IMPORTANT – MEMBERSHIP & ENROLMENT REQUIRED
Agility classes are available to current Sutherland Shire Dog Training Club members only, and enrolment into the class is required before attending.
To participate in Agility training at SSDTC:
- Dogs must be a minimum of 16 months of age.
- Handlers must be current financial members of SSDTC.
- Dogs and handlers must be training in Class 3 Obedience at the Club.
- Dog and handler must successfully complete a pre-assessment before attending Agility classes.
Dogs should have a good foundation in Obedience, including the ability to stay when asked, work off lead and have a reliable recall.
Beginner Agility classes may be offered throughout the year. Members interested in joining a future beginner intake can enquire at the clubhouse on Sunday mornings and leave their details.
Please do not attend an Agility class without first receiving confirmation from the Agility instructors.
Agility Training Times
SSDTC offers Agility training from February to November.
February to March: Wednesday evenings
April to September: Sunday mornings
October to November: Wednesday evenings
Please refer to Training Times for current class dates and times.
What is Agility?
Agility is a fast-paced and fun dog sport in which dog and handler work together as a team to navigate an obstacle course.
An Agility course may include jumps, tunnels, a tyre, A-frame, dog walk, see-saw and weaving poles. The handler directs the dog around the course, completing the obstacles in the required order and within a set time.
Agility courses include a variety of obstacles, while Jumping courses focus on jumps, tunnels and the tyre.
Agility provides both mental and physical stimulation and develops communication, responsiveness and teamwork between dog and handler.
Many people enjoy Agility simply for the fun of training and teaching their dogs new skills, while others choose to progress to competition.
Agility Training at SSDTC
SSDTC Agility training focuses on teaching dogs and handlers the skills required to safely and confidently negotiate Agility equipment.
Our experienced Agility instructors teach handlers the correct and safe approach to training the different obstacles and the handling skills required to guide their dogs around a course.
Training uses positive reinforcement, including food rewards, toys and praise, to make learning enjoyable and rewarding for the dog.
Handlers are encouraged to be patient and consistent while developing their skills. Most importantly, Agility should be enjoyable for both dog and handler.
Beginner Agility
Beginner Agility classes may be offered at various times throughout the year.
Members interested in joining a beginner class should enquire at the clubhouse on Sunday mornings and leave their details to be added to the list for future beginner training.
Before joining an Agility class, each dog and handler must complete a pre-assessment to determine their suitability for training.
All newcomers, including beginners, will undertake an initial probationary period. This will generally be assessed after the first two or three classes.
Not every dog or handler will necessarily be suited to Agility. Dogs need to be comfortable working in the training environment and have an appropriate level of control around other dogs and people.
Dogs displaying aggression towards dogs or people are not suitable for Agility classes.
Your Dog's Health & Fitness
Agility is a physically demanding activity and dogs need to be physically capable of safely undertaking the training.
Dogs that are overweight or have back, hip, leg or other physical problems may not be suited to Agility.
If your dog has a health or physical condition that could affect their training, please advise your instructor before participating.
What to Bring to Agility Training
Please bring:
- A flat collar – no harnesses
- A long, flat lead
- A crate for your dog when they are not working
- Plenty of small food treats
- A favourite toy or tug to reward your dog
- Poo bags
Your dog will need to be crated while waiting for their turn.
Important Training & Safety Information
Please check your class starting time and arrive 20–30 minutes before training begins to assist with setting up the Agility equipment.
All participants are expected to help with both setting up and packing away equipment.
Dogs must remain on lead unless otherwise directed by an instructor.
Please do not allow your dog to approach dogs that are tied up or crated, and always give other dogs appropriate space.
Agility equipment must only be used when it is your turn and under the direction of an instructor.
Please listen while instructors are explaining exercises and training activities. Our instructors give their time to prepare and conduct training each week, and participants are expected to be respectful of both instructors and other class members.
Please remember:
- Your Membership Tag, showing your name and your dog's name.
- Ground Fees – $5.00 per session, payable at training.
- If your dog fouls the grounds, you must pick it up.
Agility Competition
For handlers interested in competition, Dogs Australia Agility trials are conducted throughout NSW and across Australia.
Agility competition provides opportunities for dogs and handlers to progress through different classes and levels as their skills develop.
For current competition requirements, classes, equipment specifications, rules and titles, please refer to the current Dogs Australia Agility Rules.