Evaluations
Agility training is a fun sport for both you and your dog. We hope you will join our classes. However, before enrolling in your first class, your dog needs to be evaluated. We've answered the most frequently-asked questions regarding the evaluation process below. If you need any other information, call the club hotline or e-mail beg_training@agilityclubsd.org.

Why does my dog need to be evaluated?
When are evaluations given?
Where are evaluations held?
What does the evaluation consist of?
What happens after my dog is evaluated?

Why does my dog need to be evaluated?
During the early stages of equipment training, an instructor will often need to assist in handling your dog. In addition, most dogs learn the agility obstacles quite quickly and will be working off leash after only a few weeks of training. Therefore, it will be necessary for your dog to have the following skills:

• Have some initial obedience training
• Be under verbal control
• Be able to get along with people and other dogs and work in the presence of other dogs
• Be sociable

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When are evaluations given?
Evaluations are given at 6:00 pm on the first and third Thursdays of the month. No appointment is necessary. The next evaluation will be held on Thursday, January 10, at 6 p.m. The new session starts on January 17.

Evaluations may be canceled due to poor weather, so if in doubt, please call the club hotline before coming out.
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Where are evaluations held?
Evaluations are held at the Canine Sports Center at 4821 Dehesa Road, just east of El Cajon.
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What does the evaluation consist of?
The evaluation consists of the following exercises:

1. Dog and handler will walk by an instructor. The instructor will bend down and gently examine your dog. The dog should accept this without any problems.

2. Handler will give the dog's lead to the instructor and walk about six feet away from the dog. The dog should accept this without any problems.

3. Handler will give the lead to the instructor, who will walk about ten feet away with the dog.

4. Your dog will be evaluated for response to the commands: sit, down, and stay.

5. With a fence barrier between, another dog and handler will stand next the dog and handler being evaluated. Then the other dog and handler will walk back and forth, then both dogs and handlers will walk back and forth. The dog should accept this without showing any aggressive tendencies.

6. With all other dogs put out of the way, handler will let the dog wander away; then on evaluator's request, handler will call the dog. Dog should respond by coming.
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What happens after my dog is evaluated?
If your dog successfully completes the evaluation, we will notify you of the next available class in which you may enroll!

If your dog does not, we suggest you seek a good obedience trainer or behaviorist to assist you in training your dog. We will be very happy to reevaluate your dog a later time.
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