Dog Health Questions: Agility dog classes near Royal Oak, Michigan?

I have a dog who is not confident when away from his home. He has passed his Therapy Dog training but before I take him out, I want to build up his confidence. I have heard agility classes are a good way to do this. Does anyone know of any near Royal Oak, Michigan and/or better ways to make him all around more confident in new situations? His lack of confidence is shown in his tail being down, hesitation in going near strange objects (I once sat with him by a statue downtown for an hour before he finally relaxed and went up to it!), constant sniffing of the entire area (I mean, throwing his entire body into trying to sniff out every square inch if he is on a leash), and jumpyness. He is also weary of some men. Once he is comfortable with a an environment he is a very outgoing and well adjusted attention seeking dog, which makes me think if we could get past the initial insecurities he would love being a therapy dog.

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Recommended Answer:
I teach an intro to obstacles class in Troy, MI. It is not starting for a while, however another great option for building confidence is Rally Obedience. It is very positive and a lot of fun. I have a class starting next Monday (May 7) at 6pm if you are interested.

If you have any more questions, please call (586) 354-8939

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• Do a search for kennel clubs and obedience clubs in Royal Oak or the next largest city. Try the akc.org site.
  
  Just going to a class regularly will help. So will taking walks in a park near ballgames, soccer, etc. Take him shopping to pet stores. If your family doesn't mind take him with you there, too.
  
  I would start with a basic obedience class before agility. You need his attention and confidence.
  
  Always socialize pups as above and keep doing it ..... strart sooner and you won't have this problem
  
  The problem with this is that if a dog gets really scared of something or someone away from home is that a 'fear biter' will growl. This is a last ditch effort to protect himself.
  
  Do not grab him and hold him if he growls and tell him it will be O.K. I grab mine by the muzzle so he can't do anything and continue in the same area and then relax, repeat and relax. Once the tail wags, treat !
  
  Your instructor will help in detail.