Dog Agility training in Torbay (UK).....
...for all levels
...with a focus on fun!
Have fun, and build a better bond with your dog, in a relaxed and friendly training environment.......
Quintor family!
small classes, run five days a week
We run dog agility training every day except Sundays and Tuesdays, from morning 'til dark - and some evening classes after dark too in winter! We should be able to find a time that works for you (not always immediately, but we have a waiting list)!
We offer a range of classes, including foundation work for puppies, and we keep them small!
fun for all sizes, levels & aspirations
Tiny to huge dogs.....
Beginners to experienced.....
Just for fun or wanting to compete.....
We cater for everyone - in a relaxed environment, focussed on you and your dog having fun!!
We have dog agility training classes for all levels of ability, from absolute beginners, through to advanced and competition levels. We cater for everyone, from those that just want to have a bit of fun with their dog – to those that have aspirations of competing!
You don’t need to know what your aim is when you join. Many have joined us just to have fun, or to give their dog more variety, and ended up competing!
The best way for us to give you a flavour of Quintor, and to help you decide if we’re right for you, is if members of our ‘family’ tell you their story……..
Just after 2000, my family and I lost our beloved and very intelligent border collie. We made the decision that our next dog would not be like our last and, as our house was very empty without our beloved Buster, we decided very quickly to get another dog. Much to my partner’s dismay this turned out to be a Spollie (Welsh Springer Spaniel x Border Collie). At 12 weeks old Jack came and joined our family from a local farm just the other side of Totnes, everything started off very well………….
At around 8 months Jack decided that while we were out on our walks I was no longer interesting enough for him and would clear off to see if there were any other dogs around that he could spend some time with. He started to have ‘selective hearing’ and would only return to me on his terms and would not come back even if I had his favourite treat. When his hormones kicked in I spent a lot of my time rescuing the local female dog population from his amorous advances. At the age of 10 months I did 'the best thing’ you can do to a young amorous dog, but this seemed to make little difference. Walks started to become very embarrassing and stressful for me and not fun. I was at my wits' end and had started to think about possibly finding him a new home as I had tried all the training tips that had been offered to me in bountiful supply. I then hit on an idea.
Our son was at secondary school and there was a lady who collected her son from the juniors who I knew did dog agility. I plucked up courage one day to speak to her and ask her if she did any teaching. Funnily enough she had just been approached by someone she knew to start up teaching agility for them. I told her how desperate I was and she very kindly arranged for me to meet her at a friend’s farm. We started in the corner of a field with a toy and a jump. As the saying goes, the rest is history!
Years later we are still doing agility with Jan. We did start to go to a few shows, but you don’t have to do that. Agility is fun for both dog and owner and helps you to become a better partnership!
Thanks Jan!!
Fran & Jack
I have wanted to do dog agility ever since I saw it on TV at Crufts as a child. The next thing our farm collie knew I was trying to get him to go over the horse jumps! He was quite bemused by the whole thing, but nonetheless very good - and it fired my enthusiasm...
It was many years before I could have a dog of my own but, when the opportunity arose in 2011, our choice of dog was shaped by my desire to do agility. Belgian Shepherds fit the bill, as they were protective (which we wanted) but also renowned for their aptitude for agility - although it's fair to say they're not a breed for the uninitiated or feint hearted!
The next thing was to find ourselves an agility trainer: enter Jan! I was quickly hooked, and we've never looked back. At the time of writing this, we've been going to her for 8 years - and it remains one of the absolute highlights of my week! It's fair to say we've probably not been the easiest for Jan to teach, but she has persevered with unwavering patience and good humour! Today we're a regular member of her demo team.
It had always been my ambition to compete. Jan has been telling me we're ready for years, but I haven't quite felt we were there until recently. Many people do compete based just on having weekly lessons like we do, but I didn't fancy getting up at the crack of dawn to go to a show (large grade 1 dogs tend to go first!) when I knew the chances of them doing the weaves or seesaw properly were barely above zero! We're hoping to put all that right soon, as I now have a few bits of equipment in my garden to practice with (including weaves!). My boys are getting a bit old to compete now, but most shows have senior or anysize classes with smaller jumps so I haven't given up all hope of making a debut on the scene!
Classes with Jan are just so much fun!!! She keeps it all so lighthearted. As someone who isn't originally from this part of Devon, I've also made many other friends besides Jan from being part of Quintor!
