Is your dog playful, energetic and full of fun? Then Agility is for you! Agility can become a real addiction. It's fun, friendly and keeps you and your dog in tip-top shape.
Most people's first view of agility comes from the coverage of Crufts each year and the agility competitions held in December in conjunction with Olympia Horse Show. However, there are more than 300 licensed agility shows held annually, not to mention the numerous special sponsored events which take place nationwide.
Agility Shows are fun competitions designed for the enjoyment of competitors, and to appeal to spectators. All sorts of dogs can take part.
WHAT IS AGILITY?
Agility is action–packed, rollercoaster excitement for you and your dog. Comprising various obstacles for your dog (not you!) to run through, jump over, and weave in and out of – and all against the clock! Not only does Agility test your dog’s fitness, it also measures your ability as a handler to direct your dog over the course.
REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD DO AGILITY
- Get Fit with Fido! Agility is terrific at helping you and your dog shed those excess pounds.
- Meet new friends – there is a great social scene to be enjoyed.
- Your dog does not have to be a pedigree – all dogs can do Agility.
- Show off your dog’s new skills to your friends and family.
- It is one of the fastest growing canine activities in the world.
- Simple for both Pedigree and Crossbreed dogs.
- Possibility of taking part at CRUFTS!
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW
- Your dog must be registered with the Kennel Club on the Breed Register or the Activity Register.
- Competitors taking part in any Kennel Club licensed event must familiarise themselves with the Kennel Club Rules and Regulations beforehand. The Agility Regulations can be found in the Agility and Flyball Regulations booklet, which is available from the Kennel. Club Publications Department.
- Dogs can only enter Agility shows when they are 18 months of age and, for small and medium dogs, have been officially measured and placed in the correct height category. Large dogs do not have to be measured.
- There are seven grades of competition from one – seven, with beginners starting at Grade One.
- For safety’s sake it is recommended that dogs do not start training on equipment until they are at least a year old.
- Make sure you buy an Agility Record Book in which to record all your competition wins and clear rounds.
- No previous experience necessary so use the Kennel Club’s ‘Find a Dog Club’ service today
HANDLING YOUR DOG
Attending your first Agility show may cause your dog to behave differently than it does in training. Young dogs in particular can be bothered by crowds and if this is the case you can move a little way from other competitors and officials. Just remember it is a new experience for you and your dog and should you have any concerns there are always Stewards/Officials available to speak to.
TRAINING
Preparing your dog to be able to compete successfully will take a little longer than the formal requirements. It is essential that your dog is fully socialised and that you have effective control at all times, especially as your dog will be competing off-lead.
AGILITY OBSTACLES: TOP TIPS
The Course:
Each obstacle will have a number in front of it. Make sure you go round the course in the correct order or you will be eliminated.
In every class you will have an opportunity to ‘walk the course’ beforehand so you know which route through the obstacles you and your dog will need to take.
Weaving Poles
Always enter the weaves from the right hand side and do not miss any out or your dog will be faulted.
‘A’ Ramp & Dog Walk
Make sure your dog touches the contact points at the beginning and end of these obstacles or he will be penalised by the judge.
Rigid and Collapsible Tunnels
Dogs love these obstacles so much that sometimes they fly through and are difficult to control at the other end. Training will help here.
The Hoop (Tyre)
The hoop, or tyre obstacle, as it is commonly known started out as a life buoy, which you would normally see in a swimming pool! It has moved on a lot since then and is now made of soft material so the dog won’t hurt it itself. The dog must jump through the tyre which takes lots of training to make it clear the dog must go through it, not over it!
See Saw
Take this carefully – faults can be incurred if the dog does not touch the contact points and you need to make sure your dog is safe when the see-saw tips, the see-saw must be touching the ground when the dog alights.
Other Jumps include:
The Long Jump
The Picket Wing
The Facial
The Wall
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GET STARTED TODAY!
To find a list of clubs or training classes near you visit
www.findadogclub.org.uk
Are you ready for your first agility show? Visit
www.kagility.org.uk or email
agility@thekennelclub.org.uk to find out all you need to know about entering shows and the next steps to becoming an agility champion!
