Where do you get the "dogs", how much should they cost and do they
come with instructions? I could possibly handle this with
instructions as long as I don't have to "walk" the machine out of its
spot wedged against the dryer to do it.


Sounds very like you need to replace the "dogs", four little nylon
pieces that drive the top part of the agitator around. Fairly simple
job, you'll need a 7/16" socket plus an extension.