What is Agility
The Basics
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, teeters (seesaws), and contact equipment such as the A-frame or the dog walk. Dogs run off leash with no food or toys as incentives, and the handler can touch neither dog nor obstacles. All breeds, including mixed breeds, can participate in agility.
Agility is one of the fastest-growing dog sports in the country—and for good reason. It’s incredible exercise for both you and your dog, and it forges an even deeper relationship between you. Plus, it’s exhilarating to watch as your dog nimbly and quickly crawls through tunnels, weaves around poles, and leaps through tires!
If you’ve never seen agility in person, attending a competition (or “trial”) is highly recommended. Whether you just want to have fun exercising with your dog, or want to go further and enter an agility competition, get ready for a fast-paced, rewarding experience that will get you and your dog in the best shape of your lives.
Learn the Sport
As with any sport, we recommend you start by taking a class at a training facility near you. Beginner courses introduce you and your dog to obstacles, and provide the basics of how to compete should you decide to go that route. Most classes meet once a week for an hour or so.
Practice
Just because you’ve signed up for a class, don’t think the learning stops there. Practicing at home is just as important! To do so, you’ll want to set up your own obstacles. First-timers often start out with tunnels, which can be collapsed when not in use, and tunnel holders to keep them in place. Weave poles—or a few evenly spaced upright poles that your dog can run through—are another popular at-home obstacle.
Compete!!
Agility can be so thrilling that you might find yourself wanting to go to the next level and actually competing.
A great place to start is to find a "Fun Match". A fun match is targetted at introducing newcomers to how a real trial is run. There are no records kept, and while some clubs may offer ribbons to acknowledge achievments, there is no pressure beyond enjoying the day and having fun with your dog.
With a couple of fun matches under your belt you may want to enter an actual competition.
Find an Agility event near you. To be eligible to compete in Agility, your dog must be: 15 months of age or older. Registered with the AACSpayed or neutered dogs are eligible to compete. In sound health and up-to-date on vaccinations. Read the regulations for Agility trials here.
Agility Equipment
Dog agility requires agility equipment. Regardless of whether you are participating with AAC, UKI, ASCA, NADAC, or any other organization, the equipment used is mostly the same. The largest difference between these various associations has to do with equipment heights and course complexity.
Jumps
A dog jump consists of a bar, or series of bars, that the dog must leap over without knocking down. The height of the jump is adjusted to suit different dog breeds and skill levels.
Here are a few key components of jumps:
Bars: These are the horizontal poles the dog needs to clear. They're usually made of lightweight materials like PVC.🐾
Standards: These are the vertical posts that hold the jump bars in place. They often have adjustable notches or clips to change the height🐾
Wings: Some jumps have side panels called wings, which can help guide the dog and make the jump more visually appealing🐾
Types: There are several types of jumps, including single bar jumps, double bar jumps, and triple bar jumps🐾
Jumps test speed, accuracy, and coordination. They also showcase the bond between the handler and the dog, as they work together to navigate the course efficiently and gracefully.
Tire Jump
The tire jump, also known as the hoop or ring jump, is a fun and visually appealing obstacle in agility courses.
Here's what it involves:
Structure: The tire jump consists of a circular ring, usually suspended within a rectangular frame. The ring can be made of various materials, such as rubber, plastic, or foam🐾
Height: The ring's height can be adjusted to match the size and skill level of the dog. It typically ranges from a few inches off the ground to about 20-24 inches (50-60 cm) high🐾
Diameter: The ring itself has a diameter of about 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 cm), providing enough space for the dog to leap through comfortably🐾
Safety Features: Modern tire jumps often have breakaway or collapsible designs to ensure the dog's safety if they accidentally hit the ring🐾
Dogs must jump through the center of the tire without touching it. It's a test of their jumping ability, accuracy, and the handler's skill in guiding them through the obstacle.
Teeter
The teeter, also known as the seesaw, is another exciting obstacle used in dog agility courses.
