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Training Classes




We offer Beginner to Masters level agility group classes at our outdoor training field in West Ashley (address/directions here). LCDA does not offer private lessons.

Spring classes will begin the week of March 11th with registration opening online on Wednesday, March 6th at 7pm. Class spots go quickly so be ready to register at that time! 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. Classes are one hour per week and meet weekly for 6 weeks. The cost is $120 for non-members, $70 for members (membership details found here). Dogs must be friendly to other dogs and people.


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. 



Spring 2024 Class Schedule


Monday
6:30-7:30pm Handling 101 with Arlene and Annie  7:45-8:45pm Foundation for Agility I* with Arlene (both fields)

Tuesday
6:15-7:15pm Foundation for Agility III with Sue
7:45-8:45pm Starters Coursework with Juli

Wednesday
6:15-7:15pm Can You Handle It? with Cindy C
7:30-8:30pm UKI Skills & Drills with Nancy

Thursday
7:00-8:00pm Advanced Coursework with Tami
8:15-9:15pm Masters Coursework with Sheila and Lori

Friday
10:30-11:30am Jokers Wild with Lori

Saturday
9-10:00am  Backyard Dogs with Erin
10:30-11:30am Introduction to Weaves with Wanda (back field)

Sunday
9-10:00am Foundation for Agility II with Marion and Regina (both fields)
10:30-11:30am Foundation for Agility I* with Marion, Regina, and Ericka (both fields)

*10 month minimum age recommendation 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.


Starters Classes

Can You Handle It?
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: Teams should have completed Foundation for Agility I, II, and III and be ready to advance their handling skills. Recommend taking prior to Starters Coursework.

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 introduction to weaves. We will be training the channel weave method with guide wires. We recommend purchasing a starter set to use at home. 
Prerequisites: Must have completed Foundation for Agility III. Your dog must be able to work around other dogs since several dogs will be working at a time. Dogs should be at least one year of age.


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.


Starters Coursework for Experienced Handlers and Green Dogs
This class will focus 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 or equivalent. Handler must be experienced with a previous dog (or permission of instructors) and have knowledge of basic and advanced handling skills. The dog must be able to perform all obstacles, except weave poles (or with permission of instructors).


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.

Summertime Half Court Wednesdays
We will be working 60 x 90 courses on the shady side of the field in the morning. Focus on handling lines, interesting start lines, improving and tightening up slices, threadles and serpentines. Courses will be Masters/Senior-Champion set ups. We will have lots of skills to work on!
Prerequisites: Must be proficient on all equipment.


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.



Please note that all dogs on the premises must be current on vaccinations, as recommended by their veterinarian.



Low Country Dog Agility
1981 Ashley River Road
Charleston, SC 29407