contact agility club - putnam county, new york

Notes and Policies:

Thank you for your interest in Contact Agility Club's classes. We offer classes from beginner to competition level. All students are expected to assist in set-up or take-down of equipment. Bitches in season are allowed at the discretion of the instructor. A rabies certificate is required to be sent with the class application.

Confirmation of enrollment in classes will be sent out.

Agility is an off-lead sport. Even in the beginning, the handler will need to release the dog in order to perform most of the obstacles. It is therefore extremely important that no dog be out of control nor show aggression towards another dog or handler. Dogs that have control problems will be referred to obedience classes elsewhere. Handlers must be aware of their dogs' attitudes during class and must not allow improper confrontations with other dogs. Any dog showing signs of aggression may be asked to leave at the discretion of the instructor. For the safety of the dog, a simple buckle collar without tags is required. No choke, prong, or electronic collars are permitted. Neither are flexi-leads. A 4 or 6 foot leash or slip lead is best. Head halters are allowed.

Bring LOTS of treats to class. Small soft treats the size of a raisin are best -- hot dogs, cheese, liver, chicken, or whatever your dog goes nuts for. Kibble is not special for your dog, so it is not a good choice for a treat. Toys are also excellent rewards for your dog. Bring a bowl and water for your dog. Wear comfortable clothes and athletic shoes. The arena is used by horses and has a dirt floor so do expect to get dirty!

Please do not feed your dog before class. Hungry dogs work better, and it can be dangerous to exercise a dog on a full stomach.

If you are interested in taking a class with us, please fill out the application (click here) and sign the waiver of liability. here. Be sure to specify which class you are enrolling in. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required. Mailed applications are accepted on a first received basis. We cannot hold spots over the phone. Send application, signed waiver, rabies certificate and check made out to CONTACT AGILITY CLUB to our class administrator, Deborah Harris, at her address listed on the downloadable registration forms. Any questions? Contact Deb at the phone numbers on the form, or e-mail info@contactagility.org.

All levels are eight (8) week sessions and are $180; $144 for Contact Members and $162 for pending Contact members. Cost for the competition class is $196 – Contact Members; $215 pending Members; $235 non club members (8 week session). No refunds will be made within one week of the beginning or after the start of class. All dogs must have an up-to-date rabies vaccination.

A certificate from your vet must accompany the application.

* Classes are held at indoors at Lily Pond Stable, 321 Skidmore Rd, Pleasant Valley, NY.
* There are NO refunds for bitches in season. They will be allowed at the discretion of the instructor.
* No refunds within one week of the beginning or after the start of class.
* Only classes that have been cancelled by the club will be made up or refunded.
* Everyone must assist with setup and takedown.
* Dogs must be crated or in cars during set-up and take-down--NO exceptions!
* Classes start at 7:30 PM with set up and end when everything is put away.
* Please try to be quiet AND keep your dogs quiet, to avoid getting the horses upset.

Early Fall 2008 Schedule- Begins weekly on September 13th, 2008

Last updated August 11, 2008. Contact the webmaster at jenn (at) bale-oconnell dot com about page/site problems. Contact info@contactagility.org with questions about classes.