It can be a very daunting
experience...
 Dog agility is a fast-paced, mentally demanding sport for
both dog and handler. While your dog must navigate jumps, tunnels and contact
obstacles, you must remember the entire course, guide your dog with clear cues
and stay one step ahead. For many handlers, the biggest challenge isn't the
running, it's memorising the course in the first place. Competitor, trainer and
judge Lisa Jordan shares some effective, handler-tested strategies below to help
you confidently learn and retain an agility course before stepping to the start
line.
Here are a few tips I've learned over the
years. Hope you find them helpful
Break the course Into
bite-size sections
Instead of trying to memorise 15–20 obstacles at once,
mentally divide the course into three to five smaller chunks. It can reduce
being overwhelmed and helps you recall the flow under stress.
The opening line is usually
straightforward. Remember your starting cues. The middle is usually the technical section where turns, crosses, and
tricky sequences happen. The closing line typically is more flowing so focus on energy and
accuracy.
Find all the numbers
first
Then walk the course with purpose. It isn't just
seeing where obstacles are, it's practising your handling.
During your course walk rehearse your footwork and crosses
exactly as you'll perform them. Practise verbal cues quietly to establish rhythm.
Be sure to look ahead in order to train yourself to keep your eyes up, not on your feet. Muscle memory is one of the strongest tools
for retention.
Create landmarks and
anchor points
Pick out notable features, such as a particular
tunnel, a score tent/table, or a sharp turn and use them as mental anchors.
These anchors act like 'memory checkpoints' mid run. For example, after the blue tunnel, I rear cross the jump
or at the far corner, push to the weave poles.
Visualise the entire
run
Once you've walked the course several times, step
aside and mentally run it. Repeat until you can mentally run the course smoothly
without hesitation.
Effective visualisation includes seeing your
dog's path clearly and cleanly, imaging your cues, timing and position and run through the course from
your dog's perspective and then from yours.
Say the course out loud
Verbalising helps solidify memory. For instance, try 'Jump, tunnel, wrap right, A-frame, front cross, weave
or, shorten it into a rhythm: Jump, tunnel, wrap, cross, weave. This verbal cadence will come back to you
during the run.
Focus on the dog's line,
not the
obstacles
A common mistake is memorising obstacle numbers
instead of the flow.
Shift your focus to where your dog needs to turn, increase or decrease speed and where you must be ahead or behind. When you follow the dog's natural line, the
obstacles become easier to remember.
Identify your critical moments
Every course has 2–4 spots where handlers are most
likely to get lost or send their dogs off course.
Mark these as your 'red flag zones.' During your walk, practice those trickier sections extra carefully so they're
automatic in the run.
Walk the course in
reverse
This is an advanced technique, but surprisingly
effective.
Walk the sequence from the last obstacle to the first. It forces your brain to
build a fully connected map rather than relying only on forward momentum.
Don't overwalk
More walking isn't always better. After a point,
fatigue leads to confusion or second-guessing.
A good rule to remember is to walk until confident. Visualise
it until it's automatic but stop before you start doubting yourself.
Trust your training
The more you practise handling skills, front crosses,
rear crosses, serpentine cues, the less mental energy each course requires. The
course becomes a series of familiar patterns rather than a list of unknowns.
Final thoughts
Remembering an agility course is a skill developed
over time. With structured walking, smart visualisation, and an understanding of
flow, you'll feel calmer, clearer and more connected with your dog when you
hear 'When you're ready… go!'
 About
the author...
Lisa Jordan started the agility game in 1987
and has seen lots of improvement in training methods, equipment and course
design since then.
She proudly runs her own club K.I.S. Dog
Training and is an Agility Club Approved instructor and Kennel Club judge. She
also teaches hoopers.
Over the years she has shared her life with
lots of different breeds including a Springer Spaniel, German Shepherd, Belgian
Shepherd, Lowchen and a Beardie X Old English Sheepdog. She also has a Working
Cocker who came from the RSPCA having been seized in a puppy farm haul.
First published
20th October 2026
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