Training Tip: Teach your dog what you want him to do, not what you don't want him to do. Why waste time teaching your dog not to do something! You will be a more positive and effective trainer, and your dog will have a better attitude, too, if you teach your dog the behaviors and skills that you do want from him. For example, if your dog is sniffing during agility performances, it usually signifies boredom, stress, or lack of confidence. Instead of wasting time teaching your dog not to sniff, teach your dog to play with you and get him excited for agility. If your dog leaves the ring or takes a lot of off-courses, focus on working on your recall. Always look for an opposing behavior or skill that you could teach to your dog to replace the undesired behavior. This is positive training. -- Nancy Gyes

Agility Foundations Class:

This class is designed to build a strong working relationship between the dog and handler. Handlers learn how to motivate their dog using games and specific techniques. Foundational work for the A-frame, Dogwalk and Seesaw will begin by using planks. Weave channels, Tunnel, Chute, as well as "Clicker" training will be taught.

Advanced Beginner Class:

Dogs will be introduced to the Jumps, Tire, and Table while continuing with more advanced work on the A-frame, Dogwalk, Seesaw and Weave Poles.

Class Prerequisites: Dogs must be at least one year of age and have completed successfully the Agility Foundations class. The dog should be easily controlled and be able to come, sit, down and stay.

Intermediate Class:

Dogs will continue to gain confidence with obstacles and start simple sequences. Weave pole performance will progress to standard straight-line weaving and all dogs will be traversing the contact equipment by class end.

Class Prerequisites: Successful completion of the Advanced Beginner Class.

Ready Set Go:

This class is offered to anyone who has completed the intermediate level at TLC or who has trained their dog on the contact equipment. The course or sequence will be ready & set to go. Each handler runs the course individually with feedback from the instructor as well as other class members. This class is designed to provide practice for both handler & dog in an informal setting. Anyone may participate to practice for competition or just for fun.

Class Prerequisites: Successful completion of the Intermediate Class.

Handling Skills:

Dogs and handlers come together as a team through advanced-level sequences focusing on handling techniques. Good communication skills between the dog and handler will be emphasized.

Class Prerequisites: Successful completion of the Intermediate Class.

Show Class:

This class is for teams who are getting ready to show. Classes are designed to offer full Agility course runs at a Novice level and simulate some of the trial experience. Each run will be critiqued and recommendations for improvement will be offered. Then teams will be able to practice those areas needing attention. There will also be practical discussion related to showing in Agility trials and walking courses.

Class Prerequisites: Successful completion of the Handling Class or a successful evaluation by a TLC instructor.

Competition Class:

This class is designed to give those competing in Agility advanced skills training. Classes will include exercises to work specific handling challenges and some full course runs. This class may be repeated as often as desired.

Class Prerequisites: Completion of the Show Class or a successful evaluation by a TLC Instructor.

Practical Obedience Class:

This class is designed for dogs or puppies (6 months & older) who have had little or no formal training.  Loose lead walking, sit, come, down, and stay will be taught in isolation with distractions being added in small increments. Socialization skills will be emphasized. Students will have an opportunity to ask questions in each class about their own specific concerns such as house-breaking, excessive barking, crate training, chewing, food guarding etc.  

Head Start Puppy Class:

This class is designed for puppies under 6 months old. Puppies should be at least 12 weeks old and should have completed their third round of shots (parvo).

Section I:  This class will provide your puppy with socialization while addressing a variety of owner needs including but not limited to house breaking, crate training, etc. as well as teaching the basics of name recognition, sit, down, & walking on a leash.

Section II:  This class will provide your puppy with extended socialization and deal with individual problems as well as reinforcement of the basic skills taught in the Puppy Section I Class.

CGC Class ( Canine Good Citizen Class):

This class is for the handler and dog who know most basic commands but need practice on the specific skills that are tested in the AKC CGC Program. All items tested are listed at  www.akc.org/events/cgc/training_testing.cfm.  The class will consist of five practice sessions. The actual CGC Test will be given individually to each student on class six. All participants who master the skills and pass the test items will earn the reward certificate of Canine Good Citizen from AKC. 

Class Prerequisites: Successful completion of the Practical Obedience Class or the Agility Foundations Class.

*All agility classes are $110 for 8 weeks.

Practical obedience and CGC class are $100 for 6 weeks.

Ready, Set, Go is $80 for 6 weeks.

• Pet Photography - Margal Myrick, Paws for Pictures Photography
• MADOC - Montgomery AL Dog Obedience Club
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