AGILITY CLASS PROGRESSION

Looking to get started in agility? Here is your path to success in our program!

1. Manners

Our manners classes are appropriate for dogs of all ages. This is the prerequisite class to all of our more advanced classes. This class must be taken through Level Up Dog Sports.

  • Basic Manners is the perfect starting point for all teams. This class starts with our well-rounded beginner curriculum and is designed to introduce your dog to learning basic skills and good manners. Basic Manners is appropriate for dogs of all ages with little to no previous obedience training. Our manners classes are appropriate for dogs of all ages.

  • Advanced Manners will build on the skills learned in Basic Manners. Take this class before the Foundation level if your dog needs more work in the exciting group class environment before starting more difficult off leash work!

2. Foundation

Foundation classes focus on perfecting necessary skills for a successful sports dog. Dogs will not be running full courses in foundation classes, but the skills learned at this level will set you and your dog up for success as you progress through the classes.

NEW Required Foundation progression for all dogs now that sessions have gone to 6 weeks:

  1. Dog Sport Foundation

  2. Agility Fundamentals 1

  3. Agility Fundamentals 2

FOR PREVIOUS AGILITY 101 GRADUATES, PLEASE ASK YOUR INSTRUCTOR IF YOU SHOULD TAKE AGILITY FUNDAMENTALS LEVEL 2 OR MOVE ONTO THE GREEN LEVEL CLASSES.

  • Start your sport dog off right! We have been coaching teams and training puppies for sports for many years, and we know the skills your puppy needs to be successful! We'll focus on age-appropriate behaviors to ensure your dog's future success in sports. The focus will be on life skills geared towards future competition dogs.

  • ALL CLASSES ARE 6 WEEKS LONG.

    LEVEL 1 OF AGILITY FUNDAMENTALS - PREREQ IS DOG SPORT FOUNDATION OR INSTRUCTOR RECOMENDATION

    IMPORTANT: Before signing up, please click here to read our class policies.

    Dogs and handlers will learn proper foundation and get started in Agility training. All dogs will learn how to work off-leash or with a light line dragging. Dogs will learn foundation skills as well as tricks and behaviors to start off right in the sport. Dogs will learn how to take all types of jumps, tunnels as well as work on foundation behaviors such as following the handler.

  • ALL CLASSES ARE 6 WEEKS LONG.

    LEVEL 2 OF AGILITY FUNDAMENTALS - PREREQ IS AGILITY FUNDAMENTALS LEVEL 2 OR INSTRUCTOR RECOMENDATION

    IMPORTANT: Before signing up, please click here to read our class policies.

    Dogs and handlers will learn proper foundation and get started in Agility training. All dogs will learn how to work off-leash or with a light line dragging. Dogs will learn foundation skills as well as tricks and behaviors to start off right in the sport. Dogs will learn how to take all types of jumps, tunnels as well as work on foundation behaviors such as following the handler.

3. Green Level

The prerequisite for all Green Level classes is Agility 101.


ALL of our electives can benefit dogs with more experience, as well as dogs that have completed Agility 101, so don’t be afraid to sign that Master Level dog up for these electives!

NEW FOR 2024 - JAM PACKED JUMPING IS NOW A REQUIRED CLASS. This class will help prepare dogs for full height jumping and gaining confidence on the tire, double jump, broad jump, and triple jump!

  • THIS CLASS WAS PREVIOUSLY CALLED INTRO. TO SEQUENCING AND WAS RENAMED!

    Work on learning how to change sides on course! We will learn the front crosses, blind cross, and rear cross mechanics for the handler, as well as work on getting the dog to run longer sequences of obstacle.

  • Work on refining the foundation behaviors required for stopped contacts! We will teach the behavior and proof it with motion, handler position, and distractions so you have the makings of a bombproof contact behavior!

  • **DOGS MUST BE AT LEAST 12 MONTHS OF AGE TO START WEAVING**

    Dogs entering our weaves class should have a strong understanding of jumps and tunnels and and be prepared to learn weave poles. Dogs will also work short sequences with various obstacles to build up to full course work. Your dog will be taught to weave with confidence after completing this class. All dogs must work off-leash in this level.Description text goes here

  • Work on building great jumping technique with grids, drills, and body awareness work! We will cover proper striding and form for both extension and collection. We will also work on improving independence on the spreads, such as the triple, broad jump, tire, and double. This class focuses on your dog and not on handling! This is great if you want to help your dog keep bars up, take tighter turns, and improve your dog's forward focus.

  • Learn how to teach your dogs the harder skills on an independent cue! You will work backsides and threadles on jumps, as well as teach your dog how to pull into the closer end of the tunnel on cue! These skills are all becoming super common in all agility organizations, so this class is a great way to get started on teaching these skills, or to learn how to make your current skills more independent!

  • Looking to feel less frantic? If your dog struggles with stays, grabbing extra obstacles, jumping up at the handler when excited, or you need a bit more control in agility, then this class is a good option for you!

4. Blue Level

For classes in this level, dogs should have completed the corresponding Green Level Prerequisite (Intro. To Handling OR Contacts Level 1).

