Basic Agility. Learn how to do it!

 

Competition Agility. Speed it up, Fido. Advanced moves.

 

Puppy Preschool. Housebreaking, biting, jumping. You know.

 

Puppy Agility. It's never too early to start your superstar.

 

Canine Good Citizen. Teach your dog how to behave.

 

Therapy Dog. Be nice to strangers. And don't slobber.

 

Off Leash Obedience. Control your dog without a leash.

 

Animal Actor Class. Yes, he'll need an agent.

 

Private Lessons. One-on-one training in agility or obedience.

 

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is agility training?  Agility is a sport designed for speed.  It’s basically an obstacle course where the owner directs the dog through a course off-leash.  There are many different obstacles, among them the teeter-totter, A-frame, elevated dog walk, and various jumps and tunnels.  In competitions, the goal is to complete the obstacles in the shortest period of time over a given course.  Time faults are given for obstacles completed incorrectly.  Training for agility, however, does not mean that you have to compete.  In fact, most of our members participate only for fun.  Dogs and their humans of all ages, shapes, and sizes can succeed at agility! 

Why should I do agility training?  Most dogs can benefit from agility training.  It improves balance, coordination, and allows you to interact with your dog in a positive and fun environment.  Dogs love agility, and owners often notice that their dog is happier and better-behaved when they train on a regular basis.  Agility training can often alleviate behavior problems by channeling dog’s frustration into something productive and fun.

Can I bring a puppy?  How young is too young?  You can enroll your puppy in puppy preschool at 8 weeks or older, provided that your puppy is up-to-date on all the appropriate vaccinations at that age.  After puppy preschool we recommend puppy pre-agility classes until your puppy has reached a year old and their joints and bones have matured. 

I have an older dog.  Can he learn new tricks?  Yes!  We encourage older dogs to participate in agility as long as they are healthy and active.  We do not recommend agility for elderly dogs that may have arthritis, joint problems, or balance issues.  Please check with your vet if you’re not sure.

Is previous obedience training necessary?  Basic obedience is required; your dog must know sit, down, stay, and come on command.  If your dog isn’t quite up to speed, we offer accelerated obedience classes to get you out on the agility course quickly.

My dog already had obedience training.  What will she learn that she doesn’t already know?  Agility isn’t obedience, but rather a fun game much like an obstacle or challenge course.   Your dog will learn coordination, balance, and self-confidence by learning to negotiate the obstacles.  In addition, you and your dog will learn to communicate effectively as a team. Click here to see the videos.

How big are the classes?  Class size is limited to eight students for agility and ten students for obedience and puppy classes.

How long are the classes?  How often do they meet?  Classes are fifty minutes and meet weekly for six weeks.  For our current schedule of classes, click here.

Can I bring my kids with me to training sessions?  Yes, we encourage kids, but each child must have an adult escort on site to participate in class. We also have after-school agility classes specially designed for kids and their dogs.

How old do I have to be to take part?  Children six and up may participate in classes with an adult escort. 

If my husband and I both want to come to sessions, is there any extra charge per person?  There are no extra charges for more than one person to participate, but due to space restrictions in the center, there is a per-dog limit of two people for group classes.  Private lessons have no restrictions for other household members.

Do you also provide grooming or boarding?  No, we are a training center only.

Do I need to purchase any special equipment?  No, you just need to bring your dog on a collar and leash.

Do you have on-site medical staff in case of an accident?  Safety is our highest concern, and all of our trainers are trained in basic first aid for dogs.  A 24-hour emergency clinic is less than a mile away for conditions requiring more extensive care.

Can I come by just to use the equipment with my dog, even if I’m not attending a session?  Yes, you may book private rentals to have the entire center to yourself, or you can drop by for Open Gym at designated times.  Open Gym is only open to Zoom Room members, who must have completed at least one agility session to participate.  For more information on membership, click here.

Can I bring both of my dogs?  Yes, although you may only handle one dog at a time.  We recommend bringing a friend to handle your second dog, or signing up for private lessons. 

My dog is great around people, but tends to get nippy and aggressive around other dogs, so I’m worried about group classes.  Do you offer individual classes?  Yes, we require aggressive dogs to sign up for private lessons.  Please call us for availability.

Can all breeds participate?  Are some breeds naturally more adept than others?  All breeds are capable of participating in agility and most dogs truly enjoy the experience.  The dogs most suited for competition seem to be the herding or working dogs.  However, we’ve seen Basset Hounds in competition so anything is possible! 

Once my dog has completed the training, are there also advanced classes?  We are currently developing competition classes for advanced students.

Are there competitions for agility?  Where?  When?  And how do I sign up?  Yes, there are many local agility competitions offered by different organizations.  A listing of upcoming competitions and information on competing is available at the center.

If my dog isn’t learning, can I get a refund?  We find that all dogs can benefit from agility training, even if they’ll never make it on Animal Planet.   Refunds are only offered after the first class minus a teaching and administrative fee. 

Will my dog be on-leash or off-leash during the training?  Agility obstacles are taught mostly off-leash.  Obedience is primarily taught on-leash.

Can I visit the facility and audit or watch a class before I sign up?  Yes, you may come watch a session prior to enrolling, however please call ahead so we can greet you.

Download our current dog training class schedule.