Where do you train?
We train at Urchinwood Manor Equitation Centre, Congresbury, Bristol BS49 5AP
(http://www.urchinwoodmanor.co.uk/).

What day and time do you train?
We train on two nights a week, Wednesday & Thursday evenings. The classes run between 8pm - 9.30pm and 9.30pm - 10.45pm. Wednesday evenings are mostly for dogs who are competing in agility, and Thursdays are mainly for new handlers and their dogs.

How much does training cost?
Training classes are booked in blocks of 6 lessons and it’s £30 for adults and £15 for juniors (under 18’s).

Why do you have to book a block of lessons rather than pay as you turn up?
By paying for a block we can more accurately work out how many dogs we will have in each training class, and our trainers can plan accordingly.

Does my dog have to be up-to-date with his annual vaccinations to join?
Absolutely - your dog will be mixing with lots of other dogs at training classes and it is important that all dogs are protected against disease with the vaccines available through your vet. The only vaccine we don’t insist upon (although we do recommend it) is the Kennel Cough vaccine. Your vet will be able to advise you further.

At what age can my young dog begin agility training?
We would begin very basic agility training at 12 months of age, with lowered agility equipment and a very low pole for jumps. Young dogs muscles and bones are still developing and great care is taken to ensure their training is safe and fun. Under Kennel Club regulations dogs aren’t allowed to compete until they are 18 months old for these reasons.

I would like to share the agility training of my dog with another person (e.g. family member) - is this a good idea?
We would recommend that when you are first teaching your dog the agility equipment that the dog only has one handler. It can be confusing enough to a dog to be learning new things in a busy and stimulating environment such as an agility class, without the added distraction of a change of handler.

My son/ daughter would like to begin training our family pet for agility - what’s the youngest age you take juniors at?
Our youngest member joined when she was just 6 years old, which is also the age from which the Kennel Club hold competitions for youngsters. Severnside doesn't have a big junior section at the moment, so children should always be accompanied by an adult who should also be a paid up member of the club for insurance reasons.