Agility
What is it all about?
Agility
is an action packed rollercoaster of excitement for you and your dog.
It's made up of 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 dogs fitness, it also measures your
ability as a handler to direct your dog through the course.
How does it work?
Dog agility is a sport where you direct your dog through a pre-set obstacle course within a certain time limit. Courses typically have between 14-20 obstacles, which can include tunnels, weave poles, tire jumps, seesaws, and pause tables where the dog must stop for a set amount of time. At each trial you and your dog will race around the unique courses designed for that day. All of this is done with your dog relying solely on the cues and body language you use to direct them on course. All breeds, including mixed breeds, can participate in Agility from the smallest to the largest of dogs.
What types of agility classes are there?
Agility classes involve both jumping and agility courses. Each course features a variety of agility obstacles, however jumping courses do not require the dogs to undertake the see-saw, dog walk or 'A' ramp obstacles. An agility competitor and their dog advance from grades 1-7; grade 1 is the lowest level and grade 7 the highest. Competitors and dogs that are new to agility will be able to enter classes suitable for grade 1. As you and your dog improve you may be able to progress to the next grade. There are two ways in which a competitor can progress; the first is progression on wins and the second is through points progression. Other classes that are scheduled at an agility show may fall under the title of 'special classes'. Special classes are classes where the definition for eligibility to compete is not per Kennel Club regulations, the marking of the class differs from standard Kennel Club marking or the course design is non standard. Classes such as these with unusual names like helter skelter, gamblers, time, fault and out, power and speed, ABC (anything but a Collie), any size and pairs will be clearly defined in the schedule along with details of eligibility. Please note: you cannot claim Agility Warrant points or progress from special classes.
Learn more on Wikipedia