I truly believe agility would never have become quite the passion for me that it now is if it wasn't for how much fun Jan makes it to learn and to do. Beware, though: as I believe has been said by someone else on here, it is highly addictive! You could well find yourself, like me, following in the footsteps of many an agility enthusiast and not only finding your garden full of agility equipment, but also wanting to buy at least a camper van if you do start competing and are not a fan of getting up in the middle of the night to get to a show half-way across the country (they tend to be spread far and wide)!
Carla, Hector & Rufus
stunning, and secure, outdoor training location
Quintor have a secure paddock, set in a beautiful rural location on the edge of Marldon, South Devon (UK) that we use for training (when it's dry enough!).
Location.....
We train in an absolutely beautiful location, as you can see above. Limited parking is available at our site too.
See below for the exact location (marked by the red pin) – postcode TQ3 1SH:
We also have an alternative outdoor venue we can use (near the Penn Inn at Newton Abbot) in winter – when it’s dark in the evening, or conditions are too wet to use our paddocks. Ideal for die-hard enthusiasts who won’t let the seasons stop them!
established 15 years
Quintor was started by Jan Jackson to provide dog agility training in 2007. It has grown since then, through reputation and word of mouth, to become her full-time occupation.
My name is Jan, and I started Quintor Agility in 2007.
I started dog agility training with my little collie cross over thirty years ago; I went along to my nearest agility club, and although my collie cross spent most of her time outside of the ring eating everyone’s sandwiches, I persevered. I went on to compete with my border collie, Tor.
I loved the sport so much that I wanted to teach others, to show them all the fun you can have with your dogs. One day in 2008 a lady called Fran asked if I would teach her and her young collie-spaniel cross, Jack. She was finding her dog very hard work, and was at her wits’ end, even considering taking him to the Rescue Centre, because she didn’t know what else to do. I explained that I was not a trainer, but perhaps we could do some recalls and fun focus work to get her dog listening to her.
We began on a Saturday morning, just her and myself, and we got to work. We started with the basics: recall and lots of play. She came back every week and over time improved her relationship with her lovely dog. It was thanks to her that I began teaching; I could see the results every week. This lady and her dog have grown with me and my business. Today they are competing, and still train with me every Saturday. You can read more of their story in the section on who we cater for.
I have three dogs now. My older two are officially retired from agility, but still enjoy the odd run over smaller courses. I’m currently training up my youngster ready to start competing.
Fast forward to today and she has trained more handlers with their dogs than she’s had hot dinners! Many have gone on to great success in competitions.
Jan is qualified as an LLAAB agility instructor. She also has a team of trusted and experienced trainers ready to assist with classes as and when required.
Latest Quintor news......
- Date: 28 September, 2017
Fun Day 2017…
- 1 min read
- Date: 8 October, 2016
Fun Day 2016!
- 1 min read
- Date: 7 November, 2015
End of 2015 Season
- 1 min read
- Date: 12 August, 2014
Important Notice!
- 1 min read
- Date: 15 April, 2014
Puppy Focus and Play Classes
- 1 min read
- Date: 25 March, 2014
First Day Back!!
- 1 min read
Important Notice!
It has come to my attention that someone has been fraudulently using....
2014
August 12
Fun Day 2017…
Quintor's latest fun day was held on 24 September 2017. Once again,.......
2017
September 28
Fun Day 2016!
2 October saw Quintor's 2015 annual Fun Day at our main training site in Marldon. Although not....
2016
October 08
End of 2015 Season
It has been a great season with lots of fabulous new dogs.....
2015
November 07
Puppy Focus and Play Classes
Our Puppy Focus and Play classes are going well....
2014
April 15
First Day Back!!
The first day back after the winter – it’s so good....
2014
March 25
Fun Day 2012!
We held our second annual Agility Fun Day on Sunday 16th....
2012
October 12
From our Facebook page (our daily updates)…..
Please click below to see more frequent news and updates from our Facebook page. You don’t need an account with Facebook to see them, but you won’t be able to add any comments or send us a message from there if you don’t have one.
What our customers say.....
Join a class...
We have spaces available!
Group or 1 to 1 lessons
We offer group classes or (for an additional cost) 1-2-1 sessions. Your first group session is usually booked as a block of 6.
Taster sessions offered
You are welcome to come along for a taster session before you sign up for any course or group class to it to see if you like agility, and want to train with Quintor!
More about coming to a class with us....
