Dog agility training has become a popular sport for dogs and keepers in recent years. The first public competition was held at Crufts Dog Show in 1978.
Dog agility competitions are similar to showjumping competitions for horses as they are in essence a timed run around a series of obstacles. The competing dog and trainer are watched closely by judges and faults are accumulated for inaccuracy around the course. Failure to complete some types of obstacle can result in elimination from the competition so specialized training is required.
Organising the events and ensuring fairness for all is quite a feat so as well as the rules of the competition itself, the sport is regulated and competitions are organised through a network of clubs specialising in advanced obedience and agility training.
The sport is not just fun for dog and keeper. It also builds confidence in dogs, helps them utilise their exuberance and energy and strengthens the bond between dog and keeper, not least because successful competitors demonstrate great teamwork.
Agility is not suited to every dog and keeper. Both have to be in good condition, because although the dog is expected to respond to commands while off the leash, the keeper as trainer also runs through the course and there are skills and techniques to the trainer's movements that help the dog perform better.
Agility Equipment
Dog agility courses usually consist of various types of:
- Agility tunnel - two types are used, the pipe tunnel and more commonly the collapsible type.
- Agility ladder - ladder-like obstacles are not suited to all types of dog, so A-frames are the most usual form of agility climbing obstacle.
- Agility jumps - usually in the form of hurdles and often looking like miniature versions of the fences in showjumping. Spread hurdles requiring a series of jumps in quick succession and stiffer and more difficult fences are used in higher levels of competition.
- Agility weave poles - these are poles through which the dog must weave in a precise way.
Other agility equipment such as see-saws, tyres or hoops and long jumps are also commonly used. Most competitions also use an area, often on the form of a specially-positioned shelf, table or frame, where the dog has to pause in response to commands during the round.
Agility Training
Training to compete in agility trials and competitions requires considerable time and effort. It is best achieved through working with like-minded colleagues at dog agility clubs, where equipment, advice and support will be available, in readiness for all levels of competition.
Generally all forms of agility training require dog and keeper to start slow, practising walk around, over or through obstacles on a short lead, rewarding, etc. Each agility routine can require a lot of patience and teaching specific techniques peculiar to each type of obstacle attempted.
Agility Competitions
Competitions are categorized by size of dog and its skill level determined by its previous performances.
Mixed-breed dogs are allowed to compete in most countries. Some dog breeds are perceived to be harder to train but any dog with the right character and training can participate. Capability is really determined by the individual dog's characteristics rather than anything breed-specific.
The satisfaction, fun and experience gained from agility training are enormous, whether the participating dog is only just starting or is ablke to perform well at the very highest levels.
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