foundation class teaches focus, recall, ability to ignore distractions and building drive. These are skills necessary for any agility team to progress to working agility obstacles. Students are also introduced to free-shaping, luring and targeting. Some introduction to obstacles is included in class work. Class is taught with positive reinforcement ONLY. Please bring a crate, clicker and plenty of treats and/or toys to the first class. A mat or cushion, big enough for the dog to lay comfortably on, will be needed also.

Prerequisite: Dog must be over 6 months of age and have completed the Basics course. 

This class gently introduces the dogs and handlers to each of the obstacles that they will see in AKC style agility. Dogs progress at their own rate. Dogs are expected to be able to work off lead and to demonstrate the skills learned in the Basics class. Soft edible treats and toys are required. A clicker is recommended. Puppies under 10 months will not be allowed to jump higher than 4 inches. No dogs will be jumping their jump height until after their first birthday. It is not recommended for any dog (but large dogs in particular) to jump at their full jump height until after 15-18 moths.

Prerequisite: Completion of the Intro 1 course.

This class is a continuation of skills from the Intro 1 course. Dogs will further master obstacles previously introduced. Dogs are expected to be able to work off lead. This class concentrates on improving the dog’s skills with all agility obstacles.

Prerequisite: Completion of Intro 2 course and an AKC Novice title or its equivalent is needed to proceed.    We also offer a test in option.  Email agility@yabtc.com to set up a time for testing.  (if someone sends an email to this address can that email be forwarded to hannah_shafer@yahoo.com?) 

This class concentrates on improving the handler/dog team’s skill in preparation for trial. Handling skills and maneuvers are taught and practiced. Different agility venues are introduced. 

Prerequisite: Completion of an AKC Open Agility (OA) title or equivalent level or instructors' approval.

This class is for agility teams competing successfully at the AKC Excellent /Master level or its equivalent in other venues. This is an interactive class where students are expected to contribute to class work by bringing problems, goals and interesting/difficult sequences from recent trials.

Prerequisites: 

• The dog/handler teams signing up for this class do not have to run agility at any certain level. 
• The dog/handler teams have to be able to do ALL agility obstacles independently. 
• The dog has to be able to work confidently away from the handler - at least 15 feet away
• The dog should have a solid recall back to the handler. 
• An evaluation can be scheduled if necessary.   

This class focuses on teaching the students advanced agility handling skills and maneuvers drawn from many different systems in the agility world (AKC, USDAA, NADAC, etc.).  Handlers must be willing to try different options in handling.