Dog Agility Workshops in Leeds
Develop specific agility skills through focused workshops at Unleashed Pawtential in Thorner, Leeds.
Focused Agility Training for Every Team
Our workshops give dog-and-handler teams dedicated time to explore one area of agility in greater depth. Sessions are practical, progressive and designed to help you understand both what to train and how to continue improving afterwards.
Workshops are delivered by Nikki Hodgson and selected guest trainers, with different sessions available throughout the year.
What Do Our Workshops Cover?
Each workshop focuses on a particular agility skill or training challenge.
Topics may include:
Handling techniques
Weave-pole skills and proofing
Dog walk training
A-frame performance
Contact confidence and independence
Jump skills
Start-line waits
Obstacle discrimination
Course analysis
Building speed and confidence
Competition preparation
Workshop themes change throughout the year according to the needs of local handlers and the availability of guest trainers.
Who Are the Workshops For?
Our workshops are suitable for recreational and competitive agility teams looking for focused help with a particular skill.
Some events are open to a broad range of abilities, while others are divided by experience or competition grade. The description for each workshop will explain the appropriate training level and any skills your dog needs before attending.
You do not normally need to attend weekly classes at Unleashed Pawtential to book a workshop. New and visiting handlers are welcome when they meet the requirements of the advertised session.
What Will You Learn?
Workshops are designed to provide more than an opportunity to run exercises.
You will learn:
How to break a skill into manageable stages
How your handling and timing influence your dog
How to identify why an exercise is going wrong
How to adjust training for the individual dog
How to reward effectively
How to progress the skill after the workshop
How to build confidence, understanding and independence
Exercises will be adapted where possible so each team can work at an appropriate level.
Workshops with Nikki Hodgson
Nikki is a Grade 7 and Championship agility competitor who has attended Team GB tryouts and international qualifiers.
Her coaching is positive, practical and focused on helping handlers understand the details that create confident, responsive and independent agility dogs.
Nikki has a particular interest in handling, weave-pole performance and helping teams solve specific training problems rather than repeatedly running courses without a clear purpose.
Guest-Trainer Workshops
Unleashed Pawtential also hosts workshops with selected agility trainers, giving handlers in Leeds and Yorkshire opportunities to learn from experienced coaches with different specialisms.
Guest workshops may be divided into groups according to competition grade, experience or the skill being taught. The trainer, format and entry requirements will always be explained in the individual event listing.
Small-Group Training
Workshop places are limited so that every dog-and-handler team receives useful training time and individual feedback.
Group size, duration and price vary depending on the workshop format and trainer. Full details will be included when each event is advertised.
Outdoor Agility Workshops in Thorner
Workshops take place outdoors at our training venue in Thorner, Leeds.
Please arrive prepared for outdoor training with suitable clothing and secure footwear. Bring plenty of small, high-value treats, your dog’s favourite toy and water for your dog.
Dogs must be physically well and fully vaccinated to participate. If your dog has a previous injury or mobility concern, please seek appropriate professional advice before booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to train regularly with Unleashed Pawtential?
No. Visiting handlers are welcome when they meet the experience requirements of the workshop.
Are workshops suitable for beginners?
Some are, but not every workshop is suitable for a complete beginner. Check the individual event description for the required level.
How long are the workshops?
The duration varies according to the topic and trainer. This will be stated in the event listing.
How much does a workshop cost?
Prices vary depending on the session length, group size and trainer. The full price will be displayed before booking.
Can reactive or nervous dogs attend?
Please contact Nikki before booking if your dog is reactive, nervous or likely to find a group environment difficult. A one-to-one session may be a more suitable starting point.
What should I bring?
Bring plenty of high-value treats, your dog’s favourite toy, water and anything specifically requested in the workshop description.
Find Upcoming Dog Agility Workshops
Upcoming workshops, dates, ability requirements and prices are published on our booking page.
Places are limited and must be booked in advance.