Agility class near Colchester?

I think Kismet may enjoy some agility training, but I have never really tried agility before...

At what age can you start agility training? Kismet is 7 months old now. Is there such a thing as Puppy agility? If not, what would people recommend as some good basic training before trying agility?

Does anyone know of an agility class near Colchester we could join?

Training on the equipment shouldn't start until a year old, but there's plenty you can teach in the meantime, a solid wait, a reliable recall, direction commands (left, right and go on), touch (a nose touch on a target can be useful for contacts) and make sure the dog is comfortable walking on the left and right side of you. And there's always playing ball and tuggy, both can be used later to motivate at agility.

There is a club in Colchester, but I know they have a waiting list, but might be worth enquiring http://www.colchesterdac.co.uk/ , I run an agilty club near Maldon, but we are full at the moment too and aren't looking to run a new beginners class for the forseable future. Patch also runs classes somewhere in Essex, I'm sure she'll be along later. Otherwise you can look on Agilitynet at the Clubs A-Z.

Hi I've only just seen this thread. Your pup is too young to start doing agility yet, but there is nothing to stop you from taking Kismet along to watch and get used to the atmosphere.
Patch runs very good agility classes in Colchester and I can highly reccomend her.
If you pm her I am sure she will give you all the details and i know she would welcome your pup along to watch.

Thanks Madmare, just the advice I was hoping for... I know Kis is too young, but we both have a lot to learn about agility and just going along to watch and meet others in a friendly atmosphere will do a lot to build the bug in both of us

I know it's abit further out but check out
www.all4paws.uk.com

Great people

You could try this one, I am a member there with one of my staffs. Agility is based in Wix and the obedience in Clacton.

http://www.tagdogs.co.uk/

Have pm`d you Magpye

In keeping with open-ness about training methods, these are the basics of `first contact` info as sent by pm regarding training at my club

"I do encourage people with youngsters to come as often as they can until pups are old enough to train so that they can get used to things like sights and sounds of the equipment and the other dogs, not just for socialisation but it`s amazing how much confidence it can give a pup to see other dogs on the equipment, plus of course potential handlers can learn a tremendous amount from watching what the other handlers are doing before they start trying it themselves

I also like potential handlers to see how we train anyway and it gives a handler opportunity to let us know any `foibles` their dogs might have which we need to be aware of to make sure its as positive and safe an experience as possible for a new dog, [ we do accept dogs with `difficulties` and each member is made aware of which dogs need a bit of `space` from other dogs or humans as well as helping dogs with issues to work through them ].

The initial briefing for all potential handlers to the club :
Our methods are positive and reward based only, no harsh handling allowed, no chokers or other punitive type equipment is allowed on the premises, preferred tools are toys, treats, and fun

Underage pups will be allowed, under supervision, to be introduced to jumps with poles on the ground, tunnels, tyre set low, [ touching the ground ], and `homework` for the handler on things like teaching directional cues, motivation, and anything else beneficial for when pup is old enough to train `proper`.
At 12 months of age, they can start doing low jumps and minimal impact equipment, weaves are left til last as the weaving action can put stress on still growing joints and muscles etc, [ larger breeds especially ], and if there are any known health issues in a breed, or in known breeds in a crossbreed, it`s advisable to get a clean bill of health from the vet before commencing at 12 months.
All dogs attending are required to be up to date on boosters or to have an up to date titre test showing they are protected from the usual nasties.
Dogs which have been in contact with any dog with kennel cough are not allowed to come for at least three weeks as per Kennel Club competition rules and veterinary advice and if affected the three weeks starts from when the symptoms have subsided, [ as its a virulent disease so all precautions must be taken to protect each others dogs ].


"it makes no difference if people intend to compete or not - all dogs, [ of all breeds and mixes ], and all handlers are equal here so all get the same level of training because safety for the dogs is paramount, and myself and the other trainer listen to the handlers as much as we expect handlers to listen to us - after all, the handlers are the ones who live with their own dogs "



To me those are very important things to look for when anyone is looking for a club to train at, I hope the above is helpful generally toward that end

Sounds Fantastic.. I'll be dropping you a line Patch!

hi im abbey patch trains me and i just thought id say we have so much fun at training and every1 is very friendly you do need a good sense of humour tho!! especially if you fall over we all give marks out of 10 for the fall lol
look forward to seeing you!!
xxxx