Schedule of Classes

This table outlines the classes held at Happier Hounds Dog Training. This schedule is subject to change and dependant of demand.

Day	Classes	Time
Monday	Monday	-
Tuesday	Puppy Parties Make It Manners Classes	6.45-7.45pm 7.45-8.45pm
Wednesday	Puppy Power Classes More Fun Matters Classes	6.45-7.45pm 7.45-8.45pm
Thursday	-	-
Friday	Introductory Agility (summer) Clicker Training	6.45-7.45pm 7.45-8.45pm
Saturday	Puppy Parties Introductory Agility (winter) (weekend workshops)	9.45-10.45am 11am-12noon
Sunday	(weekend workshops)

Introductory Agility

A dog training centre trying to promote responsible ownership and how to have the best out of the owner-dog relationship really wouldn’t be doing itself justice without offering some agility! Agility has been a popular canine sport for several decades now but is steeped in history as part of the working trials activities. At Happier Hounds Dog Training all dog owners are offered a chance to try this fun and energetic sport with their dog. Both secure outdoor and indoor facilities at Happier Hounds Dog Training means that the Irish weather can not hinder these classes as dogs learn to master obstacles such as the jump hurdles, long jump, tunnel, tyre, see-saw, table and weave. Although there is no stimulation on obedience, again it is more useful and safer to have a dog that is attentive and responsive with, in particular, a reliable recall.

What to expect from Introductory Agility…

You can expect to see a real difference in your dog as you start encaging in this activity together. Some dogs will be apprehensive about obstacles such as the tunnel and see-saw, but patience and consistency from the owner paired with a big reward, loads of praise and the chance to run and jump some more wins them over every time! As this class is purely an introduction do not expect to be at competition standard at the end, although every dog has this potential with plenty of practice and some time. Advice can be given to the owner that wishes to compete and during the summer the equipment is often available during ‘free-time’ sessions for practise. If you want to find out more about agility or are keen to see some competitions the following links are very useful:

Agility forum
Working Trials

What to do before attending Introductory Agility Classes…

Firstly, Introductory Agility Classes are only open for dogs over one year in age. To jump and over exercise many breeds before this age is very irresponsible as it can promote joint problems later in life. For some breed owners it is advisable to speak with your vet before starting agility, and likewise for some owners your doctor! Participants are reminded, when starting classes, that agility is a risk activity; trips and slips can easily occur with generally no harm done-but it is important to be aware!
Fantastic obedience is not a requirement, but it is worth practising some basic commands particularly working on keeping your dog attentive and responsive to you in areas of distraction. Most owners are surprised by how much their dog improves in basic obedience as it filters in to the agility without them even realising.

How to book in my dog for Introductory Agility classes?…

Just contact Alison if your are interested in the Introductory Agility classes. All breeds and mixed breeds are welcome at Introductory Agility classes so long as they are at least a year old at the start of the classes. Introductory Agility classes run for 6 weeks and cost a total of €85 for the six weeks. Owners need to commit to attending all sessions which are usually on a Friday evening(summer) or Saturday morning (winter). Introductory Agility classes are held at Happier Hounds Dog Training, located approximately 3 miles from Abbeyleix, Co. Laois on the Carlow Road.

What else can I do with my dog?…

Agility is a fun and active sport for you and your dog, but there are many other ways to get active- for both the body and mind. More Fun Matters classes introduce fun games that can be played with your dog to enhance your relationship and train new skills whilst Clicker Training classes get the dogs really working as they offer complex behaviours for the response of a click and associated reward. A discount is available for owners that progress through the classes held at Happier Hounds Dog Training

An Introduction to Agility is also offered in a weekend workshop for owners that are interested in trying the sport but live too far from Happier Hounds Dog Training to attend weekly classes. workshops can be found by clicking here