Our agility program starts with Introduction to Agility, where we begin by honing your dog’s obedience skills in a new environment - one with agility equipment in it. We strive to find the balance between your dog’s play drive and his willingness to work with you - and your ability to engage your dog in a positive manner. Remember, positive training is crucial in agility. Your dog will be running free, and you cannot make a dog run free with you by using punishment!

Our introductory agility class is followed by Obstacle Confidence class (I, II, III …) which will probably be repeated a few times as you and the dog progress.

What follows are Intermediate Agility and Novice Prep class, then Competition Agility. For our advanced students who want more exposure to coursework, and for students from other facilities, we offer Open Agility Runs on Sunday afternoons or evenings, depending on the time of the year.

Each dog advances through the classes at its own rate, and class sizes are kept small to enable each dog and handler to have maximal exposure to equipment and running opportunities. Safety is stressed here, for both dog and handler.

For class dates and times, please check our Class Schedule page, and to to find how to sign up, go to Registration info (fees are there, too).

Puppy Agility

Familiarize your puppy with training techniques that will help in his agility career - or in whatever you do! Present physical and mental challenges to your puppy to help him gain confidence and physical awareness, as well as greater competence with obedience skills. Some of the activities we work on in Puppy Agility class are targeting, motivated stays (and releases), fence ties, circle work, and speedy recalls. We introduce the tunnel, planks, jumps with ground bars, and the table in addition to several other items. Class duration is 5 weeks, one hour each week. Puppy kindergarten or other basic obedience class is a must to prepare for this class. Clicker training is used. For “puppies” up to 1 year of age.

Introduction to Agility

In this class, dog and handler are introduced to agility concepts and equipment in a stepwise, positive manner. The focus is on making agility absolute fun for the dog. Safety on the equipment is stressed. Jump and contact obstacle heights are kept low. Most work is done on lead. Prerequisite: Mountain View’s Family Dog class or similar program, or approval by instructor,

Agility - Obstacle Confidence

This class follows Introduction to Agility. Dogs and handlers continue with equipment training until dog is fluent on all AKC equipment and simple sequencing is begun. Weave poles will probably still need work by the end of this class. Basic handling concepts are introduced. This class may be repeated.

Intermediate Agility

Once dogs become confident on equipment, its time for the handler to learn all the fine points of getting the dog around the course most efficiently. In this class we focus on teaching handling techniques, including lead-outs, front, blind and rear crosses, etc., and how to use them in sequences to optimze the dog’s performance.

Novice Agility Preparation

For dog/handler teams who have successfully completed our Intermediate Agility class or equivalent (subject to instructor approval). Preparation for competition in AKC, USDAA, NADAC and UKC trials. Rules are discussed and representative course segments and an occasional full course from these venues are presented.

Competition Agility

For dogs with at least two legs in AKC Novice or equivalent, or with instructor approval.. Sequences from open level and above are worked on. Course strategies are discussed.

For other competition agility classes, do check out Team Run Agility at Mountain View.

Agility Open Runs

Courses are set up and run. This class is loosely monitored/taught. Advanced courses are set up in addition to side sequences. We also play games such as Snooker and Gamblers. You may choose to run with the monitored “class” or use our second field of equipment to play independently with your dog. All classes are held outdoors. A great opportunity to expose your dog and yourself to other equipment in a new and different location! Definitely a class for experienced handlers and dogs; if you and your dog are just beginning agility, please check out our more basic classes or contact us for a private session.

UKC Agility

UKC Agility is a great way to get started in competitive agility. Trials are less pressured than in other venues, and course times are more generous. The focus in UKC agility is #1 safety. In this class we will review the equipment and rules that make UKC different from other venues. Dogs will learn to negotiate the UKC AG-II equipment and will work on course segments. Prerequisite for this class: Dog ready to compete (or already competing) at novice level, which means they are comfortable on all the “usual” agility equipment. This class is held sporadically, generally in the early spring.

Agility Fun Runs

Agility Runs for Novice and Advanced competitors, offered occasionally. These events are organized to simulate agility trials, to help the dogs become accustomed to the bustle and confusion of a trial. A great opportunity to get your dog on new and different equipment under mildly stressful conditions. Spectators are welcome, free of charge.