The training philosophy at Twister is simple: Encourage focus and drive with positive rewards, teach a solid foundation before progressing the dog’s training and always, always keep training sessions fun and exciting reinforcing the behavior you want. We use food, toys, play and praise abundantly at all levels of training.
Regardless of how much fun our dogs have with agility, all breeds have a specific "job" they have been bred to perform. If at all possible, our dogs should be given the opportunity to perform these jobs because it is truly amazing and a joy to witness the enthusiasm and skills they possess for these jobs. In the future, Twister Agility plans to offer additional working dog sports such as sledding, tracking, herding, lure coursing, field trial, etc. to give you and your dog a full circle training experience.
Class Structure
Pre-Agility:
Pre-Agility is a prerequisite for Foundation Agility.
Instruction and skills learned are vital to your dog’s
success in foundation and further agility classes.
Training will include recalls with distractions,
working off lead with distractions, shaping behaviors,
encouraging toy drive, circle work skills and stays.
This is an intense six week course - $75.
Foundation:
There are basic skills critical for successful agility
training and you will learn those skills in the Foundation
class. This six week class will teach you how to nurture
attention and confidence from your dog as well as basic
agility skills including drive and focus. You will learn
how to train your dog using a clicker which when used
properly is one of the most productive training tools
you will ever use. This class is highly recommended
and will provide you with basic skills needed to progress
to Beginning Agility. This is a 10 week class - $125.
Beginners Agility I:
Beginners Agility is the second foundation level class for beginning dogs.
In Beginners Agility I you will introduce your dog to the equipment and teach them how to perform
the different obstacles correctly, i.e. contact behavior, jumping, begin teeter training and weave training.
You and your dog will be introduced to all the equipment with the possible exception of the dog walk.
The equipment will be modified (i.e. A-frame lowered, teeter lowered). This is a 6 week class - $75.
Beginners Agility II:
Beginners Agility II is not merely a repeat of Beg.
Agility I, but a continuation. You will continue to
reinforce and strengthen the skills learned in Beg.
Agility I by setting up more difficult exercises and
asking for more effort from you dogs. We will use this
6 week session to increase your dog’s confidence
in his newly learned skills. It is very important the
skills and behaviors learned in Beginners Agility are
solid and well understood by you and your dog before
moving on to Novice Agility. (6 weeks - $75)
Novice, Intermediate and Advanced Agility:
After completing Foundation and Beginners Agility, teams
move on to Novice. By now your dog should have a strong
foundation on how to perform the obstacles. You and
your dog will now progress through Novice to Advanced
based on your handling skills, teamwork and space availability
at the next level. Every attempt will be made to keep
dogs and handlers of equal skill level in the same classes.
All training continues to be positive with lots of play
and reward. (6 week sessions - $75)
Puppy Agility Class:
This class will be offered on an as needed basis. Puppies must be at least 3 months old to start classes. Puppy class focuses on attention, motivation, recalls, targeting and puppy obstacles.
Special Classes:
From time to time Twister will offer special classes such as “Jumping Gymnastics”, “Focus”, “Handling Reactive Dogs" etc. These will be scheduled as needed.
General Information for Agility Classes
- Each class is approximately 1 to 1 ½ hours. Classes are held outdoors on the grass. Please dress appropriately.
- Please bring buckle collar (no correction collars), dog toys (toys to throw and tug toys), dog treats, leash, clean-up baggies and a water bowl to class.
- Classes must have a minimum of 3 dogs and a maximum of 6. At the discretion of Twister we may allow more than 6 dogs and use 2 instructors in a class.
- Full payment and complete registration form are required to reserve your spot in class.
- Directions to the training site are included on class enrollment forms and on the website.
- Drop-ins are not allowed for Foundation and Beginner classes, but are allowed in all other classes if space allows. The cost for drop-in is $20 per class and must be approved by the instructor prior to the class.
- For handlers with multiple dogs enrolled, they will receive a $5 discount after the first dog and for each additional dog per household.
- Handlers may only have 1 dog enrolled in a class unless approved by instructor.
- In case of inclement weather call 826-7524 for info on if classes will be held.
- All dogs must have proof of rabies and vaccinations or appropriate titer test levels provided.
- Private lessons are by appointment only. Cost is $40/hour or $25/half-hour.
- No refunds/makeups allowed for missed classes.(Classes cancelled by the instructor due to weather, illness, trial conflicts, etc. will be made up)
- No bitches in season are allowed on the premises at any time.
- Instructor reserves the right to refuse registration and/or attendance to class, to any dog who in the instructor’s opinion is in a physical condition that could be detrimental to the dog’s health and well being while performing agility or a dog who is a threat to other dogs/people because of reactive or aggressive behavior.
