Brisbane Agility Dog Club (BAD) is a sports club located in Brisbane, Australia. As a dedicated dog agility training centre, BAD offers a wide range of classes and programmes for dogs and handlers of all skill levels.
One of their most popular classes is “Foundations,” a 10-week course that focuses on teaching dogs how to learn and handlers how to use positive reinforcement and shaping to learn new behaviours. This course specifically teaches the foundations for the sport of agility. Before enrolling in Foundations, participants are encouraged to undertake a self-assessment to ensure they and their dogs are ready for the course. At the end of the course, dogs and handlers must pass a small assessment to progress to the Beginners class.
Foundations can be repeated indefinitely to further enhance skills.
The Beginners programme at BAD runs for 8 weeks and introduces dogs and handlers to a variety of different obstacles using one core handling system. In week 9, there is an assessment that determines the progression onto the next level. To join Beginners, dogs must have successfully completed Foundations or been assessed as competent by the instructor team.
For those looking to advance their agility skills, BAD offers the Elementary class, which also runs for 8 weeks. This class further introduces dogs and handlers to a variety of different obstacles and focuses on three jump types, tunnels, contact equipment basics, and weave poles. Dogs and handlers must have either successfully completed Beginners or been assessed as competent to join Elementary. There is no restriction on how long a dog may remain in Elementary, but to move into the Starters class, dogs, and handlers must pass an evaluation or have their BAAD title or ANKC equivalent.
The Starters class is designed for handlers and dogs who have completed both the Beginners and Elementary programmes and have a solid grasp of the course content. Dogs in this class may have started competition trialling and continue to learn the contact equipment and weave poles. To progress from Starters, dogs must have achieved an AAD title or ANKC equivalent.
BAD also offers a Trialling class for those currently competing in agility trials at the Open A level and have received their AAD title or ANKC equivalent.
To book a class at BAD, individuals must be current members of the club. Bookings for all classes, except Foundations, are made via the private Members' Facebook Group. Refunds are only provided if a dog becomes medically unwell and can no longer participate due to medical grounds.
At Brisbane Agility Dog Club, they prioritise the safety and well-being of both dogs and handlers. They aim to create a supportive and inclusive environment where participants can develop their agility skills while fostering a strong bond with their four-legged companions. Join BAD today and experience the joy of dog agility training in Brisbane!