Agility training?

i have a 1 year old mini schnauzer and would like to train him in agility. the classes near me run every 2 weeks and i have missed this one.
what should i do at home to prepare him for the lessons so he doesn't spook? and what is the best way to train a dog for the sport?
Answers:
That's great! I think agility training is great for dogs! Good Luck!
Here is some training devices you may want to look at
http://www.3dogsandme.com/shoppingcart/t...

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Call the place that puts on the classes and ask if there is anything you can do at home to catch up.

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Book in for classes. (It is a popular sport so you need to get on the list!)
You should make sure that your dogs obedience is up to standard. (Re-Call. Sit. Stay. Run with the dog on either side of you) and this will give you a good advantage. You are not allowed to Compete until your dog is at least 18 months old but you can start training gently before then.
It is a great sport and I promise you that both you and your dog will love it!
I would recommend that the next time that you are at your Vets. that you tell him what you intend to do so that he/she can make sure that the dog is sound
Try http://www.agilitynet.com for a full list of clubs. They also list Agility Shows and there may be one near to you so that you can see exactly what goes on in competition!

Good Luck

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Hi, so glad you are going to start agility. Its a wonderful sport!!
There are lots of things you can do at home to start training, Firstly you need a good level of gereral obdedience (mainly a solid stay/wait and a good recall). The recall is absolutely vital if you are going to benefit fully from the agility sessions.
You can also start getting your dog used to running alongside you. Sounds simple I know but you would be surprised when you try how many dogs will cut in front of your feet. Start off a on a lead with a toy in your hand and run in a straight line getting your dog to follow the toy in your hand. When he does a few strides correctly throw the toy forward for him to get and praise him, then have a good game of tuggy or something with him. You can then start running in circles/fig of 8 etc etc. This will no only get the dog used to running and working with you, but will also start teaching them to read your body language. Make everything when you are training FUN FUN FUN! Lots of toys and games, this is how you get a fast dog. If he gets anything wrong in training, don't tell him off. Just ignore and try again until you get the correct behaviour, then BIG praise! If you can get your dog used to working with you for a fun reward, he will find agility easier and exciting!! Playing together also builds up a strong dog/handler bond which will be really helpful for training.
I doubt that your dog would 'spook', unless he is particularly nervous? If he was well socialised as a puppy then he should take it all in his stride. Just make sure you give him time to have a good sniff and approach the equipment in his own time if he seems hesitant.
Although some of the things I have suggested may not sound all that important, believe me they will come in very handy in the end!!
Good Luck. You will love it!