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Dog agility training is an excellent way to engage your furry friend in physical and mental exercise, regardless of age or skill level. In Chicago, IL, you can find training facilities that cater to all skill levels, from beginners to advanced dogs.
Chicago's dog agility training facilities offer a range of equipment and obstacles, including tunnels, jumps, weave poles, and contact obstacles. These facilities also provide a safe and controlled environment for dogs to learn and have fun.
Whether you're a seasoned dog owner or a first-time handler, dog agility training in Chicago can be a great way to bond with your dog and improve their behavior. With patience and practice, your dog can learn to navigate complex courses and develop their problem-solving skills.
Some training facilities in Chicago offer private lessons and group classes, allowing you to choose the best option for you and your dog.
Training Schedule
K9U Agility Training offers classes for dogs of all levels, from beginners to advanced. Their classes are held in Chicago and are a great way to introduce your dog to agility training or take their skills to the next level.
Classes are typically 5 weeks long and cost $250.00. You can choose from classes held on Mondays or Wednesdays, depending on your schedule.
Here is a breakdown of the class schedule:
Additionally, K9U Agility Training offers workshops on specific agility skills, such as advanced weaves and teeter training. These workshops are designed to help dogs overcome challenges and build confidence.
K9U Training Schedule
At K9U, we offer agility training classes that cater to dogs of all skill levels. Our classes are designed to be fun and engaging for both you and your furry friend.
You can choose from three levels of training: Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced. Each level is tailored to meet the unique needs of your dog, whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out.
Our agility training classes are typically 5 weeks long and cost $250.00. You can find the schedule for our classes on our website or by visiting us in person.
Here's a look at our upcoming agility training classes:
Keep in mind that there will be no class on November 27th due to the holidays.
Workshops
Workshops are a fantastic way to focus on specific skills and take your agility training to the next level.
You can choose from various workshops, such as Advanced Weaves or Teeter, which cater to different levels of experience and address specific challenges.
The Advanced Weaves workshop is designed for dogs who understand the mechanics of the weave poles but struggle with independence. It covers forward focus through poles, handler motion, and tough entries and exits.
This workshop takes place on Tuesdays from 9-11am and consists of 8 classes, starting on January 3rd.
Here's a breakdown of the workshop schedule:
The Teeter workshop is designed to help dogs overcome their fear of the teeter by breaking it down into manageable pieces and building confidence.
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This workshop is only open to dogs who are at least 1-year-old and have completed agility level 2 or higher.
The workshop schedule is as follows:
- Fridays, 4:45pm
- January 6th, 20th, and 27th
Please note that you must submit health records and complete a Training Intake Form at least 48 hours before the start date to secure your spot.
Puppy Pre-
The Puppy Pre-Agility class is a great way to introduce your puppy to agility equipment in a safe and fun environment. This class is designed for puppies between 10 weeks and 6 months old.
Puppies' growth plates are not fully developed, so they need a special program to help them safely experience agility equipment. The Puppy Pre-Agility class is designed to build your puppy's experience with agility in a positive and fun learning environment.
The class includes activities with contact obstacles, floor level jumps, tunnels, floor level donuts, and targeting. These activities will help your puppy develop the skills they need to succeed in Beginner Agility.
The Puppy Pre-Agility class is offered on various days and times, including Fridays at 7:15pm and Saturdays at 1:45pm. The class is taught by experienced instructors, including Sharon Cierniak, who teaches both the Friday and Saturday classes.
In order to participate in the Puppy Pre-Agility class, your dog will need to be crated in-between turns on the course. This is to ensure your puppy's safety and to prevent any potential injuries.
The Puppy Pre-Agility class is a great way to socialize your puppy and help them develop the skills they need to succeed in agility training.
Training Classes
If you're looking for dog agility training classes in Chicago, IL, you've got plenty of options to choose from.
K9U Agility Training Classes offer a variety of schedules, including Monday, Wednesday, and weekend classes. Their classes range from beginner introduction agility to advanced agility, with some classes specifically designed for dogs that have already completed Agility II.
One of the most convenient aspects of K9U's classes is that they offer multiple time slots to fit your schedule. You can choose from classes that take place on Mondays at 6:15 pm or 7:30 pm, or on Wednesdays at 6:15 pm.
Another great option for dog agility training in Chicago is K9U's indoor facility, which features a competition-style agility training course. Here, you and your dog can learn to navigate tunnels, weave through poles, and jump over obstacles.
To give you a better idea of the class schedules and prices, here's a breakdown of K9U's agility training classes:
Keep in mind that prices may vary depending on the class level and instructor. It's always a good idea to check with the training facility directly for the most up-to-date pricing information.
If you're interested in trying out agility training with your dog, don't be intimidated if you're a beginner. Many facilities, including K9U, offer classes specifically designed for dogs and their owners who are just starting out. These classes will teach you and your dog the basics of agility training, and you'll be able to progress to more advanced classes as you become more confident and skilled.
