Young Dogs Course

Everyone is welcome to give agility a go at NDAC, and our Young Dog Course is the perfect way to start!

A 9-week entry course designed to introduce the fundamental skills needed for a dog to start and eventually thrive at the activity/sport of dog agility.

At an age less than 12months when the dogs are not fully grown there are limitations as to what a dog can do, as we don’t wish to injury or put too much pressure on growing joints.

However these formative years are still a captive time to teach some core skill to our dogs. 

We aim to run a course at least once a year.

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Updates about future courses will be posted on our Facebook Page

What you need to know:

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• Each course is limited to 4 handlers (+1 trainer).  We will fill places on a first come, first served basis, and will look to run the course based on demand.

• Any size of dog is welcome - the exercises involved are suitable for the smallest to the largest of dog breeds!

• We train using positive training methods using an established reward hierarchy system.

• The course is structured into 3 blocks:

  • Weeks 1-3
    A) Waits and drives for a stationary toy
    B) Body awareness and core strengthening exercises
    C) Ground handling: round a cone #1 (seated)

  • Weeks 4-6
    A) Waits, driving through jump wings #1, round a cone #2 (seated)
    B) Contact criteria (two on-two off), round a cone #3 (standing)
    C) Body awareness and core strengthening - uneven surfaces/rubber equipment 

  • Weeks 7-9
    A) Waits, driving through jump wings #2
    B) Contacts on agility training ramp, round a cone #4 (standing)
    C) Ground handling: Round in a circle (2 cones) / figure of 8's with a front cross

• Please bring loads of treats, a favourite toy, poo bags and plenty of water for you and your dog.

  • As part of the course we can recommend a range of suitable toys/ treats​

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• The cost of the 9-week course is £90.00 consisting of two payments:

  • An initial non-refundable £30 fee to book your place on the course and train for the first 3 weeks​

  • An second £60 payment to over the remainder of the course sessions

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• Please always pick up after your dog - There are no facilities for disposing of waste poo on site so please take it with you.

• Dog must remain on lead at all times when not working in the agility ring.​​

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• If interested then please get in touch to enquire about a place on the next course - we will send you a course instructions and payment information or place you on our waiting list.