FOLLOW THE LEDA

Follow the Leda offers structured agility training through foundation levels, group classes (Puppy Foundation through Masters+), private lessons, and intensive seminars. Group classes run in 6-week sessions with small team sizes (5–7 teams). Foundation training focuses on recall, impulse control, distraction proofing, and reinforcement building before obstacle work. Private lessons are customized. Online lessons and workshops with guest instructors are offered periodically. Competitions like UKI trials and AKC ACT events are hosted for students to test skills.

Pricing Summary

Group classes cost $175–$200 per 6-week session (60 or 90 minutes). Private lessons are $100/hour or $50/half-hour. Puppy Palooza seminars are $405 for a working spot (2 days) or $75–$100 for audit spots. Ring rentals and workshops are available at separate rates. All pricing is subject to policies listed on the website.

Policies

Classes are full with long waitlists; no phone calls are accepted. All enrollment requires email communication. Visitors must schedule appointments and leave dogs at home. Private lessons are booked 2–3 months in advance. Policies for cancellations, refunds, and class attendance are detailed on the Policies + Information page, but no specific cancellation policy is stated in the provided content.

Follow the Leda is a dog agility training business founded and led by Tara Baggerman, who has over 25 years of experience training and competing with her own agility dogs. The business specializes exclusively in dog agility training for dogs of all breeds, sizes, and experience levels—from puppies to seasoned competitors. Tara offers group classes, private lessons, online lessons, foundation training, workshops, and seminars led by nationally recognized instructors like Lee Gibson and Andy Winther. The facility is located in Gansevoort, NY, and features a fully equipped agility arena. Tara is a UK Agility International judge and has won multiple national championships with her dogs, including three UKI Canada Open titles with Hera. The training emphasizes safe, long-term skill development through foundation games, positive reinforcement, and distraction-proofing. The business also hosts UKI trials, AKC ACT events, and annual competitions like the Winter Cup. Visitors are welcome by appointment only, and the facility is adjacent to The Wuffdorf Astoria, which offers grooming, boarding, and day care services.

All training is focused on agility; no other dog training services like behavior modification or obedience are offered. Classes are highly sought after, with waitlists often lasting several months to over a year. Private lessons are available but typically booked 2–3 months in advance. Foundation training is recommended for all dogs, even experienced ones, to build confidence, recall, impulse control, and reinforcement drive before obstacle work.

Tara’s approach is tailored to individual goals, whether the owner wants a fun family activity or a competitive edge. The training environment is described by clients as supportive, positive, and highly educational, with instructors who are knowledgeable, patient, and safety-focused.

Accomplishments

Tara Baggerman is a UK Agility International judge and has won multiple national championships: 2023, 2022, and 2019 UKI Canada Open Champions with Hera; 2021 UKI US Open Champion with Helo; 2024 UKI US Open Speedstakes National Champion with Aero; and 2021 AKC Northeast Agility Champion with Helo. Her young dog Deo won Reserve National Championship in Speedsteaks. Tara has competed and won across the USA and Canada.

How to Get Started!

Prospective students must fill out a waitlist form to be considered for group classes or private lessons. Email FTLagility@gmail.com for questions or to schedule a visit. Private lessons require the same form. Puppy Palooza registration is done via email. No walk-ins or phone inquiries are accepted.