Classes are currently in progress. Our next session will begin on Sunday, September 7th with registration opening online on Sunday, August 24th at 7pm. Be sure to register quickly as classes go fast! To be informed of upcoming sessions, follow us on Facebook, check our website, or join our email list.
The first class you register for is Foundation for Agility I (10 month age minimum). Classes are one hour per week and meet weekly for 6 weeks. The cost is $130 for non-members, $80 for members (membership details found here). Dogs must be friendly to other dogs and people.
Where space allows, we also offer drop-ins for classes. Members: $15 per drop-in, non-members: $25.
If you have any questions, please email us at classes@lowcountrydogagility.com.
Training Class Registration
To register, click on the class name in the schedule below and follow the steps. Non-members do NOT need to log into the website to register; there will be a step during registration where you can look up or create an account. Please note there are limited spots available in our classes and that Foundation I fills VERY quickly so be ready at the stated time to register.
Late Summer/Early Fall 2025 Class Schedule
Monday
6:30-7:30pm Handling 2 with Cindy C (see pre-requisites in description!)
7:45-9:15pm Handling 1 with Juli T (see pre-requisites in description!)
Tuesday
6:45-7:45pm Starters Coursework with Julie R
8:00-9:00pm Masters Coursework with Tami and Sheila
Wednesday
6:45-7:45pm International Coursework with Tami
8:00-9:00pm International Coursework with Sheila
Thursday
7:00-8:00pm Advanced Coursework with Arlene
8:15-9:45pm Masters Either/Or Skills and Drills with Cindy C and Lori
Friday
9:00-10:00am Masters Coursework with Nancy
Saturday
9:00-10:00am Backyard Dogs with Erin
Sunday
8:00-9:00am Foundation for Agility 2 & 3 Combo with Marion, Regina, and Ericka (both fields)
9:30-10:30am Foundation for Agility 1 with Marion, Regina, and Ericka** (both fields)
Note: Class dates for both Sunday classes are 9/7, 9/14, 9/21, 9/28, 10/12, and 10/26.
**10 month minimum age for Foundation for Agility I.
Training Class Descriptions
Please note that not all classes will be offered every session.
Beginner Classes
Foundation for Agility I
This class will emphasize FOCUS! We will concentrate on simple exercises to increase your dog’s desire to keep an eye on you. We will work on basic obedience skills including the sit, down, come, and stay commands. Other topics include loose lead walking, going around an object, offering a jump, committing to a tunnel, contact target work, handler and dog turns.
Prerequisites: Dogs must have had some sort of prior training (puppy, CGC, basic training), be friendly to other dogs and people, and be 10 months old.
Foundation for Agility II
Dog and handler teams will learn the basic commands for and how to negotiate the agility obstacles. The goal is for the canine partner to learn how to negotiate most obstacles on their own.
Prerequisites: Must have completed Foundation for Agility I.
Foundation for Agility III
Foundation for Agility III will continue to grow the dog's understanding of the various equipment that includes contact equipment (a-frame, dog walk, teeter) as well as jumps and tunnels to ensure proficiency. Teams will begin running short sequences.
Prerequisites: Must have previous training on contact equipment and completed a Foundation for Agility II class.
Foundations Skills Building
Each week teams will work on exercises (games) using cones and tunnels to build skills that will enhance handler knowledge and the dog’s understanding in a positive fun environment. Handlers will learn about timing, cueing, connection, commitment, motion, body position, and fluidity. We'll teach dogs extension, collection, drive, distance skills, independent obstacle performance, bypass skills, dog’s line, forward focus, and layering.
Prerequisites: Foundation for Agility II/III students that have successfully graduated Foundation for Agility I. Young dog handlers interested in building foundation skills. This is an optional class for those motivated handlers that want to focus on handling skills that are going to be essential for teams as they move through the basic-advanced-master level skill sets.
Starters Classes
Handling 1
This class will focus on teaching the most common handling techniques you’ll encounter on course. Your team will learn the basics of each skill: footwork, body position, connection, and commitment. How and when to choose each skill, communicate with your partner, and develop proficiency in short sequences and drills. Handling techniques will include: front, rear and blind crosses, lap and tandem turns, forced front cross, German turn, running on the dog’s line, and reverse wrap. We will introduce verbal cues as appropriate.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Foundation for Agility I, II, and III (or with permission of instructors).
Handling 2
We will introduce new handling techniques for your agility toolbox. You’ll learn the basics of each technique: footwork, body position, connection, cueing. We’ll have short sequences to help you learn when and where to choose each technique and how to execute them on course. Handling techniques will include: backside slice, serpentines, false turn, layering, reverse spin, reverse v set, Jaakko turn, and backside threadle.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Handling 1 (formerly called Can You Handle It) or Starters Coursework, but now want to focus on your handling skills.
