Agility
AGILITY TRAINING
Building Confident, Connected Agility Teams
Dog agility is a fast, exhilarating team sport where handler and dog work together to navigate a course of obstacles with confidence, focus and flow. More than just speed, agility is about communication, trust and the incredible connection that develops when a team learns to move as one. It’s energetic, exciting and genuinely fun for both dog and handler.
At BDTC, we offer a four-level agility pathway, from foundations through to advanced for experienced teams and competitors.
Dogs and handlers can progress into agility after Family Dog Training – Level 2, or enter from another training stream through assessment.
FOUR COURSE LEVELS
From foundations through to advanced
COURSE FORMAT
Course blocks and casual classes
ENTRY PATHWAYS
Through BDTC courses or via assessment
TRAINING STYLE
Positive reward-based
ALREADY TRAINING WITH BDTC?
A Clear Pathway Into Agility Through BDTC Training
Many teams begin their journey through Puppy Preschool and/or Family Dog Training Level 1 & 2 before moving into Agility. Family Dog Training course introduce sport-style skills and engagement games that build interest, body awareness and readiness for the next step into the dog sports world.
The pathway is designed to help dogs and handlers build skills gradually, gain confidence and enjoy the process of learning together.
NEW TO BDTC? START HERE.
Entry Pathway For Agility Teams New To BDTC
For teams entering from outside the club or from other training streams, we offer an assessment pathway. A general training and agility skills assessment helps determine the most suitable class level based on prerequisite skills and progression criteria.
If you’re new to agility but have completed general training elsewhere, please get in touch so we can guide you to the right starting point.
If you already have some agility experience, please complete our short online questionnaire. Once submitted, email us to let us know and we will review your information and advise next steps for assessment.
HOW TO GET STARTED
Agility Entry Pathways
TRAINING PATHWAY
Our Agility Program
Each agility level builds on the one before it. Progression is based on readiness, not rushing. Prerequisite skills help ensure dogs and handlers enter the right level with the confidence needed to succeed.
LEVEL 1 - FOUNDATIONS
Agility Foundations
The starting point for dogs and handlers ready to begin agility. Focuses on engagement, jumping, tunnels, weaving foundations, start line skills and building confidence on course.
Best suited to teams who have completed Family Dog Training – Level 2 or an equivalent course and are ready to begin sport-specific training.
Prerequisites
Shaping skills
Crate trained
Recall (mild distractions)
Sit
Impulse control
Hand nose touch
Handler focus
Stay
Work off lead
What You’ll Learn
Shaping skills
Jump foundations
Cone games
Tunnel foundations
Jump grid work
Soft turns
Tight turns
Short sequences
Hoop & broad jumps
Front cross
Please note: ‘prerequisites’ and ‘what you’ll learn’ are general guide only and not a definitive list of skills.
LEVEL 2 - HANDLING SKILLS
Handling Skills
The next step for teams ready for more flow and confidence. Focuses on handler mechanics and dog understanding, introducing crosses, turns and commitment.
Best suited to teams who have completed Agility Foundations (or equivalent) and are ready to progress into more connected handling and short sequences.
Prerequisites
Recall
Impulse control
Hand nose touch
Startline (1-2 jumps)
Front cross
Tunnels
Hoop
Soft & tight turns
Work off lead
What You’ll Learn
Front cross
Rear cross
Blind cross
Threadles
K-turn
Send to back
Drive forward
Serpentine
Pinwheel
Weave foundations
A-frame & dog walk intro
Small sequences
Specialty jumps
Please note: ‘prerequisites’ and ‘what you’ll learn’ are general guide only and not a definitive list of skills.
PRICING
Foundations & Handling Skills Courses: $100 each
What's Included?
- Capped class sizes
- 6 one-hour training sessions
- Training resources
- Knowledgeable instructors
Before Your First Class?
- Arrive early to set up equipment
- Dog over 12 months old
- Proof of up-to date vaccination or titre test
- Plenty of high-value treats & toys for rewards
- Closed-in shoes
- A positive attitude
LEVEL 3 - INTERMEDIATE
Intermediate Agility
The next step for teams ready for longer and more complex courses. Focuses on sequencing from Novice through to Excellent levels, strengthening obstacle performance, and developing greater dog independence.
Best suited to teams with established handling skills who are ready for contact equipment, weaves, and running full courses. Ideal for those considering competition, while still welcoming teams training just for enjoyment.
Prerequisites
Startline (2-3 jumps)
Front cross
Rear cross
Blind cross
Tight turns
Soft turns
Back sides
Weaves (4+ poles)
K-turns
Foundation contacts
What You’ll Learn
Directionals
A-frame
Dog walk
Seasaw intro
Full set of weaves
Threadle wrap
Threadle slice
Advanced back sides
Distance work
Layering
Full courses (Novice & Excellent)
Please note: ‘prerequisites’ and ‘what you’ll learn’ are general guide only and not a definitive list of skills.
LEVEL 4 - ADVANCED
Advanced Agility
Our highest progression level for teams refining and proofing skills at greater speed and complexity. Focuses on sequencing at Excellent and Masters levels, distance handling, advanced technical skills, and overall course performance. Classes vary in focus, from skill development to sequencing and full courses, supporting teams who wish to progress towards advanced training or competition.
Best suited to confident teams with good obstacle commitment, weave skills, distance handling, and reliable off-lead focus around other dogs. Suitable for those aiming to compete, while still welcoming teams training for enjoyment.
Prerequisites
Startine (2-3 jumps)
Solid recall
All crosses
Back sides
Threadles
Full height dog walk
Full height A-frame
Weaves (12 poles)
Full course running
What You’ll Learn
More Technical Skills
Obstacle independence
Complex threadles
K-turns
Driving forward
Distance handling
Layering
Seasaw
Proofing A-frame & dog walk
Full courses (Excellent & Masters)
Please note: ‘prerequisites’ and ‘what you’ll learn’ are general guide only and not a definitive list of skills.