The Sport of Dog Agility

Dog agility is a competitive dog sport in which a team of dog and handler must complete an obstacle course and are judged on time and accuracy. The sport made its debut at the Crufts Dog Show in England in February 1978. Since then it has gained popularity across the world.

Dog Agility is a competitive sport where a handler directs a dog through an obstacle course. The team is judged on accuracy and time. Agility is a great way to keep in shape and have fun for both pets and people!

An agility course is designed by a judge and consists of a number of standard obstacles. The obstacles are marked by numbered cones, which indicate the order in which the team must complete the course.

Before their run, handlers can walk the course. This gives the handlers a chance to memorize the order of the obstacles, figure out the most likely path their dogs can run and plan how they will direct their dogs through the course.

Contact obstacles are common to all agility organizations. The bottom slopes of these obstacles are painted yellow indicating a contact zone. A dog must place at least one paw on the yellow area in order for the obstacle to count.

The contacts include the Dog-Walk...

The A-Frame…

And the See-Saw or Teeter… When training this obstacle it is important to let your dog figure out where his tipping point is.

There are two types of tunnels. One is a Collapsed Tunnel or Chute and the other is a Pipe Tunnel.

There are various types of jumps. Dogs are divided into height classes according to their height at the shoulder.

This type of jump is shaped like a tire and is known as the Tire Jump. As the other jumps, the tire is adjusted according to the height class of the dog.

The most difficult obstacle to teach is the Weave Poles. The dog slaloms through a series of 5-12 poles that are positioned about 20 inches apart.

The handler directs the dog using only verbal commands, hand signals and body language.

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To compete dogs must be in good health and be at least 6 (UKC) or 12 months (AKC) of age to compete. Many organizations have special classes for older dogs, with lower jumps and longer course time, making it possible for dogs of all ages to compete. Both purebred and mixed breed dogs can compete in agility trials, with the exception of trails held by the AKC. They restrict trials to AKC-registered dogs only. However, if your dog is a pure bred, just without papers, you can apply for PAL/ILP (Purebred Alternative Listing/Indefinite Listing Privilege) which will enable you to enter AKC sanctioned trials.

Agility is fun for both dogs and handlers. It’s a great activity to do with a newly adopted dog, or a shy puppy. It builds confidence and provides obedience and socialization training in a fun setting. Agility is great exercise and builds a stronger bond between the dog and the handler.

Popular agility organizations:
USDAA – United States Dog Agility Association
AKC – American Kennel Club
UKC – United Kennel Club
NADAC – North American dog Agility Council
DOCNA – Dogs on Course in North America
CPE – Canine Performance Events
AAC – Agility Association of Canada

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