- Classes we offer, and prices
- Things you need to know when you attend a class
- Frequently asked questions (inc current availability and getting a place in a class)
Swipe across to see all classes
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Taster
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Agility Foundation (course)
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Agility Beginners (course)
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Agility
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1-2-1
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£5 /session (per dog) |
£60 /6 sessions (per dog) |
£60 /6 sessions (per dog) |
£48 (Main Site) £60 (Winter site) /6 sessions (per dog) |
£20 /session (per dog) |
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Who is it for?
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All levels, foundation-advanced (not 1-2-1s)
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Teens: 8 months - 1 year (or 8-18 months, if large)
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Dogs 1 year+ (or 18 months+ if large) with little or no experience of agility.
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Dogs over 1 year (or over 18 months, if large) with experience of agility (can do all equipment)
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Any age or level
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Frequency
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One off - on demand
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Weekly
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Weekly
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Weekly
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Ad hoc - as required
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Duration
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1 hour
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1 hour
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1 hour
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1 hour
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1/2 hour (but see notes)
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Max dogs/ session
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Up to 5 (or 4 for Foundation/Beginners)
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Up to 4
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Up to 4
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Up to 5 (main site) or 4 (winter site)
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1 (but see details)
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DetailsHover/ tap icon to see more info. |
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We can usually find a space in an existing class for people who can do full agility. This means you can start (or do a taster) as soon as you are ready to. If there are less than 5 in your class, additional dogs may join your class, either temporarily (if they cannot make their normal class) or more permanently. If you and your fellow classmates would rather no-one joined you, that’s fine –we just ask that you pay a little more to reflect this:
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Frequently Asked Questions
What age can dogs start agility?
We do not allow dogs in full agility classes until they are at least 12 months old, or 18 months for larger breeds. This is because they're still developing until then so some of the equipment, particularly jumps and the weaves, could harm them if they were to do it before they're fully grown.
We do, however, offer foundation agility classes for younger dogs. See above and 'More about our classes' at the top of our main page for more details of these classes.
Does my dog need any particular training before they can start doing agility?
Strictly speaking, no. We don’t insist on any particular training before your dog can join our classes.
However, you will probably progress faster and both get more from the lessons if you have done some basic training. This is particularly true if you’ve used positive, reward-based, training so your dog is eager to do what you ask of them (expecting a reward!) and used to following commands you give them.
The following are a few things we consider helpful:
- Recall is helpful, so you can call or gesticulate to get your dog to come back to you
- A good sit-wait will be essential fairly early on, as you will soon need to be able to leave your dog at the beginning of the course whilst you move further along (this assumes your dog can run faster than you can!!)
- It is helpful if your dog is used to following your hand, ie lure training to position them or direct them somewhere, as you will often use your hands to direct where you want them to go in agility.
Please don’t worry if you don’t know how to train these things – we can help you, and suggest ways of doing it! However, if you feel confident teaching them to your dog, you will probably find it will help.
Also, you probably will find it helpful if your dog shows an interest in tug or other toys – for many dogs, a quick play session with you can be more rewarding than a treat!
Where do you train?
Our main location is in Marldon, near Paignton. If you click on 'Our Main Location' near the top of our main page, you'll find a map and more details about it.
We do also have an alternative site for when our field is too wet, or it's dark (we have no lighting at our main location, so we can only use it during daylight hours). That's between Torquay and Newton Abbot.
What times are the classes & what spaces do you have?
We run classes Mondays, and Wednesday-Saturday, morning to evening. What we can offer you, and how soon, will depend on which type of class would work for you, the slots we have free and when you're available.
Weekends and evenings are most in demand. We're constantly working to make more classes available, but it can sometimes be a bit longer before we've got a suitable slot to offer you if that's the only time you're available.
Please see the 'Details' section of class information above to see how classes are arranged.
Current Availability (as of 3 November 2022)
The availability we have is ever-changing as courses finish, people come and go etc. However, the following is the availability we have as of writing this:
Foundation Courses:
- We have slots available Monday, Wednesday and Thursday during the day
- Nothing in the evening at the moment as we've just started an evening Foundation course!
- No weekend slots free either, but this could change as we are considering making more weekend slots available.
Beginners Courses:
- Slots available Monday, Wednesday and Thursday during the day.
- Some spaces on courses we're currently organising which will be either Wednesday evening or Sunday daytime. We do have people waiting who may be available to take these!
