Flexible Flyers Dog Agility, LLC

Flexible Flyers Agility, LLC offers a structured agility training program designed for dogs of all experience levels. For dogs new to agility, a mandatory sequence of classes must be completed in order: Pre-Agility, Beginners Level 1, Beginners Level 2, and Beginners Level 3. Each of these levels consists of an 8-week session.

Dogs with prior agility training from other facilities can be placed into an appropriate higher-level class based on their ability. These advanced classes include Pre-Starters, Starters, Advanced, and Masters, and are offered on an ongoing basis. All classes are limited to 10 dogs per class, and a current Rabies vaccination certificate is required for all participating dogs.

Pricing Summary

For dogs new to agility, the Pre-Agility class costs $200 for an 8-week session, with a $100 non-refundable deposit required to hold a spot. Subsequent Beginners Levels 1-3 also cost $200 per dog for each 8-week session. Current members may receive a discount on Beginners level classes.

Membership is available after completing the first four required classes (Pre-Agility and Beginners 1-3). Working members pay $168 per 8-week session ($21 per class) or $160 for four or more 8-week sessions per week ($20 per class). Working members are required to help at least two full days at CPE trials, and worker tickets ($20) can be used towards training fees. Non-working members pay $232 per 8-week session ($29 per class) and are not required to help at trials. A $45 membership fee is due for new handlers or those with lapsed memberships.

For Pre-Starters, Starters, Advanced, and Masters levels, members pay $21 per dog per class, while non-members pay $35 per dog per class. Payments for these ongoing classes are due every eight weeks. Classes are paid for in 8-week increments regardless of attendance to guarantee a spot. If Flexible Flyers postpones classes, members receive credit towards the next month.

Policies

All dogs must be kept on lead, tied, or crated when not actively working. Children must remain under direct supervision at all times. Owners are responsible for picking up after their dogs in all indoor and outdoor areas, and any incidents on equipment must be reported and cleaned immediately.

Flexible Flyers reserves the right to dismiss any dog showing aggressive behavior towards dogs or people, or any person or dog whose attitude, behavior, or physical condition is deemed unacceptable by the instructor, without providing a refund. All participants are required to sign a release form before training begins. Smoking and alcoholic beverages are prohibited on the property.

Dogs must be worked on a properly fitted buckle collar and leash unless otherwise instructed. Participants must follow instructor directions and have supervision on all obstacles until advised otherwise. Equipment is expensive and must not be abused. All students are expected to assist with setting up and moving equipment as needed. Members at the Pre-starters level and above are required to help at trials or with equipment maintenance. Sick or injured dogs are not permitted in class. Classes are paid for in 8-week increments, and this guarantees the spot is held regardless of attendance.

Flexible Flyers Agility, LLC is a dog training business specializing in agility training, founded in 1991 by Mary Lou Hughes, Barbara DeMascio, and three other individuals. Initially, the training school operated out of an indoor horse arena, requiring equipment to be set up and removed for each class. They are now fortunate to have a dedicated training building where equipment can largely remain in place.

The core purpose of Flexible Flyers Agility Group is to utilize agility training to improve communication between dogs and their owners, strengthen the human-animal bond, and provide an enjoyable experience for both. They offer a structured progression of agility classes, from foundational levels for new dogs to advanced classes for experienced agility participants.

The business also hosts CPE (Canine Performance Events) trials and offers a membership program with benefits for both “Working” and “Non-Working” members. Mary Lou Hughes serves as the owner and class coordinator, with a team of experienced instructors including Pat Cochran, Sandy Costello, and Sandi Shilling-Daniels.

Accomplishments

Mary Lou Hughes, the owner of Flexible Flyers, co-founded the agility group around 1990/1991. She previously owned Canine Training School for over 30 years and taught at the Volhard’s Instructor Training Camps. Her experience also includes working with and teaching police canine officers. In competition, Mary Lou has titled her Border Collie (Bute) in agility and earned a BH in schutzhund. Her German Shepherds hold herding titles, USDAA, AKC, and CPE agility titles, with one dog, Garth, achieving a Schutzhund Three title, and Terra earning a Schutzhund One.

Sandy Costello has extensive experience, having taught, competed in, and titled dogs in AKC obedience. She became involved in dog agility in 1988 and has since earned numerous titles with her own dogs, including a Terrier mix and three Tibetan Terriers, as well as a friend’s Corgi. Her dogs have achieved USDAA Master Agility Dog, NADAC Outstanding Elite titles, and AKC Master Agility Champion. She trained the first MACH Tibetan Terrier, and two of her Tibetan Terriers were ranked #1 for several years. Sandy regularly attends camps and seminars to stay current with teaching trends. Her teaching credits include 8 years with the DTCCC “SPARKS” group, 5-6 years teaching beginners at Berks Dog Training Club, and co-founding TailBlazers, an AKC agility club.

Pat Cochran has over 30 years of experience training dogs in basic obedience. She actively competes with her dog, Missy, in USDAA and CPE agility trials, where they have earned multiple agility titles, including Accomplished Jumper Dog and Accomplished Snooker Dog. Pat has also assisted with classes and served as a substitute instructor for Flexible Flyers.

How to Get Started!

To begin agility training with Flexible Flyers, dogs new to agility should contact Mary Lou Hughes via email to sign up for the Pre-Agility class. Dogs with prior agility training from other facilities will be assessed and placed into the appropriate class level. All dogs are required to have a current Rabies vaccination certificate.

For general inquiries or to learn more about class availability, prospective clients can reach out to Mary Lou Hughes at vdon@comcast.net or call Sandi Shilling-Daniels at +1-484-354-0262. Cliff Anderson, the webmaster, also provides his email (anderson_cliff@mac.com) and phone number (+1-917-825-5693) for assistance.