Looking For New Agility Club In Victoria

[kelpiechick]

Ive been on the waiting list for K9 Agility for nearly 2 years, i figure they forgot me or havent allowed any one in since.....who isnt willing to instruct that is, last time i heard from them they asked if i could instruct.....i couldnt so i got rejected and others i know (who do instruct) got in.

Easier to just buy your own equipement and use it at home

Gotta be hard though there is alot of demand for training, i just dont like that they advertise then when you ring up to join, they say "ohh sorry too full for the next 6-12 months"

2 years? OMG ! And it's a sad state of affairs when clubs are 'picking and choosing' who they want. We had an intake at Agility Dog Club earlier this year but then decided that we needed to stop for a bit to look after our existing members - mainly due to comments like the ones made by the OP.

We were finding that those who turned up regularly to the Foundation class and put in the work at home were not spending long periods there, so there was space for an intake every couple of months, but the next class up was becoming huge as that is probably the class where the most is taught so it is common for a longer period of time to be spent there.

The philosophy at the moment is that once we have everyone moved up from the Foundation class (which we almost have) then we can use the Instructor rostered on to take that and split the next class in half, using the extra ring.

We are also introducing a comprehensive Instructor training program so that eventually the classes can be restructured and more levels offered, leading to smaller class sizes for all. But we really struggle to find Instructors - 2 more have resigned over the past few weeks due to rising petrol costs and everyone else is stretched thin.

And yes, I agree with you about advertising when there are no vacancies. We still have all the planned new member nights listed on our website even though they are not going ahead which is pretty silly I think.

So, roll on my big shed !

[Silvawilow]

I have space and a full set of equipment and would love to offer foundation and beginner classes but I would still need council permits, liability insurance, lighting or erect an indoor facility,(have nearly got the OH convinced about the benefits of a really big shed!) advertising costs, continuing professional development, plus continue my full time job to pay for all this as the money from classes wouldn't, that's for sure. Then there's all the wonderful paperwork that goes with operating your own business.

It's something I would love to make a living from full time, but we don't have the 'agility population' here that they do in the US. (Where many people make a living from it) I already do a couple of private lessons with students from the club where I instruct, and have trouble fitting that in with working, instructing and trying to train my own dogs. Family life? What's that?

Have thought about this long and hard and I think the only way you could make money full time would be to combine classes with something like running a boarding kennel, or another dog related business.

Everyone's comments here have really got me thinking though.

Go for it KC! We need more agility clubs, especially in the North and the West of Melbourne. I'd be willing to travel down once a month for lessons!

Could you possible combine agility with dog grooming and maybe in your big shed have a therapy pool? If you're on acrage then herding lessons could also be added to the equation?

To the OP, at least you have the option of specialist agility clubs, I think our nearest one is just over 2hrs away. Do Geelong or Warringal ODC's do agility, they might be worth trying?

[Kowai]

Ive been on the waiting list for K9 Agility for nearly 2 years, i figure they forgot me or havent allowed any one in since.....who isnt willing to instruct that is, last time i heard from them they asked if i could instruct.....i couldnt so i got rejected and others i know (who do instruct) got in.

Easier to just buy your own equipement and use it at home

Gotta be hard though there is alot of demand for training, i just dont like that they advertise then when you ring up to join, they say "ohh sorry too full for the next 6-12 months"

2 years? OMG ! And it's a sad state of affairs when clubs are 'picking and choosing' who they want. We had an intake at Agility Dog Club earlier this year but then decided that we needed to stop for a bit to look after our existing members - mainly due to comments like the ones made by the OP.

We were finding that those who turned up regularly to the Foundation class and put in the work at home were not spending long periods there, so there was space for an intake every couple of months, but the next class up was becoming huge as that is probably the class where the most is taught so it is common for a longer period of time to be spent there.

The philosophy at the moment is that once we have everyone moved up from the Foundation class (which we almost have) then we can use the Instructor rostered on to take that and split the next class in half, using the extra ring.

