Dog Wood Park: agility

Annie has been training, teaching and competing in agility for about 10 years, in

addition to competing in obedience. Her dogs are also active therapy dogs. She is an elementary school teacher by day and has also taught riding lessons and trained horses, so teaching has always been her life. She is currently competing with a 6 year old sheltie, Liam, who has achieved many titles in AKC, USDAA and NADAC venues. She and Liam were on the 5th place team at the Dog Agility Competitions of Florida (D.A.C.O.F.) tournament in 2004.

Here are some comments from Annie:.

I believe agility should be fun for both dog and handler and I teach handlers to use positive reinforcement using, praise, toys and food. While I teach with competition in mind, agility is a wonderful sport for dogs and their humans to have a good time together. Agility is also a wonderful way to give shy or timid dogs confidence and socialization and to create a bond with their handlers. I believe that when agility is taught in a safe, positive way, all dogs can learn to do it, no matter what their age, breed, or athletic ability.

We offer Beginner Agility I , Beginner II, Intermediate I and Advanced. Each agility class lasts for five weeks and costs $95 (5% discount for park members).

To sign up for an agility class, please email or call the park (335-1919). If you have questions about the content of the course, or want to find out if your dog is ready for an agility class, email Annie Harris, the instructor.

Access to the Agility Field:

Park Members. Members who are taking or have completed an agility class (either at Dog Wood Park or elsewhere) will, upon request, be given the combination to the agility field gate so they can use the area any time Dog Wood Park is open. Non-Members currently taking agility classes will be let into agility field during any visitor hours. Non-members must pay park entrance fee to use the field.