Foundation Agility?

[Lizmo]

I've heard lots of people talk about Foundation Agility Classes, so I'm wondering what exactly is taught in this type of class?

There are no agility classes anywhere near me, so a class is out.

[SisMorphine]

If I remember correctly it was a lot of introduction to equipment, contact work, hind end awareness and footwork (I don't know if you call it footwork in agility, but that's what I'd call it in figure skating LOL).

[Beanie]

Here's a book that Clean Run has that I've heard recommended:
Clean Run: Flatwork—Foundation for Agility

And some DVD sets (I don't know how good these are)
Clean Run: Foundation Training for Agility 3-DVD Set
Clean Run: In FOCUS Foundation Work DVD


I think people disagree on if obstacle introduction belongs in an agility foundations class. Some say obstacles have no place, others disagree. Auggie was being exposed to obstacles before we ever took any classes and most of his relatives usually are too (it's all over his breeder's backyard so it would be pretty darn hard not to expose them to it!) Usually the exposure is pretty minimal in the classroom setting though.

[MericoX]

Our first agility class (I've only seen it called beginners agility around here) is being taught the different equipment (contacts not at full height though), how to teach your dog to use equipment on command, and a tiny bit of sequencing. We usually would do about 1-2 new obstacles a night, and slowly add to it.

[SpringerLover]

Foundations is about teaching turning, sending, control (how to go from resting to running), warming a dog up, teaching the dog about jump standards, working on jump timing, and jump training... to name a couple things.

[adojrts]

Agility Foundations ( as I know it) is flat work, i.e spirals (R & L), gate changes, Front crosses, Rear Crosses, Flips, sending/ Outs, targeting, contact board work, tipping/wobble boards, body awareness, hindend awareness and focus work. Along with expanding on obedience, games and proofing lead outs, recalls etc.

[MericoX]

I want to take your guys Foundation classes LOL. No wonder we're so messed up...

[adojrts]

Mer,

There is no reason why you can't train it now, it can't do anything but improve upon anyone's handling and control regardless of whether they have already trialed or not. And a lot of it can be used as part of your pre-run warm up when you do trial.

And you can also work on it in your own home (a huge area is not needed) )

[Lizmo]

Adojrts, would you mind giving a short explanation -or difinition- on each of the things you mentioned? Some of them I'm familier with, but some I don't think I've heard before.

[MericoX]

We've worked on all you've said in later classes.... I think it would've been useful to learn first is all.