We are also introducing a comprehensive Instructor training program so that eventually the classes can be restructured and more levels offered, leading to smaller class sizes for all. But we really struggle to find Instructors - 2 more have resigned over the past few weeks due to rising petrol costs and everyone else is stretched thin.

And yes, I agree with you about advertising when there are no vacancies. We still have all the planned new member nights listed on our website even though they are not going ahead which is pretty silly I think.

So, roll on my big shed !

I know that my boyfriend who is in the foundation class is getting extremely frustrated - to the point he no longer wants to go - because he's been stuck in the foundation class for so long and feels he's never going to get out of it. Every few weeks he's stuck to starting all over again with the new people, and he feels that his dog Kapo isn't being stimulated enough. He's said when he starts to feel confident and that he and Kapo are doing well they have to start at the beginning again..

I really think the agility club should have a foundation class -and- a class 1.. So a class for complete beginners and then another class for people who are continuing but not quite ready for class 2.

I feel his frustration too in a way.. I've felt like I've had some great training nights and that I'm ready to go up to class 3, but whenever that happens I have a trainer that doesn't notice or doesn't know me and my dog well enough to promote us.. There also seems to be this negativity from the trainers - like they're kind of not approachable - that you can't ask them about being promoted up or being assessed.. My boyfriend has also complained many times to me that he is constantly harrassed by this one trainer (I always forget his name) and made an example of in class.

Sorry to sound so negative.. I know theres many issues involved with a club and it'd be so hard to run with a lack of trainers and too many people wanting to join.. Just though I'd say my thoughts on it though. I'd love to stay - infact I feel bad about not really going anymore, but the issues make it too frustrating/difficult.. If something changed I'd definitely be back.

[Kelpie-i]

Hi Kowai

I've only just stumbled onto this thread.

You are not limited to just VCA run clubs, we offer agility training at our school on Saturday afternoons at Keilor Park which is only just on 35 min drive from Werribee.

Our agility instructors are all experts in their field, a few hold their masters titles, so you can rest assured you are not getting instruction from monkeys. What's more, our class sizes are smaller so you will get the attention you need and even some 1:1 advice.

Since we are privately owned, the instructors are paid for their time, so the only difference here are the fees you pay.

Check out the link below and don't hesitate to PM me for more information.

[kelpiechick]

I know that my boyfriend who is in the foundation class is getting extremely frustrated - to the point he no longer wants to go - because he's been stuck in the foundation class for so long and feels he's never going to get out of it. Every few weeks he's stuck to starting all over again with the new people, and he feels that his dog Kapo isn't being stimulated enough. He's said when he starts to feel confident and that he and Kapo are doing well they have to start at the beginning again..

I really think the agility club should have a foundation class -and- a class 1.. So a class for complete beginners and then another class for people who are continuing but not quite ready for class 2.

I feel his frustration too in a way.. I've felt like I've had some great training nights and that I'm ready to go up to class 3, but whenever that happens I have a trainer that doesn't notice or doesn't know me and my dog well enough to promote us.. There also seems to be this negativity from the trainers - like they're kind of not approachable - that you can't ask them about being promoted up or being assessed.. My boyfriend has also complained many times to me that he is constantly harrassed by this one trainer (I always forget his name) and made an example of in class.

Sorry to sound so negative.. I know theres many issues involved with a club and it'd be so hard to run with a lack of trainers and too many people wanting to join.. Just though I'd say my thoughts on it though. I'd love to stay - infact I feel bad about not really going anymore, but the issues make it too frustrating/difficult.. If something changed I'd definitely be back.

I am sorry that you haven't enjoyed your experience.

I know I have had lots of students approach me after class asking various questions, including those about promotion, but neither you nor your BF ever have. In fact I believe the majority of instructors are very approachable - I don't think I've ever seen anyone not willing to give time to answer questions. Many of our Instructors are giving up training their own dogs to take your classes and as such, I don't think it is very charitable to malign them on a public forum. I can't think of one Instructor who deserves that. And if you feel that you are being harrassed by one, you need to speak to the chief Instructor about it -a fact that is made public at new member nights.