One of the best things about agility training is that it's a great way to bond with your dog while getting exercise and having fun. By enrolling in agility training classes, you can strengthen your relationship with your dog and help them become a more confident and capable companion.
Intermediate
If you've already taken the beginner or puppy class at K9U Agility Training, you're likely ready to move on to the intermediate level. This class is designed for dogs that have completed the beginner or puppy class and have been approved by the trainer to move on to more challenging instruction.
Intermediate agility classes at K9U cover contact obstacles and weave poles, as well as more complex handler body and footwork to communicate with your dog. The goal is to increase your dog's distance and independence on each obstacle, as well as their confidence in playing the game.
You can expect to learn short sequences in this class, and advancement will be based on your dog's pace and the trainer's recommendation. The trainer's duty is not only to build a strong bond between owners and their pets but also to educate them on positive reinforcement training and behavior modification.
K9U offers intermediate agility classes for a duration of 5 weeks, and the cost is $250.00 for one dog and handler. This class is a great way to take your agility training to the next level and continue to build a strong bond with your dog.
Here's a brief overview of the intermediate agility class schedule:
Special Events
Our dog agility special events are a great way to put your skills to the test. The agility fun run is an open gym format where you can practice any skills you want or attempt one of the courses set out by our trainer.
You'll have three minutes in the ring per round, and the obstacles will include tunnels, jumps, weaves, and the A-Frame. You can use treats or toys to reward your dog, and don't forget to bring a leash and/or crate for when your dog is not running.
The cost of these evenings is $35 each. The viewing/crating room will be available for participants not actively in the ring, so you can cheer on your friends while waiting for your turn.
The weave poles are notoriously the hardest obstacle in agility, requiring dogs to commit a back and forth movement to muscle memory. To introduce your dog to the poles, you'll need to bring a variety of treats, especially ones that won't break up easily on the dark-colored floor.
You'll need to attend a 2-hour seminar to learn how to build independence, drive, and control as you advance through the poles. The cost of this workshop is $45.
Class Types
At K9U Chicago, you'll find a variety of dog agility training classes to suit your pup's needs.
There are three main levels of classes: Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced. These classes are 5 weeks long and cost $250.00 per dog and handler.
You can choose from a range of class schedules to fit your lifestyle, including Monday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday classes.
Here's a breakdown of the class schedules:
Each class has its own unique schedule, so be sure to check the dates and times that work best for you.
Puppy Training
Puppy Training is a great way to introduce your furry friend to agility training in a fun and safe environment.
The Puppy Pre-Agility class is designed for puppies between 10 weeks and 6 months old, and it's a fantastic way to build their foundation for agility training.
This class is a positive and fun learning experience for your puppy, and it will help them safely interact with agility equipment.
In this class, your puppy will get to experience contact obstacles, floor level jumps, tunnels, floor level donuts, and targeting.
You'll need to crate your puppy in-between turns on the course to ensure their safety.
The Puppy Pre-Agility class is offered on Fridays at 7:15pm and Saturdays at 1:45pm, with instructor Sharon Cierniak.
You can register for this class by visiting the link provided in the article section.
If you're looking for a different time slot, don't worry - there are plenty of other options available.
The Puppy Pre-Agility class is a great way to get your puppy started on their agility journey, and it's a fantastic way to bond with your furry friend.
Expert Levels
If you're looking to take your dog's agility training to the next level, you'll want to aim for the expert levels. These levels are designed for dogs that have already mastered the basics and are looking for a new challenge.
Expert levels typically involve more complex and physically demanding courses, requiring dogs to use their problem-solving skills and athleticism to navigate obstacles. In Chicago IL, expert dog agility training courses often include weave poles, contact obstacles, and complex jumps.
As a dog owner, you'll want to make sure your dog is physically fit and mentally prepared for expert level training. This may involve working with a professional trainer to develop a customized training plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should a dog start agility training?
Dogs should be at least 12-18 months old before starting agility training to ensure they're physically mature. Training can begin once your dog has reached full growth, but it's essential to consider their breed and individual development.
Is it too late to train my dog for agility?
No, it's not too late to train your dog for agility, as long as they're at least a year old and physically able. You can start training your dog at any age, but it's best to wait until they're mature enough to participate in competitions.
Is dog agility expensive?
Dog agility can be a significant investment, with average costs ranging from $1,000 to over $3,000, depending on equipment and training needs. However, the rewards of this fun and challenging activity for you and your dog may be well worth the cost.
Sources
- https://k9uchicago.com/k9-training/dog-agility-training/
- https://urbanpooch.com/chicago/agility-sport/
- https://www.pawschicago.org/events-dog-training/dog-training-classes/obedience-classes/agility/showpage
- http://kimsdogcoaching.com/agility.html
- https://k9uchicago.com/locations/summer-bond-dog-exciting-agility-training/
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