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Training & Schedule

Welcome to Good Dog Agility Training

The mission of the Good Dog Agility Club training program is to provide high quality training resources to those interested in learning the sport of dog agility. Our purpose is to make training affordable, accessible and enjoyable to anyone interested, from the beginning agility team to competitive nationally recognized teams. To achieve these goals, we use only positive reinforcement training techniques and focus on the handler/dog relationship.

PRACTICE SITE

The Good Dog Agility practice site is located at Pomeroy Elementary School in Chandler, Arizona. From the intersection of Dobson and Elliot, go south almost 1/2 mile to Shawnee Drive. Take Shawnee Drive east approximately 1/2 mile to Pomeroy Elementary School, which will be on the south side of the street. The practice field is on the south side of the school property. We may park in the school parking lot (there is a close one on the west side of the school off of Longmore.)

 Please note that Shawnee does not connect to Alma School Road.

CLASS GUIDELINES

  1. Dogs must be at least 9 months old for training
  2. Intermediate dogs need to have completed a beginning class with Good Dog or another training group.
  3. If you are not sure which class to register for, contact the training director: trainingdirector@gooddog.org
  4. In order to gain maximum benefit from training, your dog must be in the correct class. Placing a dog in a class above the dog's level leads to frustration for the dog and handler and promotes poor agility habits.

Training Guidelines

  1. All dogs must be leashed when not involved in a training exercise. When waiting your turn to perform obstacles, please leash or confine your dog.
  2. Be prompt when it is your turn to perform the obstacles.
  3. Reward your dog for attempts and effort. Remember, some of the obstacles can be difficult for a dog to learn and may even elicit fear. Learning to perform the obstacle successfully builds confidence in the dog and improves the relationship between dog and handler.
  4. If your dog runs off during its turn, give one recall command. If your dog does not respond, do not give the command again. Giving a second command reinforces inappropriate behavior. Instead, go get your dog quickly and return to the obstacle if the instructor has directed you to do so. If it takes too much time to retrieve your dog, return with your dog to the set and your instructor will tell you when you can try the obstacle again.

Training Philosophy

The Good Dog Agility Training philosophy emphasizes positive training techniques with your dog. The sport of agility is meant to be enjoyed by both the dog and handler. A flat buckle collar is recommended for training.

Good Dog Agility is a USDAA (United States Dog Agility Association) club and training stresses USDAA rules. All Good Dog shows are USDAA sanctioned shows. Many Good Dog members compete in NADAC (North American Dog Agility Council) and AKC (American Kennel Club) as well, however, training will focus on USDAA standards, rules and regulations. Visit the USDAA site for more information about USDAA .

 

Do you Need an Agility Buddy?New to Agility competition? Worried about what to expect at your first trial? Sign up for Agility Buddies!!! This program will pair you with a more experienced agility team for your first show. Your buddy will help you through the check-in process, height measuring, tenting, your walk-through, etc. Each venue (USDAA, NADAC, and AKC) run their trials differently and your Agility Buddy is there to help you navigate your way through the confusing experience of your first trial.

And, if you are an experienced handler, please help out and volunteer your time. It is a great way to give back to the club and to meet other "dog people".

Contact the trainingdirector@gooddog.org for more information.

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