Yes, I totally agree with you about having an extra level between Foundation and the next class - in fact this will be happening once we train up some more Instructors - maybe some time next year as the training is going to be fairly involved - we want the best trained Instructors we can get and a training protocol is currently being put in place as is a new class structure.

In regard to promotion, the criteria for getting promoted from each class is given to you at the new member nights in your information booklet and is also on the club website. (Also currently being updated - there are actually a couple of things on the Foundation criteria that you don't have to do) This is so people can work on exercises at home, especially at foundation level where there is not much equipment. In general, the more work you do at home, the quicker you get out of class. We don't want to hold people there for too long, (Last time I took Foundation, there were only 3 in the class and I promoted all of them.)

I'm not sure how your BF can be 'stuck to starting all over again with the new members every few weeks' when there has only been one new member intake this year. I can tell you that to get promoted you need to attend class regularly, especially for a few weeks in a row. You also need to speak to an Instructor about it if you feel you are ready and have been overlooked - I guess it can happen.

In regard to your dog being promoted to class 3 (and I am guessing here, as I have not taken class 2 much this year) I would think that it may be because you do not attempt the weaves (I realise there is a reason why) and as class 3 is aimed at those trialling or almost ready to trial, at Novice level, being able to weave is part of the criteria.

Again, you need to make sure that you tell Instructors that there is a reason for the 'non weaving'. In all honesty, it wouldn't stop me from promoting you, but again, as it is an exceptional case, I would have to have permission from the chief Instructor and could not make that decision on my own.

Maybe go and look at some other training ,including private, and you may find it suits you better. After all, not all training scenarios are for everyone. I hope you find something that is more to your liking.

But next time, speak up through the proper channels at club rather than saying nothing and then airing it on a public forum

I think you will find that people are actually a lot more approachable than you are giving them credit for. I am more than happy to take any issues to the chief Instructor for you if you feel there is a problem that can be fixed.

[Kowai]

I am sorry that you haven't enjoyed your experience.

I know I have had lots of students approach me after class asking various questions, including those about promotion, but neither you nor your BF ever have. In fact I believe the majority of instructors are very approachable - I don't think I've ever seen anyone not willing to give time to answer questions. Many of our Instructors are giving up training their own dogs to take your classes and as such, I don't think it is very charitable to malign them on a public forum. I can't think of one Instructor who deserves that. And if you feel that you are being harrassed by one, you need to speak to the chief Instructor about it -a fact that is made public at new member nights.

We were told from the beginning that we weren't allowed to assume what level we were at and had to go through every level, including foundation even if we had prior experience or felt we were better.. My boyfriend and I aren't about to go demanding that we be promoted, but its very disheartening to not be noticed at all. I understand that the club is extremely overcrowded and it can be hard to notice everyone.. Its just demotivating, thats all. I'm not attacking any trainers personally, I havent even named anyone.. I'm just saying that in general there seems to be negativity and it makes it intimidating to approach anyone.

My boyfriend has told me that he has been yelled at infront of the whole class and then during the class has had things said about him and/or his dog aloud. I can understand to an extent - sometimes my boyfriend and I are late to class, fair enough. However due to work we can't always make it on time. (Often we've had to rush straight from work, pick up the dogs, miss dinner and go!) However I think a quiet word would've been enough and not yelling (and made my boyfriend to feel embarrassed). My boyfriend recently, when noticing he had this particular trainer, refused to attend the class and instead took his dog for a walk while I had class.

Yes, I totally agree with you about having an extra level between Foundation and the next class - in fact this will be happening once we train up some more Instructors - maybe some time next year as the training is going to be fairly involved - we want the best trained Instructors we can get and a training protocol is currently being put in place as is a new class structure.

It must be really frustrating to have a lack of instructors.. Hopefully you guys will be able to run the club a bit more easily with more people.

