What to Expect
At Tenterden, we believe that the most important thing with agility is that it should be fun! We tailor training to suit the dog and handler’s needs using positive reinforcement and force-free methods. We never use punishment or force dogs over equipment.
Dogs are taught progressively, starting with poles on the floor, collapsed tunnels, low height contacts and open channel weaves.
A reward (a toy or a tasty treat) is used to encourage your dog over the obstacle. Lots of praise and fuss will be given to make it extra fun and exciting!
Once a dog is confident with the equipment, the height and difficulty of the equipment can be slowly increased.
Every dog is different and learns at their own pace. It’s important to go at the dog’s pace to ensure their enjoyment, safety and wellbeing.
How Do I Get Started?
All dogs must be at least 12 months old. Sadly we cannot take younger dogs due to developing joints and are unable to offer foundation classes at present. We can reccommend two local trainers (East Sussex and Kent based) that offer foundation training for puppies 6 months+ so please contact us for more information or to be added onto our waiting list.
Obedience training is essential. We now require all new dogs to have some kind of basic obedience training such as Kennel Club Good Citizen Scheme Bronze level or equivalent. You will be asked to demonstrate a reasonable level of obedience and control on the first night including recall, wait and sit. If your dog is unable to demonstrate these skills, we will not be able to take them on until this is resolved.
Your dog must be dog good with dogs of all sizes. For insurance purposes, we cannot take aggressive dogs.
Dogs must be healthy and have a reasonable level of fitness.
Must turn up by 7:45pm to set up for 8pm start. All members are required to help with the setting up of equipment for 8pm start.