Here's what it involves:
Plank: The teeter consists of a long, narrow plank balanced on a central pivot point. The plank can tilt to either side when the dog moves across it🐾
Pivot Point: This is the fulcrum on which the plank balances, allowing it to tilt. It's usually placed in the middle, but the exact position can vary slightly depending on the design🐾
Contact Zones: The ends of the plank are marked with different colors, typically yellow. These are the contact zones, which the dog must touch with at least one paw as they ascend and descend the teeter🐾
The challenge of the teeter lies in its movement. The dog must navigate it with precision, balance, and confidence, and the handler needs to guide their dog effectively to ensure they touch the contact zones and safely navigate the obstacle.
It's a great test of a dog's agility, balance, and the trust between the dog and the handler.
Tunnel
The agility tunnel is an exciting and dynamic obstacle used in dog agility courses.
Here's what it entails:
Structure: The tunnel is a flexible, cylindrical tube made from sturdy, lightweight material. It can be straight or curved, allowing for different configurations and challenges🐾
Length: Tunnels typically range from 10 to 20 feet (3 to 6 meters) in length, but they can be longer or shorter depending on the course design🐾
Diameter: The tunnel's diameter is usually around 2 feet (60 centimeters), making it wide enough for dogs of various sizes to navigate comfortably🐾
Color: Agility tunnels are often brightly colored, making them easily visible to both dogs and handlers🐾
Dogs must enter the tunnel at one end, run through it, and exit at the other end. The challenge lies in the tunnel's shape and length, which can vary, requiring the dog to trust their handler's guidance and quickly adapt to the obstacle's configuration. It's a great test of speed, confidence, and the bond between dog and handler.
Dog Walk
The dog walk is an obstacle designed to test a dog's balance, control, and precision.
Here's what it involves:
Plank Sections: The dog walk consists of three planks connected to form a bridge-like structure. These include two ramps (ascending and descending) and a flat section at the top🐾
Height: The top plank is elevated, typically around 4 feet (1.2 meters) off the ground, depending on the course's specifications🐾
Length: Each plank section is generally 8 to 12 feet (2.4 to 3.7 meters) long, making an entire dog walk around 24 to 36 feet (7.3 to 11 meters) in length🐾
Contact Zones: Similar to the teeter, the ends of the ramp sections have marked contact zones. These areas, usually painted a different color, must be touched by the dog to ensure they safely and correctly navigate the obstacle🐾
Dogs must maintain their balance and pace while traversing the dog walk. It's a fantastic challenge that showcases their agility, training, and the bond they have with their handlers.🐾
A-Frame
The A-frame is a prominent obstacle in agility courses, designed to test a dog's strength, balance, and confidence.
Here's what it involves:
Structure: The A-frame consists of two wide planks hinged together at the top, forming a peak that resembles the letter "A". These planks create a ramp that the dog must ascend and descend🐾
Height and Width: The peak of the A-frame is typically around 5 to 6 feet (1.5 to 1.8 meters) high. Each plank is about 3 feet (0.9 meters) wide, providing enough surface area for dogs of various sizes🐾
Surface: The planks are usually covered with a non-slip material to ensure the dog's safety as they navigate the obstacle🐾
Contact Zones: The bottom sections of each plank are marked with contact zones, usually painted a different color, which the dog must touch with at least one paw while ascending and descending the A-frame🐾
The A-frame is a thrilling challenge, requiring the dog to climb up one side and carefully make their way down the other. It showcases the dog's physical capabilities and the strong bond with their handler, as trust and communication are crucial for successfully navigating this obstacle.
Weave Poles
Weave poles are a series of vertical poles set in a straight line that dogs must navigate by weaving in and out. It's one of the most challenging and exciting obstacles in agility courses. Here's what it involves:
Structure: The weave poles consist of a set of tall, slender poles fixed into the ground in a straight line. The poles are usually about 3.5 to 4 feet (1 to 1.2 meters) high🐾
Number of Poles: The standard number of weave poles is typically 6, 9, or 12, but the number can vary depending on the course's design🐾
Spacing: The poles are evenly spaced, usually about 20 to 24 inches (50 to 60 cm) apart. This spacing allows the dog to weave through them at a fast pace.
Material: The poles are often made of lightweight, durable materials like PVC to ensure they are both sturdy and safe for the dogs.
Dogs must enter the weave poles with the first pole on their left and navigate through the entire set in a zigzag pattern without skipping any poles. It's a great test of their agility, focus, and the handler's skill in guiding them precisely through the poles.
Watching a dog expertly maneuver through the weave poles is truly a sight to behold!