In regard to promotion, the criteria for getting promoted from each class is given to you at the new member nights in your information booklet and is also on the club website. (Also currently being updated - there are actually a couple of things on the Foundation criteria that you don't have to do) This is so people can work on exercises at home, especially at foundation level where there is not much equipment. In general, the more work you do at home, the quicker you get out of class. We don't want to hold people there for too long, (Last time I took Foundation, there were only 3 in the class and I promoted all of them.)

I'm not sure how your BF can be 'stuck to starting all over again with the new members every few weeks' when there has only been one new member intake this year. I can tell you that to get promoted you need to attend class regularly, especially for a few weeks in a row. You also need to speak to an Instructor about it if you feel you are ready and have been overlooked - I guess it can happen.

That is what he has told me. (About new members) Maybe he is confused about that, but he has told me many times he is frustrated by having to go back to the beginning every few weeks... Maybe its a change of instructors not being sure of where the class is up to.. Anyway he has told me that just when he gets to practice, I guess more interesting stuff, suddenly the next week they're back to the start again. I admit I don't watch the class as usually I'm busy with my own dog. Sometimes for us attending class many weeks in a row is impossible - we have lives, jobs, school, homework etc. We try but its not always possible. There are times when I miss my obedience club training, but I am not held back because of it. We can't practice all the time at home because we cannot afford equipment - thats why we go to agility training.

In regard to your dog being promoted to class 3 (and I am guessing here, as I have not taken class 2 much this year) I would think that it may be because you do not attempt the weaves (I realise there is a reason why) and as class 3 is aimed at those trialling or almost ready to trial, at Novice level, being able to weave is part of the criteria.

Again, you need to make sure that you tell Instructors that there is a reason for the 'non weaving'. In all honesty, it wouldn't stop me from promoting you, but again, as it is an exceptional case, I would have to have permission from the chief Instructor and could not make that decision on my own.

I tell my instructors everytime why I will not allow Zach to do weaves - he has knees at risk to injury and a weaving motion will aggravate that. The vets have said he can do jumps but no hard impact (jumping from a height) but no weaves. I will not risk my dog to tearing his cruciate ligaments just to be promoted and nor should I have to - there are competitions where there are no weave poles involved. I have been yelled at before for 'doing my own thing' while weave practice was going on.

Maybe go and look at some other training ,including private, and you may find it suits you better. After all, not all training scenarios are for everyone. I hope you find something that is more to your liking.

But next time, speak up through the proper channels at club rather than saying nothing and then airing it on a public forum

I think you will find that people are actually a lot more approachable than you are giving them credit for. I am more than happy to take any issues to the chief Instructor for you if you feel there is a problem that can be fixed.

I'm writing here because I am seeking help to find a different club. I didn't post to be malicious, but was just stating personal experiences. Currently I am trying to participate in agility at my obedience club when I can make it. If people are saying negative things about the club then maybe things should change (and hopefully thats whats happening).. I don't feel like at the club I really have a voice to say anything.. Not everything is bad, when you get it the training is good and Zach has had -alot- of fun with agility and the other dogs there. I've had some great trainers but its just not consistent enough. I've had some great times and accomplishments.. I guess what I'm saying is people should go, and try it, and see if it works for them, but for me, regrettably, I need to look elsewhere.

Edited July 29, 2008 by Kowai

[munchy cedarhurst]

how current are the opinions expressed in this thread? I have started competing in Novice Agility but am an inexperienced handler as this is my first competition dog. I am interested in Agility and Obedience and looking for such clubs that train for competition (as we're about to relocate to VIC).

I train based on positive, motivational training... I also incorporate free-shaping and trick training. My dogs are my priority. I am a sponge, and appreciate getting lots of different feedback/guidance. I enjoy figuring out what combinations will work with my dogs based on their individual personality. I am pretty easy going but don't appreciate ego-ish bully instructors. That said, I am keen for constructive "criticism" and feedback on where I am going wrong and how I can improve on things.

