Agility Classes
Foundations
Prerequisite: Dogs must have obtained a CGC (Canine Good Citizen) title. Dogs should be well socialized and well behaved around other dogs. (Basic skills needed, strong recall, sit, down and stay).
Class Description:
Students will learn basic agility foundation skills. Building teamwork and enthusiasm for the game will be emphasized. Skills introduced are clicker skills, crate games, box games, body awareness exercises (front and rear), teach contact end behavior skills. Shaping vs. luring will be explained and demonstrated. Equipment used are platforms, long plank, cones, tunnels and jumps. NOTE: No A-frame, dog walk or teeter are used in this class).
Basic Obstacle Performance
Prerequisite: Dogs & handlers must have completed Agility Foundations.
Class Description:
Dogs & handlers introduced to the agility equipment used in AKC Trails. Emphasis will be placed on correct obstacle performance and necessary training to achieve and maintain this performance.
Weaves (Getting started)
Class Description:
Class teaches independent weave performance of 15-20 feet enabling the Handler to get to the next obstacle on a course while the dog is in the weaves. Students learn the mechanics of training weaves with the 2 x 2 method. Focus on shaping vs. luring and how to help your dog understand difficult weave entries and maintain drive and focus throughout the 12 poles.
Basic Handling & Sequencing Skills
Prerequisite: Dogs & handlers must have completed Foundations, Basic Obstacle Performance and Basic Handling & Sequencing Skills..
Class Description:
Emphasis on improving handler and dog’s understanding of the basic agility skills. Including front, rear and blind crosses, common agility jumping patterns, serpentine treadles will be introduced and run in short sequences. Emphasis will be on dog & handler teamwork and maintaining connection with your dog. Contact behaviors and weave skills will be included but handling and connection is the focus.
Novice
Prerequisite: Completion of Foundations, Basic Obstacle Performance and Basic Handling & Sequencing Skills.
Prerequisite: Completion of Agility #1, #2 and #3.
Class Description:
Class Description: Emphasis will be placed on longer sequences incorporating a mixture of basic agility course designs. Handlers will be encouraged to try a variety of handling skills. New skills will be introduced and included in sequences.
Novice, Open, Excellent/Master
Class Description:
For dogs & handlers who are competing or have equivalent skills for the Novice Open or Excellent/Master levels. The sequences will be set for multiple levels, and the class will teach skills and handlers methods depending on the experience level of individual teams.
Skills & Drills
Class Description:
Class will focus on mastering a variety of agility skills through drills, short sequences and proofing.
Coursework
Prerequisite: Completion of Foundations, Basic Obstacle Performance and Basic Handling & Sequencing Skills.
Class Description:
Courses will be set to work with various levels of teams from Novice to Master. Focus on fine tuning handler skills and course analysis.
Open
Prerequisite: Completion of Agility #4 (Novice). Dog must have one AKC Novice title. Dogs in this class must be showing at the equivalent of the AKC open level or higher.
Class Description:
Class will build on the skills learned in the Novice class. Emphasis on longer and more difficult obstacles sequences incorporating a mixture of course designs. Handlers will be encouraged to try a variety of handling skills.
Advanced Handling
Prerequisite: Completion of Foundations, Basic Obstacle Performance and Basic Handling & Sequencing Skills.
Class Description:
Continue to improve basic handling skills while adding more advanced handling skills and verbals. Short sequences will be utilized in this class.
Excellent/Masters
Prerequisite: Completion of One AKC Open Title. Dogs in this class must be showing at the equivalent of the AKC excellent level or higher.
Class Description:
Class will build on the skills learned in the open class. This class is designed to improve connection and teamwork. The obstacle sequences in this class will be more challenging with multiple obstacle sequences presented with challenges that require dog and handler connection and teamwork.
Coursework
Prerequisite: Completion of Agility #1, #2 and #3.
Prerequisite: Completion of Foundations, Basic Obstacle Performance and Basic Handling & Sequencing Skills.
Class Description:
Courses will be set to work with various levels of teams from Novice to Master. Focus on fine tuning handler skills and course analysis.
Competitive Handling
Prerequisite: Competing at the AKC equivalent of Excellent or Higher.
Class Description:
Class Description: Class will include a combination of full course work and short sequences to build each team’s proficiency and teamwork. The focus will be on fine tuning handler skills and staying abreast of current training methods and trends.
Registration Opens February 2, 2026 at NOON
Facility Club Location
Mailing Address:
Forest City Dog Training Club P.O. Box 2576 Rockford, IL 61132
Facility Club Location
Address:
6203 Material Ave. Loves Park, IL 61111