Agility Ground Work – 2026

Event Phone: 510 845-7735, ext 215

 About the Class

Before you ever put your dog over jumps, climbing obstacles or through tunnels, there is a lot of work that goes into  developing the foundation that leads to working off lead and at a distance.  Most agility competitors train for a year before putting their dog on an agility course full of obstacles.  This class focuses on building communication, body awareness, and focus without the physical impact of full jumps and obstacles, although modified basic obstacles will be introduced.  Ground work is also known as Flat Work.

Developing the off-leash skills for agility is great for everyday outings, giving you a set of handling skills and your dog increased  responsiveness.

The goals of this class are:

Off Leash work around dogs in 4 weeks. Dogs will not be allowed off leash until they are reliable.

Increased Focus on both obstacles and handler

Start and stop skills

Work on both sides of handler. and recall to both sides

Reward delivery and tug training

This 4 session class meets Weekly and is held in person in our behavior and training building.

If you want to know more about getting started in agility before you take the class, visit the the link below.

https://www.akc.org/sports/agility/getting-started/

Class Requirements

Recommended for the dog over 6 months of age who have enough basic training to focus on you during class and current with all core vaccinations. This class is not appropriate for reactive dogs who have issues with dogs and/or people. If you have questions about your dog’s appropriateness for class, please email trainthebay@berkeleyhumane.org 

We supply equipment in class but you should consider obtaining or improvising anything you need to practice at home.  You will also need a tug toy, bait bag and lots of small, high value, easily consumed treats for class and home practice.

Plan to attend all 4 sessions.  Make up classes are not available.

Don’t see a class that works for your schedule? Contact Train the Bay to get on a waitlist!