*Requirement before progressing to other classes.
*Handlers do not need to commit to club membership to attend the foundation course.
2027 COURSE DATES: Jan - March, May-July, Aug-Oct
COURSE LENGTH: 8 weeks
CLASS TIMES:
Thursdays 17:15 - 18:15* (*Times may vary slightly)
Saturdays 12:00 - 13:00*(*Times may vary slightly)
COST: R1200
The course is designed for first-time handlers, to learn the basics needed for agility. During this time we will introduce you and your dog to clicker training, teaching tricks and interaction with obstacles. You will also discover if this is the sport for you. If it isn't, you will still walk away with the skills to communicate with, and teach your dog.
You will learn about training skills which will empower you as your dog's trainer to teach your dog, and learn about rewards, self-control, body awareness, cue clarity, obstacle focus through exercises and tricks, which all form a base for agility skills. Then, of course, we systematically introduce the dog to their first obstacles, targeting, the jump, the cone, and the tunnel.
Please note that it is preferential for your dog to have a solid recall (come when called), be fine with (friendly/ignore) other dogs (and strange people) on, and off lead. Having done puppy classes, obedience or Canine Good Citizen will be hugely beneficial. If you are unsure whether you qualify, or need help with any of the above, or have any questions whatsoever, don't hesitate to reach out.
*Requires completed FOUNDATION COURSE
*Requires registration as Van der Stel Club member
COURSE LENGTH: Ongoing - 1 hour class per week
Our Ongoing Agility classes are designed to equip your dog with the skills needed to take part in the sport of Agility as a hobby or on to competition level. We cover all the essential techniques to help your dog confidently navigate an agility course.
Lessons will incorporate exercises like Weave poles, Dog-walk / A-frame / Seesaw, Handling skills, Course walking and analysis, Jump skills and understanding agility competition rules.
In order to accommodate our members, we offer different payment options and discounted rates for long term club commitment, as well as for handlers with more than one dog.
COURSE LENGTH: Ongoing - 1 hour class per week
We understand that some dogs are a little spicier than others. If your dog is a keen worker but struggles to learn in the presence of other dogs or people, we will refer you to our behaviourist, Nancy Payne, for an assessment.
Depending on the individual dog, from recommendation from Nancy, they can either join Foundations, or we recommend private classes to learn new agility skills.
At what age can my dog start agility?
Puppies can start foundation agility training from around 6-8 months old, or even older. Our Foundation course is not physically demanding on the dogs and is suited to all ages. We do recommend first doing puppy classes and if possible, basic training, such as tricks, rally or obedience class before joining an agility class. Puppies still need to socialise and learn a lot of life skills before needing to be able to cope with the rigours of agility training - especially to deal with the length of the class, and super high level of distraction that happens in an agility class. Puppies can be introduced to all the obstacles from a young age, but learning the weaves and jumping should only start from 12 months and older to protect growing joints. Chat to us! We can guide you based on your dog’s age and development! No dog is too old to learn! Older dogs are welcome to join too, but as they reach mid-life and older (8-10 years, depending on the dog), we recommend activities that do not involve jumping, such as focusing on hoopers, rally, tricks or dog-dancing. If you are competitive and would like to start preparing your puppy for agility from an earlier age, please contact us to help you with a tailored program suited to your puppy's development and skill level.
Do I need to have done prior training or obedience with my dog first?
Although prior training such as obedience, rally or CGC is not a prerequisite, it is highly beneficial if your dog has had some prior exposure to a class environment before joining an agility class. Dogs with no class experience and little socialisation may struggle to deal with the super high level of distraction that happens in an agility class. Dogs must have a good recall (come when called), as agility is an off-leash sport! If you are struggling with this, we can help - please chat to us. We do not focus on socialisation at agility classes. Dogs must be friendly (or at least be happy to ignore) other dogs and strangers on, and off-lead. If you are unsure about any of the above, feel free to reach out and chat to us, as we understand that each dog is unique.
Is my dog’s breed suitable for agility?
We welcome all breeds and sizes! Your dog does not have to be pedigreed to take part in the sport. Dogs with physical limitations: heavy set and overweight dogs, long-backed dogs (e.g. dashunds), dogs with injuries or structural problems (e.g. hip displasia), and very large breed dogs can still attend the Foundation course, and following that, are recommended to look into Rally, Tricks, or Hoopers - as they do not contain jumping or tight turns. We tailor our training to suit your dog’s age, abilities, build, and personality — it’s all about having fun and working as a team. Fighting breeds with a high prey drive (e.g. pitbulls) and reactive dogs can unfortunately not be accommodated in group classes. If you need help with this, please reach out to us.
Is agility safe for my dog?
Safety is our top priority. All exercises are designed to be age-appropriate and joint-safe, and we use positive reinforcement methods only. Our equipment is well-maintained, and dogs are worked at a pace that’s right for them. We’re committed to creating a safe, supportive space for both dogs and handlers.
What if my goal is to compete in agility with my dog?
Then you are at the right place! We are serious about agility and offer a strong foundation for those who want to work towards competing. Your trainers are active competitors, judges and organisers in the sport.
I am not competitive, can I do it for fun?
You don’t have to compete for you and your dog to reap the benefits of training agility. Our Foundation course will give you the skills to do more with your dog, and be equipped to progress in almost any discipline. Just training agility for fun with your dog is okay too, as you are giving your dog stimulation and quality of life. Should you have a change of mind at a later stage, the skillsare in place to progress competitively.