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Agility

Agility is currently the fastest growing dog sport. It is a competitive sport whose goal is to test the ability of the dog and handler to work together over a timed obstacle course. Most dog and handler teams leave the agility course celebrating - whether they passed (qualified) or not. The sport is very popular with spectators, and the rules encourage considering it a family sport. Youngsters are welcome to participate. It features fast, entertaining action.

All dogs may compete - purebred or mixed. The dog must be in good physical condition to perform well in this athletic spectator sport. Agility courses are created with obstacles that the dog must complete - with no leash - in the correct order. The dogs scale ramps, burst through tunnels, and jump hurdles. They go over a teeter-totter and weave through a line of poles. The scoring is based on faults - such as having to repeat a jump or not completing the course in the time limit.

The handler can call the dog, whistle, clap, beg and cheer the dog on to complete each obstacle, but may not touch the dog or offer food.

The winning dog is the one that completes the course with the fewest faults, while still achieving a score above the minimum. Agility offers families a fun, alternative way to spend quality time with their pets. The sport offers a variety of competitive classes with increasing difficulty as the dog and handler pass through each class.

If you would like to become involved in agility, it is important to contact a local agility group or trainer so that You will be able to try your hand at the sport with proper guidance to teach the obstacles in an easy, correct manner. If taught incorrectly, the dogs may suffer harmful injuries that may be prevented by proper training.

Please see the list of Shelters and Training Centers for further reference

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