Agility Training at Paws Academy
Whether you're completely new to agility or looking to develop your existing skills, our one-to-one agility training sessions are tailored to you and your dog, helping you build confidence, improve handling skills and enjoy the sport at your own pace.
One-to-One Coaching | Reward-Based Training | Suitable For All Levels
One-to-One Agility Training Tailored To You And Your Dog
Agility is about much more than completing obstacles. It is about communication, confidence, teamwork and having fun together.
At Paws Academy, agility training is delivered through personalised one-to-one sessions, allowing us to focus on your individual goals, whether you are completely new to the sport, returning after a break, or looking to improve your handling skills.
With decades of experience in dog training and competitive agility, Renée can help you build the foundations needed for safe, effective and enjoyable agility training.
What We Can Help With
Foundations & Confidence
Perfect for dogs and handlers new to agility, focusing on confidence, safe foundations, understanding equipment, learning key skills and developing the teamwork needed for enjoyable training.
Handling Skills
Develop your timing, communication and handling skills while learning how to guide your dog effectively around a course, improving footwork, body language, connection and teamwork.
Competition Preparation
For teams looking to progress further, sessions focus on refining skills, improving consistency, understanding course choices and building confidence for training and competition environments.
Experience That Goes Beyond Training
Agility has been a huge part of Renée’s journey with dogs for over 30 years, from training and competing to helping other handlers develop their skills and confidence.
Having competed at events including Crufts, Olympia and Discover Dogs, Renée understands the detail, timing and teamwork needed to progress in agility, whether you are training for fun or aiming for competition.
This experience allows every session to combine practical training knowledge with a deep understanding of how dogs learn, helping you and your dog develop skills in a safe, positive and enjoyable way.
30+ Years Agility Experience | Competition Experience | Personalised Coaching
Our Approach To Agility Training
Agility training is about far more than simply completing obstacles. It is about developing communication, confidence, timing and teamwork between you and your dog.
At Paws Academy, every session is tailored around your individual goals, whether you are completely new to agility, returning after time away, or looking to refine existing skills. By working one-to-one, we can focus on the details that matter most for you and your dog, creating a structured and supportive training plan that allows you to progress at your own pace.
Building Strong Foundations
Agility starts with the basics. We focus on confidence, understanding equipment, body awareness, focus and the skills your dog needs before progressing onto more advanced challenges.
Training For You & Your Dog
Every dog and handler team is different. Sessions are adapted to your goals, helping you improve timing, handling, communication and your ability to work together effectively.
Confident Progression
Agility is taught at the right pace for each dog, focusing on clear communication, positive reinforcement and developing skills safely while keeping training enjoyable.
Train On Competition-Standard Equipment
At Paws Academy, your dog’s safety and your development as a handler are always our priority. Our agility area features full competition-standard equipment, providing a professional training environment where both dogs and handlers can learn safely and effectively.
Using professionally designed equipment allows your dog to develop skills with confidence while learning on equipment that reflects the standards used throughout the sport. From foundations through to more advanced training, every session is carefully structured around safe progression, clear communication and building understanding.
Competition-Standard Equipment | Safe Progression | Experienced Agility Coaching
Agility Training FAQ's
Can my dog try agility training just for fun?
Absolutely. Agility is not only for dogs and handlers who want to compete. Many people enjoy agility simply as a fun, structured activity that builds confidence, improves communication and gives dogs an opportunity to learn new skills. Whether you are looking for a new hobby with your dog or hoping to progress further in the sport, sessions can be tailored around your individual goals.
What happens during an agility training session?
Each session is tailored around you and your dog’s goals. We may work on foundation skills, obstacle understanding, handling techniques, course skills, confidence building or competition preparation depending on your experience level.
Sessions focus on clear communication, safe progression and helping both dog and handler understand how to work effectively as a team.
What age can my dog start agility training?
For full agility training, we generally recommend dogs are physically mature enough to safely take part, which is typically around 12 months and older depending on breed, size and development.
Younger dogs may be suitable for selected foundation exercises on a case-by-case basis, focusing on skills such as body awareness, confidence and handler communication rather than physically demanding obstacles.
If you are unsure whether your dog is ready, get in touch and we can discuss your individual circumstances.
What should I bring and what should I wear for agility training?
Please bring high-value treats or your dog’s favourite toy, water, a bowl and poo bags.
For handlers, comfortable clothing and suitable footwear are essential. We recommend trainers or other footwear with good grip, as agility involves movement and you will need to be able to walk, turn and run safely around the training area. Wellies are not recommended for agility training as they can make movement more difficult and less secure.
Does my dog need any previous agility experience?
No. Sessions are suitable for complete beginners as well as dogs and handlers who already have agility experience.
Training is tailored to your current ability, whether you are learning the foundations, improving handling skills, returning after a break or preparing for competition. Every session is structured around helping you and your dog progress at the right pace.
Can any dog participate in agility training?
Many dogs can enjoy agility, but safety always comes first. Dogs should be physically fit, comfortable taking part in training and able to work safely around equipment.
If your dog has existing injuries, health concerns or a history of physical limitations, we recommend discussing this with us before starting. We will always consider your dog’s individual needs and help you decide whether agility is suitable.
Ready To Start Your Agility Journey?
Whether you are completely new to agility, looking to build your skills, or wanting to prepare for competition, Paws Academy offers personalised one-to-one agility training tailored around you and your dog.
With experienced coaching, competition-standard equipment and a focus on safe, positive progression, every session is designed to help you and your dog develop confidence, communication and teamwork.
Get in touch today to discuss your goals and find out how we can help you get started.