What is "Dog Agility"?

Dog agility is a fun sport which provides a lot of mental stimulation for dogs and exercise for both dogs and handlers. It builds physical and mental confidence in shy or submissive dogs and provides over-active dogs with focus and purpose. It tests a dog handler’s skills in the training and handling of their dog(s) over an obstacle course, which includes jumps, tunnels, see-saws, tyres, weave poles and high level walks.

What happens in a competition?

In a competition, the course is within an area of about 30 metres square. Competitors direct their dogs to go over jumps, climb ramps, go through tunnels, traverse a see-saw and weave through a line of poles. A course is sufficiently complicated that a dog can not complete it correctly without direction. The handler must assess the course, decide on the appropriate handling strategies and direct the dog through the course, with precision and speed being equally important.

Dogs compete off-leash. Each dog and handler team gets one opportunity together to attempt to complete the course successfully. The dog is put in a stay by the handler behind a start line and then, on command, begins the course.  A handler can give an unlimited number of commands or signals to their dogs, but must not touch either the equipment or the dog. Dogs are faulted for actions such as knocking down a jump pole, failing to put one or more feet in the safety or contact zone when ascending or descending contact equipment, taking obstacles out of sequence, and running past or stopping before the next obstacle to be performed. Dogs compete only against dogs of similar height at their withers (shoulders), within a fixed number of jump height groups.

Dog agility is loosely based on equestrian competitions and was introduced as a demonstration at the Crufts Dog Show in London in 1978. It has since spread rapidly, with major competitions held around the world. The handler typically runs near the dog, directing the dog with spoken commands and with the position of arms, shoulders, and feet.

Who can participate?

Anyone with a dog can do agility training. All breeds and sizes of dogs which are vaccinated and without a physical disability can benefit from agility training. There is not age limit for people; children under supervision are especially welcome to participate. Dogs must be six months old to join the club and 1 year old to jump full-sized obstacles.

Must I have a purebred dog in order to compete in dog agility?

No. All types and breeds of dogs, purebred or mixed breed, can join in this sport, and we have many types of dog in the club 

Can I bring more than one dog into a class?

No.  You need to be focused on the dog that you are working with.  If you have two dogs in the same class, you can bring them on alternate Sundays, or, if they will wait calmly and quietly in your car, in a crate or tethered, you can train one dog for the first half of the class, then swap to the other dog.