Agility is a mentally and physically challenging method of training your Dog but at the same time it's great fun. It gives the Dogs exercise whilst testing out your training and control. We have all breeds and sizes of dogs at our agility club. It is especially good stimulation for working dogs or dogs that find it too difficult to concentrate on obedience training.
Agility can be great fun for handlers too, increasing your bond with your dog, your understanding of each other and is great exercise. All training is done in a positive way and we are happy for you to use treats, praise, toys, and clicker training.
No rough handling of dogs is allowed at any of our lessons. If this occurs you may be warned but if it persists you may be asked to leave the course.
Tunnels: Mini tunnel, Rigid and flat tunnels
Weaves: V weaves and Upright weaves
Jumps: Tyre, Cavaletti jumps, Full height jumps, Mini jumps, long jump
Contact equipment: The A Frame, Dog walk, See saw (plus mini versions of all)
All teaching on our Contact equipment starts off at ground level or with mini equipment. As you progress and gradually grow in confidence, you will find you start supporting your dog until they have learnt the equipment. However, as they learn, it will be your challenge to learn and adapt handling skills to progress further and keep up with the dog.
At Little Orchard we hold a 10 week training course at The Mendip Stud. This takes place on Tuesday evenings from 6pm onwards. The start time is determined by the level of the Course. We offer the following courses:
Starters coursesThis is an introduction to the Agility Equipment and the environment. You will be able to work on individual pieces of equipment in a safe manner. All the equipment is started on low level or mini pieces can be used. This is then built up with the individual dogs ability and confidence. Group sizes are limited and Dogs must have completed at least bronze level obedience training so that Owners do not have to use time training control, waits and heelwork instead of the agility.
This is a chance for dogs and handlers that have completed a starters course to progress further. You will cover piecing together equipment, handling your dog, side changing, turns and mini courses of equipment.
This covers all aspects from the intermediate course and pushes the dogs and handlers a little further. The course will include working in and around the jumps (pull throughs, wrap arounds etc), moving away fromt he equipment, sending the dog on, contact work.
This is a new course starting in July 2010. It will be open to dogs and handlers who have completed the Advanced Course. Places are strictly limited so a waiting list is now available to secure a place. This group will be taught by a Specialist Agility Trainer working with Little Orchard. The group will have full use of the arena and all of the equipment will be made available. The course will include piecing together full courses, walking courses, contact and weave training, advanced jump work and preparing for competition standard.
