The K9 Kapers offer introduction to agility, foundation, beginner, intermediate and advanced classes taught by experienced handlers. 

2010 Introduction to Agility classes will begin in May with other classes starting throughout the spring and summer.  Call either Jeri at (506) 455-7052 (e-mail Jeri@k9kapers.ca ) or Brenda at (506) 450-3039 (e-mail  Brenda@k9kapers.ca ) for more information or to enroll in classes. Spring and Summer classes are held at our outdoor venue on Tripp Settlement Rd in Keswick. From the intersection of Hwy 105 and Tripp Settlement Rd. proceed down Tripp Settlement and you will see our training field on your right across from the G. Sharpe farm. You are most welcome to come out and observe a session, see the equipment, and ask questions.

In November we will begin our winter training at a horse arena in Silverwood. We train there Saturday and Sunday mornings. Again, you are most welcome to pay us a visit. From Fredericton, take Highway 102 (old TCH) past the Silverwood Inn & Suites on your left. You will see a sign for Carriage Hill Drive on your right. Slow down. Take the second driveway on your right after the sign. There is a wooden sign "The Deans" at the end of the drive. Park along side the white domed riding barn. The entrance is on the end to the right.

Coming east on Highway 102 past Mactaquac you will pass Aggie's Restaurant on the right. One minute later you will see a sign for Carriage Hill on your right. Slow down, move to the centre lane and the Dean's driveway will be on your left. 
 

Introduction to Agility (6 week course) $100

The Intro to Agility class will focus on impulse control through crate games, learning a release word, and circle work. The dogs will learn with positive reinforcement and also how to shape certain behaviours. There will be an introduction to targeting, directionals, jump work, retrieving, tugging, control positions and recalls. These skills will greatly enhance the foundation for agility, and most of all will teach the dog and handler to have fun with each other. 
 

Foundations (6 week course) $100

The foundation level includes the skills considered to be fundamental to the sport of agility.  The classes include groundwork that works on attention and focus exercises, targeting work for contact performance, ladder work for hind end awareness as well as exercises for developing jumping skills, turning, and solid start line stays.   The dogs will be exposed to some pieces of agility equipment such as tunnels, chutes and jump standards without height bars.  Positive reinforcement is recommended and used to pattern the skills taught in this class.  Our goal is to create a fun, safe and stress free environment that will allow you and your canine partner to be successful in building the basic skills necessary for agility.     
 

Beginners  (8 week course) $120

The Beginners level continues to build on the fundamental skills and dog handler relationships taught in the Foundations class.  Attention, focus and targeting exercises are reinforced while the dog learns to complete each piece of agility equipment.  The two on/two off method is taught for contact performance and back chained to ensure safe and proper conduct of the contact equipment.  The weave poles are taught using the two by two methodology to ensure a consistent and proper entry.  You and your dog will complete short sequences using the skills developed to-date.  
 

Intermediate (8 week course) $120

The Intermediate level switches training focus from the dog to the handler. In the intermediate level, the handlers learn the agility moves to get them where they need to be to properly direct their dog.  The handling techniques include front and rear crosses, lead out-pivots, and false turns.  Handlers are taught how to recognize and handle obstacle sequences such as serpentines, threadles, pinwheels and longer sequences while still reinforcing the fundamental skills developed in the Foundations and Beginners levels.  
 

Advanced  (10 week course) $150

The Advanced level focuses on long sequences, distance work, obstacle/handler discrimination and the timing of handling cue delivery.  Rules of competitive agility, strategies for walking a course and identifying traps are examined and practiced while creating a fun and stress free environment for both the handler and the dog. 

All classes are subject to a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 10 participants.