Do such clubs/instructors/private instructors exist in Melbourne that might suit my training ideals? Travelling to get to a good club is not of concern for me if it is worth it.

I realise I will have to check places out myself but am keen for current feedback.

[Sayreovi]

Well I am still not a member of the club that I posted previously about waiting 2 years to be accepted.....so going on 5 years now. ;)

Though they have probably lost my details some where along the line, I know it's all volunteers but I've given up going there as it would be another 5 years before I get in, I just train at my local obedience club and privately.

Start getting on waiting lists now for the agility clubs otherwise you will be waiting awhile once you move down here.

Sorry no help for your other questions, as I train on my own mostly.

[The Spotted Devil]

I guess it depends where you will live too. I have been a member of Hastings and am a current member of Croydon. Excellent experiences with both - also both focus on the Derrett handling system which suits me.

[murve]

We are members of Westernport Dog club, our Agility equipment gets set up every training day & have a dedicated trainer, now our club is sharing the grounds with Southern club, their Agility trainer is working with our trainer :D my daughter thinks it is great having more trainers on the ground :D

[megan_]

how current are the opinions expressed in this thread? I have started competing in Novice Agility but am an inexperienced handler as this is my first competition dog. I am interested in Agility and Obedience and looking for such clubs that train for competition (as we're about to relocate to VIC).

I train based on positive, motivational training... I also incorporate free-shaping and trick training. My dogs are my priority. I am a sponge, and appreciate getting lots of different feedback/guidance. I enjoy figuring out what combinations will work with my dogs based on their individual personality. I am pretty easy going but don't appreciate ego-ish bully instructors. That said, I am keen for constructive "criticism" and feedback on where I am going wrong and how I can improve on things.

Do such clubs/instructors/private instructors exist in Melbourne that might suit my training ideals? Travelling to get to a good club is not of concern for me if it is worth it.

I realise I will have to check places out myself but am keen for current feedback.

My advice is get on every waiting list! That way, when your name comes up, you can decide what you want to do.

I train at two places - Action Dogs and at a private training facility - ProK9 (owned by Erny on this forum). There is no waiting list for ProK9, but being private it is more expensive than the clubs.

I really enjoy both. They take different approaches but I haven't managed to confuse either me or my dog yet. The clubs tend to focus on trialling more IMO so there is lots and lots of foundation.

I was on Action Dogs waiting list for about 12 months I think. The first time my name came up I couldn't take a spot due to work commitments, so they slotted me in for the next intake.

K9 Agility has now opened up the waiting list (before, you couldn't even put your name on a waiting list!). If you're even thinking about joining, I'd put my name down asap.

All clubs that I know of use positive reinforcement - there are no physical corrections in agility.

[JulesP]

how current are the opinions expressed in this thread? I have started competing in Novice Agility but am an inexperienced handler as this is my first competition dog. I am interested in Agility and Obedience and looking for such clubs that train for competition (as we're about to relocate to VIC).

I train based on positive, motivational training... I also incorporate free-shaping and trick training. My dogs are my priority. I am a sponge, and appreciate getting lots of different feedback/guidance. I enjoy figuring out what combinations will work with my dogs based on their individual personality. I am pretty easy going but don't appreciate ego-ish bully instructors. That said, I am keen for constructive "criticism" and feedback on where I am going wrong and how I can improve on things.

Do such clubs/instructors/private instructors exist in Melbourne that might suit my training ideals? Travelling to get to a good club is not of concern for me if it is worth it.

I realise I will have to check places out myself but am keen for current feedback.

Croydon Dog Obedience Club has a positive only training philosophy. No check chains. We have really good people helping in our trial ring for obedience. Our agility program is also really good, with lots of Croydon people doing very well in trials. To get into agility you need to pass our basic obedience test or have a trial pass.

The clubs sound great but as people have said they are hard to get in to.

[megan_]

JulesP - I wanted to join Croydon for agility but obedience bores me to tears. Do you know what the "test" involves? Is having a dog with an excellent recall, excellent stay, excellent temp and high focus okay? We passed Action Dogs entry criteria so we can't be that bad! He just doesn't know things like auto sit and heel (which aren't useful in agility anyway).

