WAITING FOR THE NEXT ASSESSMENT DAY?

Watch this video clip to see the skills you need to pass the assessment test.

If your dog is not focused and keen... as displayed by these dogs...

That needs to be addressed before you attend the assessment day.  

Our Club highly recommends you enrol in the Focus on Fun PATHWAY©.

This online course has the future agility dog in mind and will ensure you are up to speed and have a great foundation in place.  With what the course has to offer, we are confident you will go on and really enjoy participating in agility. 
IF YOU WISH TO TRAIN AT
​STRATFORD DOG AGILITY,
PLEASE FOLLOW THESE STEPS:
​
  • Click on the "Membership Tab" above and complete the 'Stratford Dog Agility Membership Form'. 
  • (Do not pay the Membership Fee when you submit the form.  The ​​Fee becomes payable once your Membership is accepted by the Committee and​ you have passed the Assessment Test.  It must be paid before you commence training at the Club).
  • Your dog must pass the Assessment Test.   Once your Application for Membership is accepted, you will be advised when the next Assessment Test is being held.


The following skills are required to pass the Assessment Test.  This is to ensure all Members at the Club enjoy their training morning.
  • You must be able to show you have full control of your dog when off leash with other dogs running around.
  • A recall
  • No aggression towards other dogs or people.


IF YOU ARE REQUESTING TO ENROL IN MODULES 1, 2 OR 3... Then you must also have the following:
  • Focus for the handler and able to ignore distractions
  • Basic stay (dog can be in any position)
  • You have a reward that your dog loves to work for  – can be food or toy, ideally both
  • Play behaviours – tug is an advantage, but not necessary
  • Experience with teaching through shaping  is a huge advantage when training the agility dog
  • Dog at an appropriate weight for safe agility training

 View the video on the left to see what we are looking for. 




​
What happens once you have passed the assessment test?
​You will be advised when the Training Modules will be taking place.  .  Modules 1, 2 and 3 progressively build on skills learnt earlier.  Each Module has a set course fee, if at the completion of any module you have not attained the necessary skills to graduate, then you will have to repeat the module and pay the course fee again.
Once you have successfully gained all the skills in Modules 1, 2 & 3, you then join the Open ​Class (Module 4) which runs year round.
Each Module runs for a set period of time, due to limited instructors, if at any time you miss a class, the lesson conducted that week will NOT be repeated.  Our Instructors are volunteering their time to teach you Agility and as they are constantly practicing and training with their own dogs, the time given is finite.  Agility is a sport that takes commitment and a lot of home training.

Module 1 - Foundation Agility (9 Week Course)

This is our starting course, your dog must have successfully passed the Assessment Test before you can begin Agility Training.  The Foundation Course covers the following skills:- 
​
  • Building drive, effective use of reinforcers, shadow handling
  • Value for single & spread jumps
  • Tunnels
  • Value for the hoop and broad.  Plus able to negotiated the broad from various approaches.
  • Four jumps to a straight tunnel
  • How to train the 2o2o contact end behaviour & teach the dog to tolerate movement
  • Curved Tunnel
  • How to train 2x2 and channel weaves. Introducing the speed circle
  • Mini Course (up to 10 Obstacles) Handling 1 side only.
  • The emphasis is on reinforcement, using either food or toys, causing the dog to want to do each piece of equipment with enthusiasm.

Foundation Course Cost  |  $45.00

Module 2 - Drive, Basic Handling & how to Cue (9 Weeks)

The next step once Module 1 has been successfully completed.

  • Start Lines, Drive & Focus
  • Basic handling techniques
  • Short sequences​​

Drive, Basic Handling & how to Cue Course Cost  |  $45.00

Module 3 - Sequencing, Handling Maneuvers  & More (9 weeks)

For Graduates of Module 1 & 2 and includes:

  • How to handle sequences
  • Contact equipment
  • Advanced handling techniques
  • Introduction into distance work

  • This Module builds on Module 2.  Larger sequences are introduced and more handling techniques are taught.


Sequencing, Handling Maneuvers & More Course Cost |  $45.00

Module 4 - Open Class (Annual)


This  Module is for the experienced Dog Agility Handlers and graduates of Modules 1, 2 and 3, 
As a group we help each other with running courses and deciding the on various handling options... Ascertaining the best line for the dog...  Seeing the course from the dogs perspective... Comparing shortest distance versus what would create a faster/easier line for the dog.  The format for the morning's training session is decided by the people participating.
Annual Class Fee of  |  $50.00