Agility Training for all Levels Classes began with 7 enthusiastic individuals and their willing canine partners. Members started their beginning dogs in the basics of agility at evening and Saturday classes with training focusing on positive reinforcement and having fun with your dog. Soon, intermediate classes were added, regulation equipment was purchased. On October 16-17, 1993, the first USDAA Sanctioned Agility Test was held with 76 dogs competing. Excellent training classes are one of the main benefits to Good Dog members. Classes are offered for all training levels. The novice dog and handler are introduced to the obstacles and guided by experienced instructors. Advanced dogs and handlers are given challenging courses with veteran handlers giving suggestions and guidance for solving problems found in the more complex courses. |
Good Dog Today Today Good Dog Agility is a name known throughout the southwest. The club holds two USDAA sanctioned agility tests per year. Last year's Regional Grand Prix hosted by the club kept Good Dog members busy in two rings ensuring that over 200 dogs had their time to "show their stuff." Good Dog Agility is run by a six-member board with five supporting positions. Members have the opportunity to improve their handling skills by attending club-sponsored training seminars. Experienced instructors help the beginning dog and handler gain confidence. Novice and experienced dogs perform at community events and beginning dogs receive their graduation diplomas at end-of-quarter picnics. Fun runs are also held at the end of each quarter so that members can gain valuable ring experience. The Good Dog Company Store sells T-shirts and related dog items at training classes and also at Good Dog events. |
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Joining Good Dog For information regarding joining Good Dog, contact our club secretary at secretary@gooddog.org or download the Membership Application. We hold three training sessions each year with one, or possibly two, beginning classes per session. The sessions usually begin in September, January, and April. We, many times, have waiting lists for our classes. Please contact our club secretary to let us know you are interested, so we can send you information when sign-ups begin. If you and your dog have had classes before, you may be able to join Good Dog and the on-going training mid-session. Again please contact our secretary for details. |
Club Bylaws |
Good Dog Agility Begins...
Obedience shows have always been popular in Arizona and Good Dog Obedience Club was an excellent place to train your canine friend for competition. As the sport of dog agility began to increase in popularity, Anita Easley (club president) was approached by Bud Houston who suggested that Good Dog also include agility training. Club members unanimously supported the idea and on November 2, 1992, in Fitch Park, Mesa, Arizona, Good Dog Agility began its first agility class. Bud and Marsha McIntosh brought non-regulation equipment from their backyard, and little did they know that in only a few years, Good Dog Agility would be popular throughout the southwest and the host for regional Grand Prix events.