1-2-1s
- Spaces available Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
- Unlikely to be any spaces in the evening, but potentially a few options over the weekend (Saturday for more experienced people, Sunday for beginners).
Agility (for experienced people)
We have classes with spaces at all times, so we should be able to find you something whenever you're free.
What happens if you haven't got anything to offer me at the moment?
Everyone who applies to join us goes on a list until we can find you a slot. We only take you off it if you tell us you are no longer interested in a space with us or we don't get a response when we offer you places in courses or classes.
We have courses finishing and people moving around all the time, so slots do become available quite regularly. Even if we don't have anything at the moment, we may in a few weeks' time. It can sometimes take a while before we have a suitable slot to offer you, though, especially if your availability is very limited - but it's rare we can't find you something eventually!
What do I need to do to get a place in a class?
Fill in our form. That's it!
The form will give us all the information we need to determine what class you will be best for you, and we'll be in touch as soon as we have one to offer you.
To find the form, close this page and click on 'Apply to join a class'.
Is there anything else I need to know before I apply to join a class with Quintor?
Please ensure you read our Privacy Policy before you apply to train with us.
Attending our Classes
Payment Terms
We accept the following means of payment:
- Cash
- Cheque (must be received at least 1 week in advance)
- Bank transfer
We will accept payment on arrival (not cheques!) for taster sessions (but you'll probably need to pay before you arrive if want to pay by bank transfer as the mobile signal can be variable for some networks at our sites!).
Courses of 6 lessons must be paid for (and funds cleared) at least 3 days before the start to secure your place.
Once you have completed two 6-week courses of lessons, we are happy to accept a monthly payment (in advance) if you plan to continue coming to us regularly for the foreseeable future. This can either be the monthly equivalent of your weekly class cost (eg 8 x 52/12 =£34.67), or you can pay upfront for how many lessons there will be in the following month. The latter is often easiest for all concerned as there will invariably be the occasional month where you know in advance you won't be attending some weeks (for example if either of us are away).
We'll obviously let you have full details of how you can pay when your slot is confirmed.
Cancellations/Non-attendance
Blocks of 6 sessions are not refundable, but we understand unexpected issues can arise (on your part or ours) that may mean you cannot attend (or we cannot provide) one or more of the lessons you have paid for.
If we cancel a lesson:
You don't lose the lesson if we cancel it, whatever notice we give you. So we'll either arrange another time to provide it for you, or deduct it from your next payment for a block of lessons.
If you can't attend:
We ask that you tell us as soon as possible if you will not be attending a lesson.
If you give us 24 hours’ notice or more, you won't lose it and we'll find an alternative way to provide it for you. We do reserve the right not to do this, though, if it becomes a regular occurrence – we obviously couldn’t operate if everyone just decided whether they fancied it each week and we had to find alternatives for them whenever they didn’t!!
If you notify us with less than 24 hours’ notice, you forfeit that lesson – in other words, it’s payable but you lose it (although in some circumstances we may still offer you an alternative if we can - see the next section on Class Standards and Conduct).
Class Standards and Conduct
- Please do not obstruct gates/exits, or any other cars, when you park. At busy times at our main training location in Marldon, it can be easier to park in the village and walk 5 minutes down the lane to the field
- If gates are closed when you arrive, please park outside unless you can open them without allowing horses to escape (there can be horses grazing loose at our site in Marldon). Always close any gates behind you that you open (they’ve usually been shut for a reason!)
- Dogs must be kept on lead at least until they have entered our training area.
- Please wait outside the field until the previous class has vacated (unless invited to enter)
- You must pick up after your dog, and will need to take it with you (we have no poo-bins on site)
- To avoid unfair distractions, please keep your dog on lead and away from equipment when others have their turn (unless invited to practice other equipment by instructor). We have seating in the field so you can relax and watch others whilst you are waiting for your turn.
- We only use positive and reward-based training methods. Harsh treatment of your dog or training methods will not be tolerated. We will of course work with you if we have any concerns but, if we are unable to resolve them, you may be asked to leave the class (please note, any remaining classes you have paid for will only be refunded if we are able to fill your space)
- Do not bring your dog to a class if they have any kind of illness or disease that may be contagious to other dogs, either those in your class or others through the venue*
- We also do not allow bitches in season to attend classes with entire males (see also our cancellation/notification policy above) – it’s not fair, or practical, for any of the dogs!*
*We do appreciate this will often be out of your control, and you may not be able to give us 24 hours’ notice you cannot attend. Provided you tell us as soon as possible, these are example of when we may waive our policy on notice and try to find a way to ensure you get your lesson if we can, for example by offering that you can join a different existing class if we have a space.
