Agility Beginner Training – September Program

For SWCDP Current Members Only

We are excited to bring back our popular agility training for beginners. Since 2017, our long-time member and current Dog Sports Manager, Betsy Boedeker, has provided a 4 week training course – helping many of our members learn more about the benefits of this wonderful dog sports activity.

The training will be on-site at SWCDP Dog Sports Center (Agility area). Betsy will give SWCDP a discounted training rate to benefit our members – as well as – donate about a third of the proceeds back to the dog park as part of our ongoing fundraising efforts.

AGILITY TRAINING – CLASS DATES

Saturday, September 6 … (Week 1)

Saturday, September 13 … (Week 2)

Saturday, September 20 … (Week 3)

Saturday, September 27 … (Week 4)

CLASS DETAILS:

Depending on how many participants register – each week will be divided into three sessions. Sessions will run between 9:00am to 11:15am — each session is approximately 45 minutes and will include a small group of dogs and their handlers.

Participants will be assigned a specific session time once registration is completed and training fee has been received. Session assignments will be decided by trainer – we ask all participants to be flexible within the mentioned time frame.

CLASS REQUIREMENTS & SUGGESTIONS:

• All member dogs who are in reasonably good health are eligible for this program. No breed, age, size limitations.
• No previous agility experience is required. It is also not required to have participated in SWCDP free agility demo (8/30).
• One dog = student   and   One human = handler — Helpful to have a second human (not required) – so dog will not miss a class in the event the primary handler cannot make a class.
• Bring small amount of treats or fav toy – something your pup will find irresistible. A hungry pup is not a bad thing for these sessions. You want your pup to stay totally focused on you. And – you want to reward him with an extra special treat. But please remember treats are not allowed in dog park play areas in general. This is a special privilege for members participating in the dog sports activities – within the fence and contained area of activity. Please respect this.

CLASS REGISTRATION & PROGRAM FEE:

This is a 2-step process

SWCDP Special Rate: $84.00 for 4 week program (That’s $21 per class)

FIRST – Register your dog – Sign Up Link in recent SWCDP email

SECOND – Pay training fee – Payment Link in recent SWCDP email

There are no refunds or rescheduled classes (unless weather dictates a reschedule) – so it is very helpful (but not required) to have a second, reliable person with you so that if you cannot attend any of the four classes – at least your pup may continue the training with your back-up handler.

Participants will receive immediate confirmation regarding payment – and – will receive session time slot and program confirmation within a couple days from registration . . . allowing time for trainer to organize the class assignments. Please sign up now so we have time to pull everything together. Sept 6 is just around the corner!

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS:

By participating in a small group class – participants will pick up tips that apply in general terms – as well as special situations that may pop up with your dog or other class members – all to your benefit. Stuff happens that may not be anticipated – and Betsy is great with on-the-spot critique and tips.

Having a Dog Sports Center at SWCDP – members may practice agility any time dog park is open – close to home

Your pup can play with friends before and after agility practice

Access to agility equipment that your dog is familiar with – after all – this is his dog park!

NOTICE FOR FUTURE:

Advanced Training and/or More Beginner Training is possible for October and November.

Tell us what you need

Info from SWCDP August 17 blog post . . .

Did You Know

Helpful info for those new to agility

Agility – What is it?

A popular dog sport that seems to be growing each year – with good reason. It is an amazing opportunity for excellent exercise for both dog and their human. The sport requires dogs to navigate an obstacle course with speed and concentration. At the AKC competition level – AKC has over a million entries annually. Competition level is not necessary for your dog – and you – to enjoy agility. At SWCDP we say go at your own speed, time, and interest. No pressure to perform – just have fun!

Agility – Why do it?

Because agility requires you pup to stay focused on YOU – you build strong teamwork. This strengthens the bond with your dog. The sport provides physical exercise and mental stimulation. Your dog must think thru each challenge and learn to stay focused on his human’s directions. Dog gains self-confidence, physical coordination, and pride in doing an activity in which pup has his human’s full attention. Agility builds trust and strengthens communication between pup and human. In some cases – the agility bonding and exercise often helps reduce stress and anxiety in some dogs – they now have a purpose – doing something fun with their human.

Agility – Is this breed specific / What qualifications required?

SWCDP agility course is for all our members provided dog is in good general health. We do not have any size, weight or age restriction – leaving it up to each dog owner to decide if the sport is right for their dog. We do like to point out that in agility competition there is usually an age requirement of 15-18 months because the long bones in puppies are still developing.

Agility – Benefits to SWCDP members

SWCDP agility course is open year round for members to use at their leisure. During grass cutting season, equipment is put up Monday late and put back up by Noon on Tuesday. The dog park is sometimes temporarily closed after a long rain to protect the turf. Also – SWCDP closes for turf and grounds renovation usually April and May. Otherwise, 6am to 10pm, SWCDP Dog Sports Center can be used by members on a rotation basis. Meaning, one family at a time, unless all parties agree to share the equipment together. Betsy’s Tip Sheet hard copy is on-site or available on line.

INSERT LINK TO BETSY’S TIPS 2025

About SWCDP Rules and SWCDP Dog Sports Center

SWCDP has a strict rule about no food, alcohol, smoking – and dog treats. However – we must trust member judgement when using the Dog Sports Center. ONLY bring a limited amount of treats as needed to work the agility course. Left over treats must be taken to the car – do not keep treats on Main or Alternate play areas. Many members do not want their dog eating treats for variety of reasons – health, weight, allergies, etc. Also – some dogs may be resource aggressive and treats can cause problems. This is not only a SWCDP rule but stipulated in the City Ordinance that allows us to use City property for our dog park usage. PLEASE FOLLOW THESE RULES.

Keep Gate Closed

At all times – the Dog Sports Center gate must be closed. Only dogs accompanied by an adult member may use the space. Absolutely no unsupervised dogs or children should be in the area. This is a designated space for dog sports activities specifically.

Future SWCDP agility events

Depending on member interest – SWCDP will offer agility training classes – both entry level and advanced. We currently looking at 4 week sessions in September, October and November – depending on member interest. Betsy will offer classes based on participant needs and offer SWCDP a discounted class rate….and donate partial fee to SWCDP as part of our fundraising efforts. Watch for email announcements.