Dog/handler teams need to either successfully 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 (doing multiple obstacles in a row).
Graduation Criteria
(1) Graduation Criteria: Obstacle Proficiency
- A-frame & Dogwalk:
- “2on/2off” is understood by dog and offered with minimal assistance from handler (e.g. minimal change of motion, target not always necessary).
- Dog can confidently cross the obstacles at full height
- Tunnel: Dogs can confidently complete straight, gentle curve, or U-shaped tunnels
- Teeter:
- Dog can perform a half height teeter with assistance (e.g. instructor lowers teeter or uses target)
- Dogs start to understand desired end behavior on teeter (“2on/2off” or “4on”, depending on size of dog)
- Weave poles: Channel weaves are nearly closed and/or most guides are removed
- 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
- Can sequence 3-5 obstacles in a row, including backsides of jumps, dogwalk, and A-frame
- “Specialty obstacles” as defined above may need strong handler support in a sequence
- Can execute a front-cross and post-turn in a sequence
- Optional: Familiar with a rear-cross, but may not be able to perform rear-cross in a sequence
- Optional: Able to perform a 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):
- Go
- GoGoGo OR Go On
- Collection cue: Easy (or Quiet)
- Turning cue: Right/Left, Here/Out, BeepBeep/Out, etc.
- Obstacle names
(4) Graduation Criteria: Concepts & Theory
Introductory/ Basic understanding of the follow concepts
- How to perform a front-cross, post-turn, running blind cross, and (optional) rear-cross
- How to support an obstacle with appropriate motion, verbal, and body cues
- How to cue a turn with appropriate motion, verbal, and body cues
- Optional: Extension and Collection
- How to cue acceleration/extension with body, motion, and verbal cues
- How to cue deceleration/collection with body, motion, and verbal cues
- Optional: Obstacle Focus and Handler Focus
- Dogs who are accelerating are generally in obstacle focus
- Dogs who are decelerating are generally in handler focus