Brandy and Agility - Doberman Forum : Doberman Breed Dog Forums

**Brandy&Melanie** · 11-19-2012, 10:04 PM

Hey all! I combed through many agility threads on here, but I wanted one that was a little more personal and specific. Me and Brandy did a baby agility class when she was a pup (walk through ground hoops, no jumps or anything crazy like that), and I have decided that this is something that me and Brandy would really love to do together!

So.. I was wondering.. is there a way to scope out good agility places? Red flags? I need one relatively close to where I am, but the majority of them seem to be on Wednesdays, which I can't do. These are the two that I came up with that are still near me:

2x4 Agility -

Calgary Dog Training

I am a complete beginner, and the second one seems to offer a beginner course, so that looks helpful. However, that one also breeds dogs, so I am not sure if that is a good thing or not. The first one doesn't really have much information, but it looks somewhat more legit.

New thought: Is there something special required for agility? I thought it might be cool to try out, but do you need a certain level of obedience first? Brandy has good manners, but she needs to work on distractions! I also want to complete advanced obedience with her, but I am not sure if both would be too stressful?

Thanks in advance! I know that not a lot of people live where I am, but based on your knowledge when you look at the websites for the training, do they look like they are decent?

**EmilyB** · 11-19-2012, 10:14 PM

I'd probably get in touch with Denise for some recommends !

Denmel Dobermans

**Brandy&Melanie** · 11-19-2012, 10:31 PM

Ah! Thanks! Ooh, I am liking the look of some of the training school she recommends!!

**EmilyB** · 11-19-2012, 10:35 PM

I see she has Hyper Hounds on there so you did some good research...

Adara · 11-20-2012, 05:35 PM

how fun!! I personally prefer a true foundation class at first BUT some people find it boring. To me, the hard part is learning to "dance with my dog" (lead them around the coures) and the easier part is the obstacles. I prefer clases are all off lead. I teach nothing for agility on leash (huge pet peeve for me personally).

**Brandy&Melanie** · 11-20-2012, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adara

how fun!! I personally prefer a true foundation class at first BUT some people find it boring. To me, the hard part is learning to "dance with my dog" (lead them around the coures) and the easier part is the obstacles. I prefer clases are all off lead. I teach nothing for agility on leash (huge pet peeve for me personally).

Yes, that was my idea! However, it is on a Wednesday, which I can't do! They all seem to have the important classes on that day. I would rather do the foundation class first!

brw1982 · 11-20-2012, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adara

how fun!! I personally prefer a true foundation class at first BUT some people find it boring. To me, the hard part is learning to "dance with my dog" (lead them around the coures) and the easier part is the obstacles. I prefer clases are all off lead. I teach nothing for agility on leash (huge pet peeve for me personally).

Agreed, agreed, agreed!!! The dogs learn the obstacles quickly - there's really not much to it. But learning to move together and do distance work and how not to trip over one another are all very important.

And you'd think most people already know how not to trip over their dog...well, trust me, you'll need some pointers to train agility. LOL

Tollers-n-Dobes · 11-21-2012, 02:34 PM

I wanted to chime in and say that I've heard nothing but awesome things about Hyper Hounds. If I had a way to get there without bugging someone to take me, that is where I would take all of my dog classes. I've also heard pretty good things about Dignified Dogs, but Hyper Hounds is the one that's most often recommended (esp for Agility) by a dog friend of mine and most of the dog sport people I know.

As far as things you should know before taking Agility classes, I recommend not starting Agility unless a dog has pretty good handler focus or you can easily enough get them to engage with you. And definitely take a good foundations class if you plan on taking the sport further than just taking one set of classes for fun. If you plan to ever trial, a solid foundation wouldn't be something I would skip. :-)