Edited because I re-read your post!

Edited May 27, 2011 by megan_

[JulesP]

JulesP - I wanted to join Croydon for agility but obedience bores me to tears. Do you know what the "test" involves? Is having a dog with an excellent recall, excellent stay, excellent temp and high focus okay? We passed Action Dogs entry criteria so we can't be that bad! He just doesn't know things like auto sit and heel (which aren't useful in agility anyway).

Edited because I re-read your post!

The test is heel on lead with all positions and turns, stand for exam, recall, sit, stand & drop stays, distance control, food refusal, a trick, walking around other dogs.

[Pretty Miss Emma]

There is now also Bulla Agility Dogs. Relatively new compared to the others but certainly filling a niche!!! We were on the waiting list for a good 6 months or so. Positive training style. We're only new there but enjoying it and it is suiting both me and my dog really well. But there are also places that do less formal agility training. We also sometimes train with Planet K9 - this is more about you and your dog having fun and then you take it where you want. BAD is about formal agility training and getting your dog ready to trial. So I guess it depends on what you're looking for in those terms also as many obedience clubs also offer some form of agility.

[kelpiechick]

There is now also Bulla Agility Dogs. Relatively new compared to the others but certainly filling a niche!!! We were on the waiting list for a good 6 months or so. Positive training style. We're only new there but enjoying it and it is suiting both me and my dog really well. But there are also places that do less formal agility training. We also sometimes train with Planet K9 - this is more about you and your dog having fun and then you take it where you want. BAD is about formal agility training and getting your dog ready to trial. So I guess it depends on what you're looking for in those terms also as many obedience clubs also offer some form of agility.

Glad to hear that you are enjoying your experience so far! (And doing very well if I've got the right person)

BAD is about providing a strong foundation for you and your dog - there are certainly no requirements that you go trialling at any point, but we aim to give you the tools you need if you do decide to give it a go.

We use very little equipment in Foundation class and teach most skills on the flat, so I'm sure we don't appeal to the casual participant who just wants to put their dog over equipment, but we do try and make that clear right from the beginning before people sign up and in our introductory session. The most frustrating thing is when someone signs up and they sit though introduction, then come to one lesson and never show up again as they decide it's 'not for them.' Frustrating because they take a place on the waiting list that we could have offered to someone else. (Luckily it's only happened twice, LOL)

Our waiting list has now increased to 12 months - depending on whether we actually offer another new intake later this year or not, in which case it will most likely be around 18 months. We like to look after our existing members and keep class numbers small so we won't take on new participants if it means we are unable to do so. Once again, that same old culprit, shortage of instructors and current instructors spreading themselves very thin on the ground, to the detriment of working their own dogs.

Supply certainly doesn't seem to match demand, even almost 3 years down the track from this original thread and with another new club in the mix - which we planned long and hard before starting out last year.

I would be interested to know if other states have the same issues or has there just been an 'agility explosion' in Victoria ? Strange thing is I don't think the trialling numbers reflect this trend.

[Pretty Miss Emma]

I'm sure you do have the right person!!

And I could understand the frustration with those that are lookign to send their dogs straight over equipment because I certainly think that all the info sent out makes it clear what goes on in the Foundation class!!! (Unless they chose not to read any of it nor listen at the first night!!!).

I have to say I'm really enjoying the flat work skills as it's really helping with focus and developing a stronger bond between handler and dog - these are my primary goals everything else is a bonus to me!!! Luckily I seem to be getting a bit of "everything else" from the munchkin also. Very, very pleased with how she has been going (and maybe I should be happy with how I'm dealing with her also!)!!

[munchy cedarhurst]

I would be interested to know if other states have the same issues or has there just been an 'agility explosion' in Victoria ? Strange thing is I don't think the trialling numbers reflect this trend.