Intro to Distance Handling
With agility courses becoming more complex, having your dog efficiently perform obstacles independently and at a distance is an important skill. This class will focus on skills needed to begin handling your dog at a distance. Skills learned include focus forward, verbals, layering, discriminations, and obstacle bypass cues. We will use small sequences with primarily jumps and tunnels.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Handling 101/Can You Handle It? or the equivalent. Teams should have a start line stay and/or be comfortable with dog being held at the start line.
Starters Coursework
This class will take things a step further, focusing on the usage of techniques learned in our handling classes to navigate full agility courses, with all obstacles being used. This class will contain sequences focused on handling and obstacle skills required for the green dog getting ready or just starting to compete. Courses will have approximately 14 obstacles in a sequence.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of an LCDA handling class. Knowledge of basic handling skills, and can perform all obstacles, including weave poles (if you need to use wires or other training aids on the weaves, that is fine).
Introduction to Weaves
This is an introductory class to the weave poles for new handling teams. This class will use competition poles 24 inch spacing and guide wires. Weave training topics include: (1) Intro to the poles with guide wires on, (2) moving thru the poles in sequence with other obstacles, (3) weave entries using “round the clock” method, lateral distance, and independence, (4) handler diverging and converging on the line while dog is in the weaves, front, rear, blind crosses, and layering. The class will be taught in 4 sessions. Meeting July 27th, August 3rd, 17th, and 24th. Homework and practicing is imperative for building beautiful weave pole success.
Intermediate Classes
USDAA Games
This class will introduce those new to both agility and USDAA to the fun games of USDAA; consider this a trial prep class. We will have 2 sessions dedicated to each of the following games: Gamblers, Snooker, and Pairs. We will explore the rules of the games, handling, and game strategies. This class is also a trial prep class. There will be a "judge" along with ring crew and other positions. All courses will be Starters/Advanced level courses.
Prerequisites: Dogs must be proficient on all obstacles and focused on the handler. Weaves are preferred but not required. We will not be addressing obstacle performance issues in this class. Successful completion of Foundation for Agility I, II, and III AND an LCDA handling class is required.
Advanced Coursework
This class will focus on developing and executing handling plans for a variety of courses that incorporate various handling challenges, including distance handling, off-course distractions, and obstacle discrimination. A variety of courses will be used (e.g. jumpers, standard, steeplechase, or Grand Prix style) to provide teams the opportunity to improve their skills and learn the basic differences in these competition courses.
Prerequisites: Knowledge of basic handling skills and experience handling medium length (10-12 obstacle) and/or full length courses.
UKI Skills & Drills
This class will focus on learning some of the skills needed to compete on UKI courses. The following will be covered using short sequences: layering, distance, discrimination and verbal cues.
Prerequisites: Advanced level teams only. Dogs should be proficient on all obstacles.
Jokers Wild
This class will focus on challenges seen on advanced and masters level courses. Each week we will work a skill-set such as finding the best/fastest line, difficult weave entries, backsides, gamblers/distance, and so on. Some weeks will be full coursework, other weeks will be shorter sequences.
Prerequisites: Handlers must ready to have their skills tested and dogs must be proficient on all obstacles, including weaves.
Backyard Dogs
This class will focus on drills that include a full range of handling challenges. This will include weave and tunnel entrances and a variety of jump skills (backsides, slices, wraps, serpentines, and so on).
Prerequisites: Dogs must be proficient on all obstacles and focused on the handler. Other than that, dogs competing at all levels are welcome.
Masters Classes
Masters Coursework
This class is intended to challenge masters level teams with masters/international style courses that require the handler to think about the most efficient and comprehensive path for the dog. Each class will allow teams to run full courses of both Jumpers and Standard style, with the option to also practice skills used in games classes such as Gamblers and Snooker.
Prerequisites: Teams entering this class must be competing in Masters/PIII Standard, however, exceptions may be made if a student has permission from the instructor.
Masters Either/Or Skills and Drills
This class will use either/or skills to teach your dog to follow your handling when the same obstacle is performed differently each time. All obstacles may be used including weaves.
Prerequisites: Must be competing at the Masters level (or permission of instructor).
International Coursework
This class is Masters handling taken to the next level... think Masters handing x 10, More Than Masters, Masters Handling on Crack. Are you a Masters handler that wants more challenge? Layering, distance, verbals, backsides, weave entries and exits that will make you want to pack up your car and go home… all wrapped up with super challenging proofing exercises. This class isn’t for the faint of heart. Students will be expected to have an open mind, embrace the challenge knowing failure is likely and homework lists will be long. If you sign up for this class, you must be prepared to be pushed out of your comfort zone.
Prerequisites: Teams entering this class must be competing at the Masters level across all events, however, exceptions may be made if a student has permission from the instructor.
Challenger's Coursework
This class is for Master level handlers who want to push their teams on International Style Courses. You will be working ISC 2/3 and UKI Master Series/Biathlon and Champion level builds. Discuss, analyze, and apply advanced handling techniques to optimize the best lines for your dogs.
Prerequisites: Dogs must be safe and competent on all equipment.
Please note that all dogs on the premises must be current on vaccinations, as recommended by their veterinarian.