What do I need to bring with me – for myself and my dog?
For your dog, you just need treats and/or toys (if your dog is more toy motivated), and poo bags. And, obviously, their lead! We provide water at our training sites, so no need to bring any with you.
Our main training field is very exposed to all elements, be that heat or cold. You will need appropriate footwear and clothing – including a warm and windproof coat if it’s cold. You may need the same for your dog too – ie warm coats in cold weather, and cooling coats in the heat.
Join us!!
Have you read what you need to know about coming to a class with us (see ‘Class Prices & Details’)?
If you have, and you’re ready to give us a go, then click below to be added to our list! It’ll ask you for everything we need to know to find the best class or taster for you (eg details about your dog, your experience with agility and when you’re available).
Once we’ve received your application, we’ll add you to our list and offer you the next suitable slot we have.
Form not working?
Please let us know by emailing webadmin@quintoragility.com (click on the link and it’ll open a new email in your email app).
If you tell us why you were getting in touch, we’ll also be able to deal with your enquiry!
Slots do come up fairly regularly, and we're constantly working to make more available. Please be aware, though, that it can take a bit longer to find a class for you if these are the only times you're able to attend.
Get in touch!
- Questions about training with us?....
- Want to put your name down to join a class?....
- Have we directed you here to fill in the 'Apply to join a class' form (sorry, we've moved it!)?....
….click here
All other queries…..
Form not working?
Please let us know by emailing webadmin@quintoragility.com (click on the link and it’ll open a new email in your email app).
If you tell us why you were getting in touch, we’ll also be able to deal with your enquiry!
A few photos from our archives....
Quintor hall of fame! A tribute to some of the wonderful dogs and handlers that Quintor have had the privilege to work with over the years. (Hover or tap for description, click to pop-up image full size)
Bailey
The Wednesday Fab Ladies' Club
Archie
Isabel
Toys make it lots of fun for the dogs!
Isabel on the seesaw
Tor
Quin
Monty
Healy
Trigger
Archie
Murphy
Lacey
Maddie
Jack
Badger with his trophy
Cora
Molly
Yogi Bear
Teddy
Top dog Will with all his trophies and rosettes from 2012
Lola, Dingham and Albie
Boxers can do it too!
Will and Mary with their rosettes
Blue
Trusted friends....
We have several amazing partners that we support, and who support us……. (hover for more information)
Your pets are in safe hands!
Helping the homeless pets of South Devon
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Why is agility so good for rescue dogs?
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How do Animals in Distress operate?
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What work do we do with them?
Rescue dogs and agility....
Rescued dogs often ended up in a re-homing shelter because their owners are unable to cope with their high energy levels or hyperactivity. Agility is wonderful for these types of dogs.
A lot of rescued dogs come along to Quintor classes to relieve boredom or stress. We have a secure, penned in, training area so it's ideal for rescue dogs who cannot yet be trusted to run off-lead. At Quintor, they can train and learn to have fun with their owners, let off a bit of steam and go home happy and tired.
Animals in Distress
Animals in Distress have been caring for an rehoming unwanted domestic animals since 1994. It rehomes over 1000 animals per year.
Animals go to the rescue centre for a variety of reasons: bereavement, illness, relationship breakdown, financial reasons and - sadly - cruelty and neglect. The policy of the Charity is never to turn away an animal in distress, and never to have an animal put to sleep unless, on veterinary advice, it is too ill or dangerous to be rehomed.
Click here to visit their website if you would like to donate, are interested in rescuing an animal from them, could offer your help as a volunteer or would just like to know more!
Quintor's work with Animals in Distress
Quintor have close links with Animals in Distress, and a long history of supporting their invaluable work.
We give agility demonstrations at dogs shows, fayres and other events held at their rescue centre. The photos below are from some of those events.
We also hold a number of events to raise funds for them ourselves.
Photos that capture the beauty and spirit of your precious pet
The home of a dog-centred care approach.
He has worked with Jan (Quintor) for many years. If you can get him (he is in demand!), it's who Quintor recommend!
Breeders of beautiful collies, with fantastic temperaments!
More about dog agility
You'll also find information here about competing in Kennel Club licenced agility competitions. The finals of KC agility competitions are what you see at Crufts.