Prerequisite: 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 for Foundation Skills (Level 2) Class

(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;