Agility questions

[Cleo2014]

I figured I would go where the experts are. I am looking into maybe doing agility for Cleo. I need to know what age she needs to be to start training. What is the average costs associated with beginner training and how do I find classes in my area? Also, do I need to buy equipment for my backyard to practice on? Should I buy a video on Agility or just go to classes? I just need a basic view on what I am getting myself into. Any advice is appreciated.

 

[corbinam]

Great questions! I've found that the cost of classes can vary really widly from one area to another. For me, I think it's around $90 for a 6-week session. I would think for you it might be a touch cheaper.

I'm not sure exactly where you're located but we trial in Indianapolis all the time. There is a club there called Pawsitive Partners and they're a really great club. I can give you a couple names of people to contact if you're interested, though it looks like they have a great website.

I always say that yes, you can learn agility without taking classes--but it's not as easy. There are some great books and DVDs out there, but in my opinion they are better as supplements to hands on training with someone with experience.

I also wouldn't worry about buying equipment until you start your classes. Typically there is a level or two of classes where little to no real equipment is needed (maybe a board on the ground--something easy to make or buy!) and you can make sure that you and your dog enjoy it before investing in expensive equipment (or trying to make your own).

 

[Cleo2014]

Great questions! I've found that the cost of classes can vary really widly from one area to another. For me, I think it's around $90 for a 6-week session. I would think for you it might be a touch cheaper.

I'm not sure exactly where you're located but we trial in Indianapolis all the time. There is a club there called Pawsitive Partners and they're a really great club. I can give you a couple names of people to contact if you're interested, though it looks like they have a great website.

Indy is about an hour drive from Terre Haute. I just need to hop on I-70 to get there. I will check out Pawsitive Partners website and see if that is something I can fit into my schedule as that may be my only option since I don't believe that have any classes here.

 

[Silaria]

Great questions! I've found that the cost of classes can vary really widly from one area to another. For me, I think it's around $90 for a 6-week session. I would think for you it might be a touch cheaper.

Classes in my area are between $90 & $120 for 6 - 8 weeks. It depends where you go. (My club is $100 for 8 weeks.) It really does depend on where you live and what your cost of living might be.

I always say that yes, you can learn agility without taking classes--but it's not as easy. There are some great books and DVDs out there, but in my opinion they are better as supplements to hands on training with someone with experience.

Another advantage of taking classes is the dogs can get use to working with distractions of other dogs around them, people in the ring (usually the instructor), extraneous noises, etc. Also a good face to face instructor can adapt what skill is being taught to fit your dog. There are many different ways to teach the same skill and some work better for some dogs than others. (Such as big dogs vs. little dogs). Books and DVDs can help when you have no other option.