At what age can you start training Agility?
 | Actually, you can start the ground work training for agility when your dog is a very young puppy. We have a Puppy Agility class just for this reason. Although we do start training as early as 3 month, we do not let the dogs take the equipment at full height until their growth plates at sealed. |
I have a mixed breed, can we do Agility?
| Yes, mixed or purebred - any dog can train and compete in agility. |
Can an older dog train in agility?
| Yes, just so long as they do not have any health issues that would cause the dog harm by participating in agility. Many dogs just start Agility in their later years and are very successful as well as dogs who have "grown up" in agility and compete into their teens. |
Can I bring my dog to try it out?
| Yes, we encourage all newcomers to signup for a Beginning class and offer the first class (week) FREE. Although, it is important to understand that your dog will not be running courses after one class - it takes time to teach your dog to safely master all the obstacles. Chances are, if you enjoyed the time you spent with your dog learning the basics - you'll enjoy training at Martini's Ranch. Please note, you must signup in advance, we do not take beginner drop-ins. |
Can I drop by to observe?
| Yes, Please do! Everyone is welcome to stop by and watch. We do ask that you do not enter the field during a training class and save any questions you may have for the instructor until after the class. We also ask that you leave your dog at home when you come to observe. Having a dog watching from outside the field may be too much of a distraction for some dogs. |
Does my dog need obedience training to do Agility?
| Yes, but not competition obedience. Your dog should have a reliable "come" and should know a sit and down. We can teach most everything else you'll need. If you feel your dog needs more obedience, we suggest doing so before starting Agility. |
My dog is aggressive, can we still do Agility?
| It is recommended that you get the aggression under control before exposing your dog to a class or trial environment. If our trainers feel that your dog is a threat to other dogs and people, we will ask you to leave and refund your fees up to that point. |
How can I find out about trials so I can go watch?
| There is a great list on the internet that has all trials, seminars, and events for CA, NV, AZ. Click Here. |
I'm interested in what will be taught in your classes and how it will be trained. Is this information available?
| Yes, click here for our curriculum, training techniques and philosophies. |
Do you allow bitches in season to come to class?
| We do allow them to participate, just so long as they wear pants. |
What happens if we miss class?
| If class is cancelled by the trainer, then a refund will be applied to the next sessions fees. |
| If you miss class due to your own reasons there is no refund, but you may "float" to another class that week if room is available. |
What if I am going to miss most of the session and I want to save my spot?
| You may hold your spot in class by paying a reduced fee. Handler/Dog teams will be allowed to "float" to your spot during this time. If you are going to attend a class during this session, you will need to pay the drop in fee for that class. |
Is "pay and play" available?
| No, there is no unsupervised time on the field. |
What is the class size?
| We limit our classes to no more than 6 dogs. We feel that any more than 6 dogs will greatly decrease the "one-on-one" attention you'll need to be successful in Agility. We require a minimum of 3 dogs to start a class. |
Do you rent the field?
| Yes, we rent the field for seminars, club activities, and special occasions. Field rentals do not have to be Agility related. |
Do you allow training devises such as electronic collars or prong collars?
| No. |
Why did you call it Martini's Ranch?
| We named our facility after our first Agility dog, Martini - Shaken, Not Stirred. It is also our kennel name so it just seemed right. top |
Dogs and handlers of all ages, shapes and sizes have fun and are successful in Agility. You should ask yourself the following questions:
| Do enjoy spending time playing and interacting with my dog? |
| Do I enjoy physical activity and the outdoors? |
| Do I have the spare time during the week to train and the occasional free weekend to compete? |
| Does my dog enjoy interacting with me and like to be outdoors? |
| Is my dog physically capable of running and jumping? |
If you answered yes to these question, chances are, Agility is a good activity for you and your dog.