Dog Agility Classes: Turning Obstacles into Opportunities for Fun

Fun, exercise and quality time with your dog.

The Friends of Bouchie-Milburn (FoBM) are excited to have partnered with Ellen Gross and Moose Meadows Farm to bring Dog Agility to Bouchie Lake! This program for FUN will be an introductory 8 week class that will involve training your dog to navigate an obstacle course which includes jumps, tunnels, contact equipment and weave poles. How are the FoBM involved? The FoBM is carrying the insurance and will be looking after the Registration as this will be a fundraiser. FoBM members benefit through having a discounted price!

The classes have been set up with 2 classes held one night a week for 8 weeks. The minimum number of dogs (participants) per class is five with a maximum of 8. Maximum 2 people per dog, allows for a small group setting with personalized instruction and attention. Agility Dog Training is a great way to build a stronger bond with your dog, improve their physical fitness, coordination, and obedience, and have fun at the same time. We recommend some obedience training prior to Fun Agility; however it is not required.

The classes will be held in the sand based riding arena at Moose Meadows Farm. Moose Meadows is a bonafide working farm and home to horses, donkeys, camelids, goats, sheep, chickens and ducks. All dogs must be crated (or kept in a car) or on a leash while at Moose Meadows Farm.
Ellen will guide and teach you and your dog how to safely navigate the obstacles and work as a team.

 

Here are some basic guidelines which all participants need to consider:

    • 2 people per dog maximum or 1 dog per 2 people maximum. If there are 2 persons / dog, humans will alternate each excercise. This ensures the dog does not get tired and /or frustrated. For beginner dogs, having 2 handlers may result in dogs taking longer to learn as handlers will use different cues and body language which will also be confusing for the dog.

    • All dogs must be at least 6 months old.

    • The minimum age of human participants is 10. All participants must be able to control their dog. For young folks, a parent may wish to accompany them. This might apply for older folks too!

    • Dogs must be crated (kept in vehicle) and remain on lead at all times while on the property of Moose Meadows Farm.

    • Parking will be identified prior to the class start up.

    • The class is open to dogs of all breeds and sizes.

    • No aggressive dogs and /or dogs reactive to humans or other dogs will be allowed.

    • Full payment for the class must be received at the time of registration. Payment can be email transferred to bouchielakefriends@gmail.com or paid with cash, debit, or credit card at the Bouchie Lake Country Store.

    • There will be no refunds unless classes do not proceed due to minimum numbers not being met and /or the classes do not proceed due to illness and /or injury.

    • If a participant misses a class, there will not be any make-up classes.

    • Classes will proceed weekly regardless of weather (rain or shine). Should we experience extreme heat, the class may be rescheduled. The only time a class may be cancelled is due to severe thunderstorms and /or lightning. If the latter occurs, the class will be rescheduled to another time.

    • All participants are expected to assist with equipment set up and take down prior to and before each class.participants will not be allowed to run other obstacles other than the one the class is working on.

    • Participants are not allowed on the course until the instructor arrives on-site. During the class,

    • All participants are expected to sign a waiver that acknowledges that the Friends of Bouchie-Milburn Society, Moose Meadows Farm, nor Ellen Gross can be held liable for any damage or injury while participating in the classes.

Note: Human Participants should bring water for themselves and their dogs. A shovel and bucket (wheelbarrow) will be on-site for poop clean ups.

The Benefits of Dog Agility

Physical exercise
Agility involves running, jumping, climbing and other movements that can provide dogs with a great workout, helping to keep them fit and healthy.

Mental stimulation
Agility requires dogs to think and solve problems, which can help to keep their minds active and engaged, reducing the risk of boredom and associated behaviour problems.

Bonding
A dog Agility Course can be a fun and rewarding activity for dogs and their owners to do together, helping to strengthen the bond between them.

Confidence building
As dogs progress in their training, they can gain confidence in themselves and their abilities, which can translate to other areas of their lives.

Socialization
The Training Program provides dogs with the opportunity to interact with other dogs and people, helping to improve their social skills and reduce the risk of aggression or fearfulness.

Competition
For those who enjoy it, an agility program can be a competitive activity, offering the chance to participate in trials and competitions with other dogs and their handlers.

Behavioural benefits
Agility can also help to improve behaviour problems such as hyperactivity, destructiveness and anxiety, as they learn to channel their energy and focus their minds on the task at hand.

Schedule

Classes start June 15th and are for 4 consecutive weeks

Class 1: 5:00- 6:00pm
Class 2: 6:00-7:00pm

Registration Fee

FoBM Member*: $110.00
Non-Member: $140.00

Payment for Dog Agility Classes is due at the time of Registration. Please email transfer to bouchielakefriends@gmail.com

*Membership with the Friends of Bouchie-Milburn Society is $10.00 / year.

To become a member and receive all the benefits, go to: https://bouchielakefriends.ca/about-us/membership/

Dog Agility Class Registration Form
Are you a FoBM Member?
I am registering for:
Optional
Optional
Are there any medical reasons that we should be aware of that might prevent you (or the Secondary Dog Handler) from participating in Dog Agility?
Minimum age is 6 months
Dog’s Sex
Please enter weight in pounds (lbs).
Spayed or Neutered
Has your dog attended daycare before?
Is your dog crate trained?
Does your dog have any medical conditions / injuries or sensitivity that we should be aware of?
Are there any medical reasons that would prevent your dog from participating in the dog agility classes?
Has your dog ever bitten a human or another dog?
Payment Method
Payment is due at the time of registration.