Prerequisites

Dog/handler teams either successful complete the K-9 Xpress Beginners OR arrange 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 obstacle proficiency, with a secondary focus on sequencing.

Graduation Criteria

(1) Graduation Criteria: Obstacle Proficiency

  1. 2on/2off on Aframe & Dogwalk:
    Contact criteria (2on/2off) is understood by dog: Dog offers 2on/2off with minimal assistance from handler (e.g. minimal change of motion, target not always necessary).
  2. Dogwalk (dw) and Aframe:
    Can confidently cross the Aframe and dw
  3. Tunnel:
    Can be straight, gentle curve, or U-shape
  4. Teeter:
    Can perform a half height teeter with assistance (e.g. instructor lowers teeter); dog should start to understand end behavior on teeter (Large dogs may do 2on/2off on teeter; small dogs should do 4on.)
  5. Weave poles:
    Channel weaves: Channel is nearly closed and/or most guides are removed
  6. Specialty Obstacles
    Familiar with “specialty” obstacles, but may still need strong handler support when present in a sequence:
    *  Barrel
    *  Broad Jump
    *  Double Jump
    *  Hoop
    *  Table
    *  Tire
    *  Triple Jump

(2) Graduation Criteria: Sequencing

  1. Can sequence 3-5 obstacles in a row, including backsides of jumps, dogwalk, and Aframe
  2. “Specialty obstacles” as defined above may need strong handler support in a sequence
  3. Can execute a FX and PT in a sequence
  4. Optional: Familiar with a RX, but may not be able to perform RX in a sequence
  5. Optional: Able to perform a rBX

* FX = front cross; PT = post turn; RX = rear cross; rBX = running blind cross;

(3) Graduation Criteria: Verbal Cues

Have taught the dogs verbal cues and handlers are learning to use the following verbal cues (cues should always be supported by appropriate motion and body cues):

  1. Go
  2. GoGoGo OR Go On
  3. Collection cue: Easy (or Quiet)
  4. Turning cue: (easy) Rightl/Left
    For handlers with handler-relative turning cues: (easy) BeepBeep and (easy) Out
  5. Obstacle names

(4) Graduation Criteria: Concepts & Theory

Introductory/ Basic understanding of the follow concepts

  1. How to perform a FX, PT, and rBX* (optional: RX)
  2. How to support an obstacle with appropriate motion, verbal, and body cues
  3. How to cue a turn with appropriate motion, verbal, and body cues
  4. Optional: Extension and Collection
    1. How to cue acceleration/extension with body, motion, and verbal cues
    2. How to cue deceleration/collection with body, motion, and verbal cues
  5. Optional: Obstacle Focus and Handler Focus
    1. Dogs who are accelerating are generally in obstacle focus
    2. Dogs who are decelerating are generally in handler focus

* FX = front cross; PT = post turn; RX = rear cross; rBX = running blind cross;