Agility is an Obstacle Course for Dogs

Agility is a sport in which you, the handler, guide your dog through an obstacle course.  Different organizations have different games however the premise is the same -- run quickly, accurately and don't do anything dangerous...like letting your dog jump off the top of a high obstacle!

Some Obstacles Include:

 Tire Jump: The dog is asked to jump through the round tire.

 A- frame : The dog is required to climb up to the top and over this 6 foot frame.  Your pooch must touch the yellow area on the way down, to safely come down.  Some dogs like to jump from above this yellow area, but it can be hard on their bones, and shoulders. Not touching the yellow area leads to a point fault.

Teeter- totter: The dog goes up the teeter and with their weight tips it down.  Small dogs take longer to bring the teeter totter down...and again for safety the dog must step in the yellow area on the way down.

Tunnel: Dogs love to run through the tunnel.  Some dogs are shy at first, but with patience most handlers will have a tunnel lover for a dog!

Weave Poles: Dogs zig zag through these poles...in a weaving fashion.  A difficult trick to learn and do accurately. Here Zooby weaves with ease!!

   Jumps.  There are different jump heights for the different sizes of dogs...here a little Havanese jumps 6 inches- WOW !  ha ha!

Dog Agility is a Team Sport

Handler and dog both work as a team in agility.  Usually the handler is shown the course on the day of the run, and may walk the course.  The dog, however, does not get to have a try, the dog has to read hand signals, body cues and verbal commands to know what to do!

After every run the handler and the dog rejoice! The dog is rewarded with a yummy treat, a game of tug, a game of fetch or whatever your pooch really likes!!!

sample course outline

How to get started

To start, your dog must know basic obedience training, like recall and stay.  Agility classes are offered all over the world, through kennel clubs and dog sport clubs.  Look for classes that are not too big and that train the big and small dogs separately. 

For more info:

Search - dog agility - on the internet and you will find loads of information!  Also see the United States Dog Agility Association, USDAA and  Agility Association of Canada, AAC.

I hope this brief summary was helpful.

Hugs, Angela & Bella  at Agility Q Store