Level 1  Register Now!
Class Fee $95*
Course Length 8 Weeks

This class covers dog and handler footwork, targeting, ground board work, start-line stays, off-lead recalls, attention, introductory jumping skills, basic turns and other preliminary skills. Dogs must have prior Puppy and/or Beginners Obedience training. We recommend training your dog on a martingale-style collar, which may be purchased on the first night of class.

Level 2  Register Now!
Class Fee $95*
Course Length 8 Weeks

• This class is designed to expose you and your dog to the fundamentals of agility.
• Dogs must take Level 1 prior to taking this course or be evaluated by a SOTC instructor.
• Introduction to the A-frame, Dog Walk, Teeter, Weave Poles, Open & Closed Tunnels, Table and various jumps.
• We will work on building your dog's confidence using AKC regulation obstacles.
• Work is done primarily on-lead using positive motivational techniques.
• Please see our Advancement Requirements for a detailed list of skills taught during this class and what is expected for advancement to the next level.

Level 3  Register Now!
Class Fee $95*
Course Length 8 Weeks

• This class is designed to further develop your dog’s confidence on all obstacles and to set the groundwork for successful agility training.
• We will also work on fast, accurate contacts; developing proper jumping skills; sending to tunnels and the table; improving weave poles
• Dogs will begin off-leash work.
• Handler has Dog's attention a reasonable amount of time.
• Dog responds promptly to handlers recall.
• Dog is non-aggressive towards people and other dogs.

Level 4  Register Now!
Class Fee $95*
Course Length 8 Weeks

• Level 3 is required prior to taking this course unless evaluated and approved by an SOTC instructor.
• This class will introduce you to the basics of handling.
• We will also continue to work contacts; proper jumping skills; sending to obstacles; and improving weave poles speed and accuracy
• Dogs should be comfortable completing 5-8 obstacle sequences.
• Start line stays and stays on table are encouraged.
• Dogs will work off-leash and should come within a reasonable amount of time.
• Handler has Dog's attention a reasonable amount of time.
• Dog responds promptly to handlers recall.
• Dog is non-aggressive towards people and other dogs.

Level 4/5  Register Now!
Class Fee $95*
Course Length 8 Weeks

• Level 3 is required prior to taking this course unless evaluated and approved by an SOTC instructor.
• This class will continue to develop your handling skills.
• We will encourage fast contacts with quick releases; proper jumping skills; some distance work; fast, accurate and independant weaves poles.
• Start line stays and stays on table are improved.
• Dogs will be comfortable completing 8-12 obstacle sequences.
• Dog is able to complete 12 almost closed weave poles with reasonable accuracy.
• Dogs will work off-leash and should come within a reasonable amount of time.
• Handler has Dog's attention a reasonable amount of time.
• Dog responds promptly to handlers recall.
• Dog is non-aggressive towards people and other dogs.

Level 5  Register Now!
Class Fee $95*
Course Length 8 Weeks

Level 6  Register Now!
Class Fee $95*
Course Length 8 Weeks

• Level 5 is required prior to taking this course unless evaluated and approved by an SOTC instructor.
• Dog is able to complete open to excellent level courses (or equivalent).
• Dog responds to complicated handling techniques, both verbal and non-verbal.
• Dog successfully completes 12 upright weave poles both on- and off-side, independently with speed and drive.
• Dog works at a moderate distance.
• Dog works difficult obstacle entries (weaves included).
• Dog should be capable of competing at the Excellent AKC or equivalent.
• Dog is able to work reliably off-lead, under verbal control throughout the class.
• Dog pays attention to handler and not to the other dogs or people in the class.
• Dog is non-aggressive towards people and other dogs.

Independant Obstacles  NEW CLASS!  Register Now!
Class Fee $95*
Course Length 8 Weeks

Description: This class is for dogs that have learned the basics of the agility obstacles, but are not quite ready for handling or novice agility. The focus will be on one to three obstacles a week, with the handler working to get the desired obstacle performance with an ever more confident dog and without having to "babysit" the dog. Although intended primarily for dogs that have not entered the competition ring, more experienced dogs and handlers are welcome.

• Maximum Class size: 6 dog/handler teams
• Prerequisites: Level 3 or above, or permission of the instructor.
• Dog is able to work reliably off-lead, under verbal control throughout the class.
• Dog pays attention to handler and not to the other dogs or people in the class.
• Dog is non-aggressive towards people and other dogs.

Alphabet Drills  NEW CLASS!  Register Now!
Class Fee $85*
Course Length 8 weeks

Goals: This class will focus on developing fast, independent tunnel entrances and select contact obstacles, and handling a variety of jumps while sending to these obstacles up to 30 feet away. We will also work to developing a smooth transition from obstacle focus to handler focus and back to obstacle focus. Weave poles will not be included in this class. Practice outside of class on the foundation skills introduced will be important to improvement. Full sequences and courses will not be part of this class, as focus will be directed toward the training of distance handling of individual obstacles and incorporating those obstacles in short sequences.

Description: This class will be based on the book by Nancy Gyes. From the description of the book: "The jumping drills are based on patterns from letters of the alphabet. Their purpose is to help you become more imaginative when setting up practice drills, to provide opportunities to work specific skills, and to familiarize the student with common obstacle patterns seen on agility courses. Each letter focuses on specific handling skills or dog skills, and uses a minimal amount of space and a minimal number of jumps (5 jumps is the average). The intent of using a familiar pattern for each setup, like the outline of an alphabet letter, is to aid you in remembering each pattern of jumps, so that eventually you can associate the pattern of the letter with the associated drills. Alphabet drills are designed so that they are useful for all levels of agility handlers."

This will be a three-session class. Any team that completes all three sessions will receive special recognition.

• Maximum Class size: 8 dog/handler teams
• Prerequisites: Level 3 or above, or permission from the instructor.
• Handlers should be willing to use training aids, have a positive attitude toward dog training, and be open to trying new ideas.
• Dog is able to work reliably off-lead, under verbal control throughout the class.
• Dog pays attention to handler and not to the other dogs or people in the class.
• Dog is non-aggressive towards people and other dogs.

Advanced Drills  Register Now!
Class Fee $95*
Course Length 8 Weeks

Each week, whether working on small sequences or breaking down a large, complicated course, handlers will be encouraged to try different handling techniques that might be outside their "comfort zone". The instructor will suggest options that will challenge the handler to try something different in an effort to tighten up their handling and increase communication with their dogs. Dogs must be trialing at the AKC Open level (or equivalent) or above.

Because there may be 2 dog/handler teams running on the field at the same time, it is imperative that all dogs are able to work reliably off-lead, under verbal control throughout the class. Aggressive or out-of-control dogs will not be tolerated.

DROP-INs Welcome! Please contact the instructor if you would like to join the class. Drop in fee is $15/dog. Please bring a check made payable to SOTC.

Agility Challenge  NEW CLASS!  Register Now!
Class Fee $75*
Course Length 6 Weeks - no class 3/15

If you are interested in running something other than AKC courses, this class is for you! Each week we will test your skills on challenging International-type courses where threadles, sending to the back side of a jump and difficult weave entries are the norm. Courses are broken down so that each handler can work small sections where different handling options are encouraged. This is a great way to try some alternative handling techniques to see how your dog responds. Dogs must be trialing at the AKC Open level (or equivalent) or above.

It is expected that all dogs are able to work reliably off-lead, under verbal control throughout the class. Aggressive or out-of-control dogs will not be tolerated.