Electives at this level are also great for higher level dogs!

  • Prerequisite: Intro. To Handling

    Handlers will learn the techniques and handling skills required for running a smooth agility course. We will introduce you to the various handling and turning skills required to navigate a course. Dogs will be working short drills and sequences and are required to work off leash for this class. These sequences will consist of all types of jumps and tunnels.Description text goes here

  • Prerequisite: Contacts Level 1

    Contacts class introduces all contact obstacles, including the teeter, dogwalk and a-frame as well as short drills adding these obstacles in sequence with other obstacles. Dogs will also work short sequences with various obstacles to build up to full course work.

    This level is also appropriate for dogs currently competing that need work on contacts.

  • Looking to expand your toolbox past the traditional front cross, blind cross, and rear cross? This class will focus on one handling move each week to expand your handling vocabulary! Maddie will take you through the proper mechanics, as well as the skills the dog must know to be able to execute each move.

    Prerequisite: Completion of Intro. to Handling - handlers should have a good grasp of front/blind/rear crosses before joining this class.

  • In this class we will work with you to find out what techniques will motivate and bring out the optimal speed and drive from your dog. Each dog is different therefore these techniques will be catered and individualized for each team. Jumps and tunnels will be used, so dog should be able to sequence these obstacles.

    Prerequisite: Intro. To Handling

  • Gain confidence with using verbal cues in agility with this fun class! Learn how to properly train and execute these skills that help your dog become more independent from you, allowing you to focus more on your own handling. This class is also perfect if you’re looking for ideas of things to practice at home in small spaces, as exercises can be done with just 1 jump!

    Prerequisite: Intro. To Handling

  • In this class we will work with you to find out what techniques will motivate and bring out the optimal speed, confidence, and drive from your dog. This class is geared towards the dogs who may struggle with motivation, repetition, new situations, or just need a bit of confidence! Each dog is different, therefore these techniques will be catered and individualized for each team. Jumps and tunnels may be used, so dogs should be able to sequence these obstacles.

5. Orange Level

For dogs who are getting ready to compete or are currently competing in agility. Dogs should have taken Handling Skills and Drills and Contacts Level 2/Weaves before beginning this level.

  • Required before Coursework if your dog is not proficient at all obstacles, with closed/independent weaves and fully trained contacts.

    In this class, you will start working up to full courses, as well as incorporating the weaves and contacts into longer sequences. Dogs do not have to have completed weaves/contacts to join, but they should be close to finished with every obstacle (ex. can have slightly open channels or still need props/assistance on the contacts, but should be familiar with everything).

  • This class is for dogs who are proficient at all obstacles and can start running full courses. If you are still working on any obstacle skills, you should first take Put It All Together! Coursework classes can be a Novice level, Master level, or a general Coursework for any level. Novice is for greener dogs, Master is for dogs who already have agility titles, and any level dog can be in the general “Coursework” class, provided they are proficient at all obstacles. More advanced handling drills and proofing exercises will prepare teams for competition. Teams will have Jumpers or Standard courses during the class duration offered on various nights.

  • Learn how to find and pick the best path for you pup! The drills in this class help handlers figure out what their dog’s line is and how to get them there! This class is appropriate for dogs that can perform short sequences of jumps and tunnels. Drills will be tailored to the level of the dog attending.

  • Which way is faster? How do I create the most efficient turn? If you’ve found yourself asking these questions, then this class is for you! Join instructor Ashley to work through challenges and drills to figure out what turn, cue or line is the fastest and most efficient for your dog! This class is appropriate for dogs that can perform short sequences of jumps and tunnels. Drills will be tailored to the level of the dog attending.

  • Has your dog learned the weave poles but they still need work on entering the poles at different angles, read crossing the weaves, or entering and staying in the weaves at speed? Do you need to proof your weaves using distractions such as toys, people or other dogs? If so, then this is the class for you!

  • Want to know how some handlers can be 30-50 feet away from their dogs, and their dogs still perform all the obstacles without head checking? If your dog is faster than you, these skills are a must have! Teach your dog confidence and independence at speed, without you having to run! You will start with the foundation skills needed, then progress to longer sequences of distance handling.

  • For who need to be exposed to the sounds and sights of a trial! Join us as we prepare your dogs for things like judges, ring crew, lining up, and all the other aspects that go into the tough environment of a competition. We will run sequences and courses that will also prepare your dog for the trial ring. The focus will be on how to keep your dog engaged, under threshold, and happy versus working handling or obstacle skills, although those issues can definitetly be addressed as they arise.

6. Black Level

This is for teams who are competing at the Master level and above and are interested in developing their skills further for national and international-style competition.

  • This class is for dog and handler teams who are competing in the Excellent or Master levels. More advanced handling drills and proofing exercises focusing on Premier and International style sequences will be utilized! Get ready to work those layering skills, tough weave entries, tight turns, commitment, and so much more! Although the sequences are geared towards Premier/ISC/UKI type courses, any Master level team can benefit! Skills will be broken down for each team.