Level 1: Beginners

Prerequisite: Dog/handler teams should have basic obedience/manners skills: sit, down, stay, come, ability to walk calmly on-leash, and ability to focus on the handler in a group class setting. There is no requirement of the owner or the dog to know obstacles or the rules of agility before attending class. The focus for this class will be an introduction to the obstacles and basic handling skills.

This class is for dog/handler teams that are new to the sport of agility. Dogs will be off-leash for part of each class, so dog should be obedient off-leash. Beginners agility classes are an 8-week series that is offered 2-3 times per year.

Level 2: Foundation Skills*

Prerequisite: Dog/handler teams either have successfully completed the K-9 Xpress Beginners Class OR have arranged for an evaluation with an instructor (to demonstrate a comparable level of agility experience and dog-handler communication).

The primary focus in this class is building agility obstacle proficiency, with a secondary focus on sequencing.

Level 3: Novice*

Prerequisite: Dog/handler teams can safely and independently perform most obstacles (can be completing weave pole and teeter training). Teams should be able to sequence 3-5 obstacles, including backsides of jumps, dogwalk, and Aframe.

Sequencing is the primary focus of this class. In this class, dog/handler teams are introduced to common patterns and challenges such as serpentines, boxes, threadles, contact/tunnel discriminations, layering, and novice distance challenges. The goal is to prepare students for novice level courses in AKC, NADAC, and USDAA by applying skills learned in Level 2.

Level 4: Intermediate*

Prerequisite: Dog/handler teams have earned a Novice agility title in at least one venue (e.g. AKC, USDAA, NADAC, etc.) or have demonstrated an ability to compete at such a level.

This class uses a mixture of full agility courses and drills to improve handling performance for competition. The goal is to teach handling techniques to support the advanced dog/handler teams that are actively competing in Open level and above.

Level 5: Advanced / Open & higher*

Prerequisite: Dog/handler teams have earned a Novice agility title in at least one venue (e.g. AKC, USDAA, NADAC, etc.) or demonstrated ability to compete at such a level.

Group participation (such as offering a handling suggestion during a”walk and talk”) is central to the structure of this class.

Distance

currently not offered

Prerequisite: Must be a K-9 Xpress member. Open only to member dog/handler teams in the Level 3 class or above, or by special permission from the instructor.

The focus of this class is to teach the dog to work independently, and at a distance from the handler, in a fast and confident manner.

“Show & Go”/Games Night (Club Members Only)

Prerequisite: Must be a K-9 Xpress member. Teams must be able to safely sequence obstacles and should be under handler control at all times. Members should contact their regular class instructor or the Show-N-Go Instructor if they are unsure if they are qualified for this class.

The focus of this class is practice course analysis and performance in a manner similar to a trial (competition) setting. A full AKC, USDAA, UKI, or NADAC course will be set up. During their turn(s), handlers may choose to run the course, or ignore it in favor of training their dog for other objectives. This class is an excellent training supplement for competing dogs. Members new to agility are especially encouraged to come learn more about the show environment. Check your email for additional details.

* Dogs must pass the Behavior Evaluation prior to starting any class other than the Level 1: Beginners Class.

Weather Cancellation Policy

Austin K-9 Xpress agility classes may be canceled due to extreme or unsafe weather conditions, such as rain, lightning, snow, ice, and extreme heat. Instructors, when possible, will post a cancellation notice to the club email list.

Heat cancellations: If, at two hours before class time, the temperature or heat index is 100ºF or above, classes will be cancelled.

For information on field temperature, the training instructors will refer to the Weather Underground website.  When there is a question of class being cancelled due to heat, students should refer to this website to confirm if the temperature or heat index has reached the cancellation point (100ºF). Club members are also encouraged to refer to this website when planning to practice at the Wikazri field during hot days. Due to the weather station’s proximity to the field, it is a more accurate reference for field conditions than Camp Mabry and Bergstrom weather stations.