Here’s a peek at our training facility “dressed” for Intermediate/Competition Agility Class! (photo to come)

A Few Words from Barbara Bray, ADTC’s Agility Guru, Director and VERY NICE PERSON!

ADTC’s Agility Program began in the early 1990′s when there was only UKC, NADAC and USDAA Agility. At that time, Azalea offered only one agility class. AKC Agility soon began and it seemed after that all agility organizations began to grow at a rapid pace. One and then two and then other ADTC members began training and trialing. Those who got involved soon became addicted to this up and coming dog sport. Intermediate/Competition Agility is offered at 10:00 AM on Wednesday morning and at 7:30 PM on Wednesday night. Beginner Agility is offered at 6:30 PM (all times subject to change) on Wednesday night which focuses on Foundation Training and gives an introduction to the obstacles. Students remain in Beginner Agility Classes until they are ready for the sequencing and preparation for competition provided in the Intermediate/Competition Agility Classes. Prior to taking Agility at Azalea Dog Training Club, dogs and handlers must have Obedience Training through the Pre-Novice Class, as Obedience and Agility go hand in hand and Obedience is a must for a successful agility dog. Dogs must know sit, down, stay, come and be able to work off lead around other dogs and with lots of distractions, paying close attention to their handlers and following the directions given by the handler both at a close range and at a distance. Agility is fun for both the dogs and handlers and most dogs love it. The approach at ADTC is a positive one using lots of food and praise to motivate the dog. It helps bring a shy dog out and often helps in calming down an overly energetic dog. It gives the dog a job that they love.   Barb Bray, Director of Agility at ADTC

Our Staff of Agility Instructors includes:

Barbara Bray has competed in AKC, NADAC, USDAA and UKC Agility. Barbara has Shelties (Bobby and his son, Beacon) and a Papillon (Focus, now at Rainbow Bridge) and has put AKC MX and MXJ Titles on her Sheltie and Papillon. She has also completed the AKC Open Fast Title with her Papillon. She has earned NADAC Elite Standard and Gamblers Titles and NADAC Open Jumpers Titles, as well as NADAC Tunnelers Titles. She has also put UKC titles on four dogs including the UGRATCH Title. Barbara has also completed the CDX Obedience Title and the Rally Excellent Title with two of her Shelties and has earned the Rally Advanced Title with her Papillon. Barbara and her Sheltie, Bobby, were one of the eight teams from North Carolina who competed in the AKC National Agility Championship Competition in 2002.  Recently, Barb got a new fur baby; Niki (Papillon) who has already gotten his paws wet in the Agility Ring!

Susan Jackson has Corgis and Brittanys. Susan has earned AKC Excellent and Jumpers Titles with her Corgis and Novice Obedience and Rally Excellent Obedience titles. Susan is also a successful handler in the Breed Ring with both Corgis and Brittanys and very successful in the area of Field Testing with her Brittanys.

She and her Corgis have also been involved in the Therapy Dog Program and she is a long term advocate for dog and cat rescue in the area with the New Hanover County Humane Society.

Janet Doxey, who has Corgis, has AKC Excellent Standard and Jumpers Titles in Agility and Novice and Open Titles in Obedience and is currently working on her girl, Hazels’s RAE Title. Janet is warm and caring and always has a smile on her face. She does whatever it takes to help a dog and handler achieve success. Janet has started many the ‘green’ team along on it’s way, providing loving support all the way to the Show Ring!

Andrea Arbogast, and her Rescued Girl, Lola (Aussie mix), have been working in Aglity for 3 1/2 years.  Andrea and Lola have earned several titles in both AKC and NADAC events.  Her excellent people AND dog skills hold her in good stead as she brings her Student Teams along toward trialing. 

ADTC is extremely proud of our Agility Program…. led by Director Barbara Bray and enhanced with all our wonderful Instructors! Barb and her boys excel in many venues, including Agility, Obedience and Rally Obedience. Our very own Agility Guru is always there with a helping hand at any level in Agility and Obedience. Barbara and her companion, Sandy, were the first Sheltie team to be awarded the UKC Agility Championship in North Carolina. The team went on to earn Agility titles in AKC, UKC, and NADAC. Sandy also earned his CDX (Companion Dog Excellent) in the Obedience ring. Barbara and sweet boy Bobby (Sheltie) have obtained most, if not all, of the highest titles in all aspects of Agility with all the organizations. They have also earned Rally Excellent title and Traditional Obedience titles! Under Barbara’s kind and gentle hand, Focus was (Papillion now at Rainbow Bridge) and Beacon (Sheltie, and Bobby’s son!!) are  following in Bobby’s pawprints and doing well in performance rings all over the country!

2010 Session II AM Intermediate Competition Combo Class pictures can be seen under our Agility Archives page!