Aussiumagility

Training is structured in six-week group classes progressing from Puppy Prep to Advanced/Excellent agility levels. Beginners start with FUNdamentals to build control and relationship skills before introducing obstacles. Novice classes focus on independent obstacle performance, while higher levels emphasize handler skills and competition preparation. Private lessons and behavior consultations are available for dogs that cannot yet participate in group settings. Rally run-throughs are offered separately through a partner trainer.

Pricing Summary

Class sessions are six weeks long; pricing details are available upon request. Private lessons can be scheduled anytime around regular classes. Registration requires a downloadable waiver form and payment sent by mail.

Policies

Dogs must be able to behave safely around other dogs to join group classes; those that cannot are required to complete private lessons first. No exceptions are made to this policy. Training is conducted on a private facility with no public access. All materials and photos on the website are copyrighted and cannot be reproduced without written consent.

Aussium Agility is a dog training business located at Twenty Mile Farm in Nipomo, California, founded in 2000 by Valerie Vale. The facility specializes in canine agility training with a strong emphasis on safety, joy, and positive reinforcement. Training is grounded in Chris Bach’s Third Way philosophy, which rejects force and prioritizes the dog’s emotional well-being and choice to participate. Dogs must be able to behave calmly around other dogs to join group classes, with private lessons available for those needing behavior improvement. The training area features professionally maintained agility obstacles with DG/sand footing and is fully lighted for evening sessions. Valerie draws on 30+ years of experience working with competitive jumping horses and the expertise of her husband, a former large animal veterinarian turned small animal practitioner, to ensure physical fitness and safety for dog-handler teams. The program is designed to build confidence, communication, and fluency while honoring each team’s unique style.

Classes range from Puppy Prep for puppies 8 weeks to 6 months, through FUNdamentals, Introduction to Agility, Novice, Open/Intermediate, and Advanced/Excellent levels. Rally run-throughs are also offered through a partner. Private lessons and behavior consultations are available. Training focuses on building a joyful partnership, with the belief that errors come from the handler, not the dog. The facility also breeds and shows Border Cheviot Sheep, but the agility program is the primary dog training service.

All training is conducted on-site at the 20-acre farm facility, with no in-home or mobile services offered.

Accomplishments

Valerie Vale has over 30 years of experience working with competitive jumping horses and has trained agility dogs since 2000. Her dogs, including Ben and Carrie, have been central to developing the training philosophy. Carrie was a top-performing agility dog who competed at the 2004 ASCA Nationals.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients must contact Valerie Vale to inquire about class schedules, costs, and availability. Registration requires downloading and mailing a signed waiver form along with payment. Private lessons can be scheduled around regular class times.