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First steps in obstacle racing

FREE ONLINE COURSE

Get ready for your next obstacle race with your dog in a fun and confidence-building way.


This free 5-week course on dog obstacle course racing (OCR), guided by experienced obstacle racers Alexis Karpf and Jacqui Johnson, will help you build confidence on obstacles, prepare for race day, and have even more fun on the course together.

Level

Lessons

Duration

Beginner

2 per week

5 weeks

Your trainers

Alexis Karpf

Multiple-time OCR winner, agility competitor, and co-founder of North American Canicross (NACC)

Alexis Karpf

Jacqui Johnson

Jacqui Johnson

Multiple-time OCR winner, multi-sport dog athlete, and co-founder of North American Canicross (NACC) 

What's included

schedule
schedule

Exclusive content

Download your race checklist and warm-up routine exercises, and discover five videos made just for this course.

Weekly training lessons

Receive step-by-step guidance to help your dog build confidence through five common obstacle challenges.

Tips & inspiration

Everything you need to know to feel confident on race day and have the best time together.

professional
Community
Community

Professional guidance

Learn directly from multiple-time winners in obstacle course racing.

Access to our community

Share your progress, ask for advice, and connect with fellow dog enthusiasts and potential training partners.

Bonus surprise

Get a special surprise at the end of the course for your dedication! 

Build confidence, one obstacle at a time!

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What you'll gain

A more confident dog

A stronger bond with your dog

Skills for obstacle racing

By learning to handle obstacles and new situations, your dog will build confidence for everyday life too.

Grow as a team through trust, communication, and shared challenges.

Build the knowledge, routines, and confidence to take on obstacle racing together.

Topics we'll cover

Jacqui and Alexis will guide you through five common obstacle styles and share practical tips on everything from routines to gear, helping you build confidence and prepare for the best race day together.

Uneven ground obstacles

Race gear

"Go-through" obstacles

Physical training

Water obstacles

Sharing the tracks

Climbing & jumping obstacles

Pre-race routines

Being carried and handled

Post-race routines

FAQ

How old should my dog be?

This course is designed for dogs old enough to participate in obstacle course racing, usually from 18 months. That said, many of the lessons can still be useful for younger dogs. Exercises involving jumping and climbing should only be introduced once your dog is fully grown.

Can any dog try obstacle racing?

In most cases, yes! OCR races are known for being inclusive, and healthy dogs of all sizes take part as long as they meet the age requirements. Many dogs with disabilities also join these events, but it is still worth checking with the organizer in advance to make sure the course is a good fit for them. If your dog is reactive around others, some organizers offer yellow ribbons or other ways to help signal that to other teams. Some races may also offer a quieter format or a setting with fewer dogs around. Always watch for signs of fatigue and adapt the activity to your dog’s age, condition, and individual needs. If you have any concerns, consult your veterinarian.

Do I need special equipment?

For this course, your dog’s favorite treats and toys are the most important tools for rewarding progress. The obstacle lessons are designed to be done with basic equipment and objects you can find at home, so there is plenty of room to be creative. We will cover race-specific gear, but you do not need it to start training obstacle skills.

How much time do I need to dedicate to this course?

Each lesson is designed to be practical and easy to repeat at home. Training sessions can be as short as 5 to 10 minutes repeated throughout the day, or one 15-minute session once a day, several times a week, until your dog understands the skill. Consistency is more important than duration!

It's not my first race. Can I still join?

Absolutely! This course is for anyone who wants to keep building their dog’s confidence around challenging obstacles. Whether your dog feels unsure about specific ones or simply needs more repetition and experience, the lessons are designed to help you progress step by step.

Do I need to be fit myself to follow the course?

This course is for all fitness levels. The lessons focus on low-impact exercises for your dog where you guide them and reward them. We will also cover training tips if you wish to build endurance and strength.

Head first into obstacle racing!

*By signing up, you agree to receive courses and marketing emails from Non-stop dogwear. For information on how we manage your data, see our Privacy policy.

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