Backyard Beginner Dog Agility Training
The backyard beginner dog agility & movement training program at Paws and Play is designed to introduce dogs and their handlers to agility-style obstacles like tunnels, jumps, barrels, small climbable platforms, and balance equipment.
This structured, low-pressure training program is designed to build confidence, focus, and teamwork through movement and play. Dogs move through levels as their skills and comfort grow — always at their own pace. All sessions are currently offered as private training in your backyard. Participants must have a fenced-in yard or safe area where their dog can be off-leash.
❋ Backyard Agility Foundations
Prerequisite Skills for Equipment Work
Before starting the Backyard Agility program, dogs must complete Backyard Agility Foundations or demonstrate the required skills.
This prerequisite ensures dogs have the engagement, focus, and body awareness needed to safely interact with equipment.
Skills covered include:
Engagement with the handler
Marker and reinforcement skills
Recall and responsiveness
Body awareness and coordination exercises
Rear-end awareness
Ability to work around mild distractions
Confidence stepping onto low surfaces and novel objects
These foundation skills help prevent frustration or over-arousal and enable dogs to successfully learn obstacle work.
Beginner Backyard Agility Program
Fundamentals & Progression
The Beginner Backyard Agility program consists of 10 sessions divided into two levels, gradually building your dog’s ability to interact with equipment and perform obstacle sequences.
Each session builds on the previous one so dogs can develop confidence, coordination, and teamwork with their handler.
❋ Level 1 – Beginner Agility Fundamentals
Confidence, Body Awareness & Foundations
This level builds the core skills dogs need before moving into full agility work. Dogs are introduced to equipment and movement in a calm, supportive setting while developing engagement and understanding.
❋ Level 2 – Beginner Agility Progression
Sequencing, Flow & Skill Building
Once your dog is confident on equipment and handling basics, sessions progress into Beginner Agility. This level focuses on linking obstacles together and building smooth, responsive teamwork.
❋ Level 3 – Agility Course
Practice Low-Pressure Courses for Fun & Fitness
This level is designed for teams who want to enjoy running full beginner-level courses without pressure to compete. It focuses on fun, movement, and teamwork and can be repeated as often as desired.
Meet Jax..my first student
Each level has its own goals
Level 1 Includes:
Exploring and interacting with equipment such as:
Tunnels
Low jumps
Barrels for wrap exercises
Ground poles
Wobble boards and balance equipment
Training focuses on:
Building confidence around equipment
Improving body awareness and coordination
Learning how to move between obstacles
Maintaining engagement with the handler while excited
Who it’s for:
Dogs new to agility or needing strong foundations
Prerequisites:
• Completion of Backyard Agility Foundations or approval of skills evaluation
• Dog is injury-free and cleared for exercise
Level 2 includes:
Training focuses on:
• Sequencing multiple obstacles
• Introduction of advanced equipment:
– Small teeter (Pending on dog’s size)
– Larger tunnels and jumps
– Weave poles
– Climbable obstacles
• Handling at a distance and increased independence
• Motivation, focus, and flow
Who it’s for:
Dogs who have completed Level 1 or have instructor approval
Level 3 includes:
• Low-pressure beginner agility courses
• Emphasis on flow, confidence, and teamwork
• Fitness and mental enrichment for dogs
• Ongoing practice in a supportive environment
Who it’s for:
Teams who have completed Level 2 and want to keep building skills for fun and exercise
Session Format
Private backyard sessions
1 - 2 dogs per session
Personalized instruction for both dog and handler
Equipment brought to your location
This allows training to take place in a comfortable, low-distraction environment where dogs can learn and build confidence at their own pace.
Levels may need to be repeated prior to progressing to the next level.
Interested in Competition Training?
If your goal is to train for agility competitions, I’d love to support you with a more customized plan.
Join The Interest List Today!
Agility sessions are currently being offered on a limited basis while the program launches.
Join the interest list to be notified about when sessions start.