Learning Agility for Dogs

Agility is FUN and mixed breed dogs as well as purebreds can compete. Of course any dog, of any size can attend agility classes as long as they have some basic manners and training. Agility training is great for children and dogs, too. I know many kids who train and compete as agility junior handlers with the family dog.

Most dog training facilities have agility classes. Look in your phone book, or search online for local clubs. Many places hold puppy agility classes - keeping jumps and obstacles lower to avoid stress on growing bones.

It is best to find trainers who have trained and are actively competing with their dogs- most are. Facilities that hold many classes, from beginner to advanced, are probably best. You want experienced trainers, safe equipment, and a "let's have fun" attitude.

With the exception of the American Kennel Club (AKC) all registries welcome mixed breed dogs in competition. These are: United Kennel Club (UKC), Canine Performance Events (CPE), United States Dog Agility Association (USDAA), North American Dog Agility Council (NADAC) and the Teacup Dogs Agility Association (TDAA, for toy dogs only.)

Phew! That's just in America. There are also Canadian clubs and of course overseas organizations.

Getting started-is your dog ready for agility?

Your dog should have a fairly reliable off leash recall, and obey basic commands.

Ideally your dog should not be aggressive towards other dogs (or people!)

Your dog should be structurally healthy.

Puppies can start with agility practice but full height jumping is usually done after a year or so of age.

Is your dog very timid? Great! Agility training is wonderful for increasing confidence.

Is your dog a bundle of hyper energy? Great! Agility is a great way to channel that energy.

Are YOU ready for agility?

There seems to be a misconception that one has to be fit and athletic to do this. Not so!

The handler doesn't do much running (the dog does most of the work), and the typical course is run in sixty seconds or less.

There are people of every size, age and physical condition and many do very well. I know a little seven year old girl who competes, as well as an elderly lady who takes an oxygen tank onto the course with her.

And I would be remiss if I didn't point out to male readers that this is a sport dominated by women. Why, I don't know. But if you are looking for a more wholesome place than bars or online dating, I would highly recommend dog sports!

What can you expect from classes?

A group of really nice people. (Dog people are really nice.)

A better bond with your dog, since you work as a team.

Better understanding of canine body language, and how your dog follows YOUR body language.

A tired out, happy dog at the end of every class!

At the end of eight weeks your dog should be doing most of the equipment confidently and safely at your direction.

Did I mention many children do agility? Many clubs welcome juniors and families with multiple dogs can do this as a family activity.

The next step- competing

Agility bug got you? You are not alone! While many people just do it for fun with their dogs, some of us become certified agility junkies. Buying bigger vehicles to carry all the junk (and the dogs of course) needed for trials, spending weekends driving to exotic locales (ha!ha!) to compete in all weather, scrimping for trial entry fees, seminars and ongoing classes, collecting ribbons and those all-important "points" and "legs" (you will learn a whole new language), making new friends ....and loving every minute of it!

You will need more than one beginner class before going into the ring with your dog. Keep moving up the ladder with classes, practice moves and obstacles at home. Attend a local trial just to observe (unentered dogs are usually welcome- but ask first if you want to bring yours), do some non-competition fun matches.

How long before you are ready for the ring? This depends on how fast you and your dog learn, how many classes you take, how much extracurricular practice you do. Could be as little as six months, could be over a year.

Learn from more experienced people in your class as well as the trainer. Even the most seasoned competitors have to take new dogs through beginner classes. You will find people very supportive and helpful and happy to mentor newbies.

Woof!

~Carina MacDonald