Danielle Marie Leblanc is an animal lover, particularly dogs. She currently owns two dogs, Sasha and Lucy, and just enrolled them in an agility class. Danielle Marie Leblanc loves to spend time with her dogs, and is always looking for new and fun activities to participate in with them. She likes to take her dogs on walks and hikes, and also enjoys pet photography with her dogs. Danielle Marie Leblanc has taken agility classes with her dogs before, and is interesting in taking a higher level course.

Agility training is rapidly gaining popularity among pet owners. There are many different types of training classes, from basic level agility to advanced training. Many agencies offer puppy-specific agility training, to increase communication and confidence between owners and their new puppies. Most agility courses contain several classes, and dogs can “graduate” through all steps of the program.

Agility classes teach dogs how to move effectively through a series of obstacles. Commonly used items include rings to jump through, fence posts to navigate between, and tunnels to run through. Courses are designed to be complicated enough that dogs would not be able to complete them without human guidance. Agility training relies on creating a strong communicative bond between dog and owner, where owners guide their dogs through the obstacles with positive reinforcement and treats. One of the goals of agility training is to eliminate the use of treats, so that dogs are internally motivated to navigate through the obstacle courses.

Danielle Marie Leblanc is excited to start a new agility class with her dogs. “We’re working our way through a set of agility classes,” she explains, “and we’re currently on the third class of five.” She likes the exercise that her dogs get through agility training, and is glad that they can stay in shape through classes.

Danielle Marie Leblanc had success in her previous agility classes. Her dogs loved the obstacle courses, and she felt that she bonded with them during the process. She explains, “My dogs had a great time in the agility classes. When they have fun, I also have fun.”