Agility is a sport in which a handler directs a dog through an obstacle course in a race for both time and accuracy. Dogs run off leash with no food or toys as incentives, and the handler can touch neither dog nor obstacles. Consequently the handler's controls are limited to voice, movement, and various body signals, requiring exceptional training of the animal and coordination of the handler.

In its simplest form, an agility course consists of a set of standard obstacles laid out by a judge in a design of his or her own choosing in an area of a specified size. The surface may be of grass, dirt, rubber, or special matting. Depending on the type of competition, the obstacles may be marked with numbers indicating the order in which they must be completed.

Courses are complicated enough that a dog could not complete them correctly without human direction. In competition, the handler must assess the course, decide on handling strategies, and direct the dog through the course, with precision and speed equally important. Many strategies exist to compensate for the inherent difference in human and dog speeds and the strengths and weaknesses of the various dogs and handlers.

At the GRKC, we offer Start 1 and 2 Foundation Agility classes for puppies, young dogs and older dogs new to agility. Students learn skills they need to successfully continue on in agility. Dogs must be at least 4 months old to enter classes. Our Agility classes are held Sundays starting at 4pm.

We also offer Advanced Beginner through Excellent agility classes. These classes continue to build and improve skills needed for the handler and dog team to enjoy working together and/or compete successfully. Classes held Mondays at 5:30p, 6:30p, and 7:30p.

All classes are 8 week sessions for $120.00 (non-members) or $60 (members).

Be sure to check out the Annoucements page (Top Right) for start dates for new Sunday sessions!

Please contact Mary Jane at (414) 216-4346 or agility.grkc@gmail.com for information on Monday evening classes or any other agility related information or questions.