I am interested in the question you pose as well... Especially to understand why, if there is an "agility explosion", why trialling does not reflect the trend.

Hopefully I am not misrepresenting the other states when I say, I have heard that there is so much choice in NSW so I haven't got the impression of wait lists and club shortages. The concept of wait lists in VIC sounds very strange (albeit the reality) when I have spoken about it with friends. In Brisbane, the only wait lists I have experienced is when I have signed up for a foundation class while the current class is in progress so I have had to wait for the next one to commence. Not everyone intends to trial so what I have observed are those that do the foundation class and don't continue training (much like enrolling into a one-off puppy class), then those that continue to train just for fun with their dogs (maybe half of the class), and then those who train with the objective of trialling (maybe half of those again)... There are plenty of experienced handlers who do their own training (eg. at home).

[Guest Panzer Attack!]

How old does a dog have to be to get onto the waiting list for clubs? And do clubs prioritise people wanting to trial as opposed to people who don't or can't like the OP?

This is probably a REALLY stupid question but why would you do agility if your dog had bad knees? The last thing I'd want to do if Scooter had a possible dodgy patella is anything that could make it worse, especially an intense sport like agility?

E x (a newb)

PS: kelpiechick, I think I met you at Altona once! I was (am) Luke's partner with the baby Papillon :D

edit because I missed a word. Pretty sure all dogs have kneecaps durrrr~!

Edited June 5, 2011 by Panzer Attack!

[kelpiechick]

How old does a dog have to be to get onto the waiting list for clubs? And do clubs prioritise people wanting to trial as opposed to people who don't or can't like the OP?

This is probably a REALLY stupid question but why would you do agility if your dog had bad knees? The last thing I'd want to do if Scooter had a possible dodgy patella is anything that could make it worse, especially an intense sport like agility?

E x (a newb)

PS: kelpiechick, I think I met you at Altona once! I was (am) Luke's partner with the baby Papillon :D

edit because I missed a word. Pretty sure all dogs have kneecaps durrrr~!

Yes, I remember you from Altona - and the adorable Scooter.

I can only answer from the 2 clubs that I am a member of, plus I am not 100% sure about Agility Dog Club as even though I still instruct there occasionally, I am not involved with committee or with training co-ordination.

ADCV takes dogs into foundation class from 9 months if a 'newbie' or from 6 months if with an experienced trainer who has trained dogs for agility before. I have no involvement with the waiting list so not sure at what age you can get your name down from. (you would need to talk to Murray) I don't think that there would be any priority given to trialling aspirations, but again can't answer 100% on this. (There never used to be, put it that way.

At BAD we take into our Foundation Class from 12 months (was 9 months but we have recently reviewed this) and from 9 months with an experienced trainer. Dogs cannot progress to the first level of Intermediate before 12 months absolute minimum though, as we begin teaching 2x2 weaves there.

Last year we had someone put their dog on the waiting list at around 12 weeks of age, to make sure they got in. Getting to be like enrolling in private school, LOL. We were happy for them to do this and the dog is now in Foundation at 9 months as this person already has a dog working in a higher class and we know their level of experience.

We don't give priority to anyone, trialling or otherwise. We do have an 'unwritten' exception (sshh, don't tell) where we ask on our website for volunteers to steward at our agility trial in May and explicitly point out that waiting list aspirants are very welcome. We had one person from the middle of the waiting list respond and stewarded for us all day at our trial last month - so you can guess where they are on the waiting list now?????? Our rationale is that if they are continuing to look at the website to keep up to date with us, and are then willing to give their time when they are not even a club member yet, then they deserve to get a little priority.

My advice would be to talk to any club that you want to join in the future to see if you can get your name added, ASAP.

Start working on foundation exercises at home, things like crate games,(you can teach pretty much 80% of the future agility skills you will need through this) it's your choice, building not just toy drive, but the desire to play with you in general, tons of shaping and teaching tricks, the list goes on and I'm sure you know anyway.

OT was reading your thread in another section, hope Luke is OK.