Frequently Asked Questions

Classes are held at KB Dog Training, Field Barn Farm, Beenham, RG7 5LT. 

We use the Paddock and Training Barn for classes

Classes last for 50 minutes. 

There will be a few activities where all the dogs will be working at the same time but most exercises will be done individually. 

This allows the dogs to have a little breather in between activities, without over tiring them. 

Because we train outside, we are limited by weather and daylight hours. Therefore, in the summer, classes are held on Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings and on Sundays in the winter. 

The time and day of your class will be made clear when you book. 

If the time or day does not work for you, it can be made possible to do 1-1s on a more convenient day until you are able to join the classes

Your instructor will start the class punctually so will not wait for you.

However, if you know you are going to be late, please let your instructor know with as much notice as possible.

Yes, however you must bring either a second person to handle the other dog or a crate to secure it while you work. 

Your instructor will not be able to look after your second dog while you work the first. 

In the summer, when you can park in the paddock, this will be easier as you will be able to leave the second dog in the car, but you must make sure you make suitable arrangements for the winter when this parking is unavailable.

There is a limit of 6 dogs per class which is booked on a first-come-first-served basis, so you may have to bring one dog at a time or enrol in 2 classes where necessary.

Generally we will try to work through the rain where possible so bring a coat! 

However if your instructor deems the conditions are too dangerous, they will give you as much notice as possible that your class has been cancelled. 

In the winter, the paddock can become waterlogged so there may be a few weeks at a time when classes cannot happen. 

In some cases, the Training Barn will be used as an alternative but this will not be available every week. 

Depending on which stage your bitch’s season is at, your instructor may deem it acceptable for you to attend. 

However, if your instructor feels that your bitch is in any way stressed or too much of a distraction for the other dogs, you will be asked not to attend until her season is over.

The dogs in the class will be on lead at all times unless you are asked to remove it by your instructor.

Dogs can often feel trapped by the lead when confronted with another dog, leading to aggression.

Therefore, for the safety of your dog, we ask that there are no on-lead interactions in class.

The dogs come to class to interact with you, building your bond with them, not the other dogs in the class!

We request that all dogs have a reasonable level of recall and basic obedience.

You may be asked to spend some time working on the basics at home before joining the class.

If your dog shows any signs of aggression towards the other dogs in the class, you will be asked to manage the situation appropriately. 

This may mean 1-1s are better for your dog or working at a distance from the others in your class and spending time at home training on the problem. 

Your instructor will advise you on the best course of action.

• Plenty of treats  - you will use a lot so take this into consideration when giving them their daily food portion.
• A high value toy  - preferably something they like to chase or a tuggy but a teddy or food toy are fine too.
• Collar and lead - if you use a harness or slip lead that's fine, the collar must be a normal flat collar, no chokes or anything like that. If your dog walks with a halti or other head collar, feel free to bring that if you want to.
• A blanket or bed for your dog to settle on in the Training Barn - the barn has a concrete floor so it can get very cold, feel free to bring a warm coat too.
• That goes for owners too - wrap up warm!
• Water - there will always be water available for the dogs if they need it, but it is worth bringing some of your own in case. Training can be very thirsty work so you might notice they have a big drink when you get home.
• Comfortable shoes - when working in the Training Barn, feel free to wear whatever will keep you warmest. In the Paddock we get moving a bit more so it will be worth wearing trainers or an equivalent if you have them. The Paddock can get quite muddy so shoes with good grip will be useful.

When we use the paddock outside, classes won't be cancelled unless the weather conditions make it unsafe so that means we won't be put off by a bit of rain. Make sure you come well prepared!

Definitely, the more the merrier!

Spectators are welcome to come along to watch the training but must remain out of the way of other dogs and handlers at all times. 

Children must be closely supervised at all times by a responsible, non-training adult.

Yes! The Young Kennel Club (YKC) is a great way for children to get more involved in agility, there are even specific YKC classes at most agility competitions.

Agility can be a great way to build a child and dog’s relationship.

However, you must attend all classes with them and take control of the dog if your instructor requests. 

Dogs must be 10 months or older to start the Foundation course, or a year or older to start the Beginner courses. This is because their bones will still be growing and so by avoiding high impact activities, you can help to reduce the risk of injuries and therefore damaging growth plates. 

Please be aware that it takes larger dogs’ growth plates longer to finish developing so your instructor may advise you to postpone your training until your dog has finished growing.