Agility Classes
Unless otherwise noted, all group agility classes meet at Topflight Farm
4530 Hollow Oaks Drive, Chapel Hill NC
sports Foundations
This is your starting point within the PPP Agility Program. This class teaches your team the learning structure and skills that will be utilized throughout all other agility classes, such as: the principles of operant conditioning, obedience and positional cues related to agility, focus, impulse control, drive, play, and working through distractions. Introduction to agility equipment will occur, but will not be the focus of Sports Foundations. This class is designed to develop the physical strength, mental focus, and body awareness required for high-performance sports whether you’re aiming for the podium or just want a fit, focused partner, this is where the journey begins.
We will teach your dog to use all four paws with precision through perch work and rear-end awareness drills. They will master the self-control needed for start-line stays and you will play fun engagement games to keep your dog focused on you, even in busy environments. We will utilize fitness equipment to build the muscle and balance needed to prevent injuries.
Perfect for future sports stars, high-energy breeds, and owners who want to improve their dog's coordination and "work-with-me" attitude. Time and effort spent building a strong foundation makes all other aspects of agility training easier for you and your dog. These skills will carry over to all future training and subsequently, this class should be repeated as necessary.
PREREQUISITES: Basic obedience skills such as sit, down, stay, and focus on handler. No aggressive dogs. Minimum age 4 months.
Agility FUNdamentals
Building on your foundational skills, this class shifts the focus to the thrill of the obstacles! We will teach your dog to tackle a variety of equipment with speed, precision, and a "work-with-me" attitude. Build confidence and correct form across all types of jumps and tunnels, creating a dog that hunts for the next obstacle. We also introduce an open-channel of weave poles and low-height contact equipment for a safe, positive experience. Practice the mechanics of front, blind, and rear crosses "on the flat," mastering your footwork before applying it to the course. By the end of this class, you and your dog will be running short sequences of 3–4 obstacles with confidence!
PREREQUISITES: Sports Foundations class or instructor approval. No aggressive dogs. Minimum age 6 months (puppies under 1yr of age, or not fully grown, will use jump bumps).
Agility Handler Mechanics
A “Handling System” is the language you use to guide your dog through an agility course. Clear, consistent communication is essential for confident, reliable performance. In this class, we focus on teaching the handler first—so your cues become intentional, consistent, and easy for your dog to understand.
You will learn how your body movements influence your dog, how different physical cues create different responses, and how to combine those cues effectively. By understanding the “recipe” behind each handling technique, you’ll gain the skills to communicate more clearly and improve your team’s performance on course.
This is an elective class within the agility program and is one where our dogs are not active participants. It is designed to be taken following, or in conjunction with, Agility FUNdamentals. This class meets at my home.
PREREQUISITES: Agility FUNdamentals class or instructor approval.
Intro to Agility sequencing
It’s time to find your flow! In this level, we bridge the gap between single obstacles and real course work. We’ll dive deep into using a consistent "Handling System" to ensure you and your dog are always in sync, moving with the speed and precision of a true team. Master the “3 C’s” of agility handling Connect, Commit, and Cue—learning exactly when to give your dog the signal to fly and when to stay connected. We’ll apply the mechanics of Front, Blind, and Rear Crosses to our coursework without breaking your dog’s momentum and build "obstacle independence," teaching your dog to hunt for and complete their job even when you’re moving ahead to the next position. By the end of this course, you and your dog will be crushing 5–8 obstacle sequences, including a seamless side change, with total confidence!
PREREQUISITES: Agility FUNdamentals class or instructor approval. No aggressive dogs. Minimum age 8 months (puppies under 1yr of age, or not fully grown, will use jump bumps).
Novice Sequencing w/jumps & tunnels
Ready to level up and hit the course running? This fast-paced class is all about building speed, confidence, and connection as you and your dog tackle longer, more exciting sequences! We’ll continue to sharpen your handling skills so you can give clear, timely cues while keeping your dog on a smooth, flowing line. As your teamwork improves, we’ll start linking more obstacles together—focusing on independence, commitment, and quick decision-making on course.
By the end of the session, you and your dog will be taking on 12–15 obstacle sequences with side changes—moving with confidence, precision, and drive!
PREREQUISITES: Intro to Agility Sequencing class or instructor approval. No aggressive dogs. Minimum age 1 year.
Advanced Sequencing w/jumps & tunnels
We will continue to refine our handling to keep a consistent line of communication between you and your dog. Only jumps and tunnels will be used in this class. Dogs will progress to jumping full height. Students will be given longer turns in this class to really build proficiency towards running full length courses with multiple side changes.
PREREQUISITES: Novice Sequencing class or instructor approval. No aggressive dogs. Minimum age 1yr.
Intro to Contact Obstacles
We will build on the foundation behaviors required for stopped contacts in this class. We will teach the behavior and proof it with motion, handler position, and distractions so you have the makings of a bombproof contact behavior! This class meets at my home.
PREREQUISITES: Agility FUNdamentals class or instructor approval. No aggressive dogs. Minimum age 1yr.
Wicked Weaves
Dogs entering our weaves class should have a strong understanding of jumps and tunnels and be prepared to learn weave poles. Learning to weave is the most difficult obstacle to teach in agility. Your dog will be taught to weave with confidence during this class utilizing both the 2x2 method as well as channel weaves with guide wires. Also appropriate for dogs that are already weaving, but need some “rehab”. Class may need to be repeated until proficiency is gained. This class meets at my home.
PREREQUISITES: Novice Sequencing class or instructor approval. No aggressive dogs. Minimum age 1yr.
Masters coursework
Let’s put all of our hard work to the test! We will put it all together with the contacts and weaves so you’ll be out there competing in no time! Students will be given longer turns in this class.
PREREQUISITES: Advanced Sequencing, Contacts, and Weaves classes or instructor approval. No aggressive dogs. Minimum age 1yr.