About Agility Junkies

An agility club in Barrington

Agility Junkies is a not-for-profit organization devoted to the sport of dog agility, based at 22073 Pepper Rd in Barrington. It has offered group classes since 1998. The facility has 3,500 square feet indoors plus a lighted, fenced 110 by 75 foot grass yard outdoors, so classes run year-round.

Classes

Group classes run from Level 1 for dogs with no agility experience, through Level 2 beginners, to intermediate and advanced levels and a competition class. Intermediate and higher levels are by invitation for current students. Classes are capped at seven dogs. Private training, workshops and seminars are also listed, and the club hosts sanctioned agility trials in its outdoor yard.

Method

Green dogs are introduced to the obstacles slowly and safely. Handlers are encouraged to use food and toys and learn to reward properly to shape behaviors. The director of training believes positive reinforcement strengthens the bond and improves performance.

What to ask

Ask when the next Level 1 class starts, what your dog needs before joining, and whether private sessions suit a dog new to agility.