Agility
What is Agility?
Fun! Fun! Fun!
Arguably the most popular of the dog sports, the game of agility combines the skills of the dog to properly execute various obstacles, with the finesse of the handler to direct the dog through combinations of obstacles without a leash or any physical contact. The dog is taught how to jump over hurdles, go through tunnels and chutes, climb an A-frame and dogwalk, control the descent of a teeter and weave through a set of upright poles. The handler is taught how to correctly indicate certain obstacles with physical and verbal cues. An experienced team can correctly navigate intricate courses.
No two agility courses are ever the same. The handler learns to memorize a new sequence within a different pattern of obstacles, for each “run.” Courses range from those meant for beginners to complicated patterns meant to challenge the experienced team. If a team navigates a course without incurring a certain number of “faults” they earn a “Q” or qualifying score. Q’s accumulate to earn titles. As titles are earned, the team can then compete at more advanced levels.
Who Can Play?
Everyone!
Agility can be played by anyone and with any dog. Each sanctioning organization has its own equipment specifications and rules. Only the AKC (American Kennel Club) requires that the dog be “purebred.” For more info, check out this list of sanctioning organizations:
- USDAA (United States Dog Agility Association) www.usdaa.com
- CPE (Canine Performance Events) www.k9cpe.com
- AKC (American Kennel Club) www.akc.org/events/agility/index.cfm
- NADAC (National American Dog Agility Council) www.nadac.com
- UKC (United Kennel Club) www.ukcdogs.com/Agility.htm
- AAC (Agility Association of Canada) www.aac.ca/
- JFF (Just For Fun) www.dogwoodagility.com/JustForFun.html
- ASCA (Australian Shepherd Club of America) www.asca.org/Programs/Agility/index.htm
- TDAA (Teacup Dogs Agility Association) www.dogagility.org/teacup_dogs_agility_association.htm
- DOCNA (Dogs On Course in North America) www.docna.com
How Do We Get Started?
Contact Stacey via the Contact Us page.
