puppy&dog PLAY & EXERCISE

Dog agility is open to everyone. This rapidly growing sport includes participants who are small or tall, old or young, fast or slow. What it requires is enthusiasm, navigational skills, quick reflexes and proper training - for both dog and human handler. It's a great way to exercise yourself and your dog while participating in an enjoyable sport that builds a positive bond between you and your pet. The benefits agility offers for people and dogs of all ages and backgrounds are tremendous.

What is agility?

Agility is made up of different obstacles that a dog must maneuver through, over and around, as directed by its handler. The obstacles are set up in a course designed by a certified judge to meet guidelines. The performance of dog and handler are evaluated by the judge according to the rules of a particular organization. These rules are in place to ensure the safety of the dog and handler while encouraging optimum speed and accuracy.

What do the dogs do?

The equipment is set out in the form of a game. A standard course is made up of jumps, tunnels, a tire jump, a set of weave poles, a pause table where the dog must lie down or sit, for a count of five seconds, and three contact obstacles that a dog must climb. These include a teeter totter, an A-frame and a dog walk, made up of various planks that the dog must walk up and down while touching safety zones on the obstacles themselves. In the Specials and Veterans classes, dogs compete using lower heights for jumps, the table and A-frame and are given more time.

Who can play?

In many organizations, both purebreds and mixed breeds can compete in agility competitions. Dogs are divided into several different categories according to size, skill and ability. Usually, there are three or more levels of competition. In the Agility Association of Canada (AAC), a dog progresses through the various levels by completing qualifying runs through the courses as judged at competitions.

Many associations have a division for junior handlers, giving children a chance to get involved. People of varying physical abilities can also compete, including directing their dogs around a course from a wheelchair.

What are the levels?

The Starters class is where all dogs begin competing. This class is designed for beginners with simple courses focusing on the fluent running of dog and handler in a good amount of time.

The next level is Advanced, where the course becomes more difficult and the handler and dog are both tested with a stricter time allowance.

The final level is Masters where dog and handler must navigate challenging course with sufficient speed.

All three levels seek accuracy and speed as they increase in difficulty. There are also divisions within levels according to the attributes of the dog.

What are specials and veteran classes?

These classes allow older dogs and dogs with a range of abilities to compete. The Specials class is open to any dog. This class is designed for dogs that have difficulty jumping their designated height or who need extra help because of health problems (but that still allow him or her to compete in agility). The Veteran class is open to all dogs over seven years of age or over the age of five who have been competing in the Specials class for over one year.

What about classes just for fun?

If agility appeals to you, but you're not interested in competing, any breed, mix breed or age of dog can participate in non-competitive agility classes.

Puppies shouldn't use full-sized agility equipment until their bones are developed and they are fully grown. However, many clubs offer classes for young dogs that feature small-scale agility equipment so it's both safe and fun to start puppies early.

Older dogs can even begin learning agility later in life. Agility equipment can easily be lowered to accommodate an older dog within a class. Running agility is a safe and enjoyable way for you and your dog to stay active.

Agility training uses positive reinforcement, making the experience worthwhile for both dog and handler. Instead of forcing a dog to complete an obstacle, rewards and praise are used to shape the desired behaviour. This teaches dogs self-confidence, because they learn to do things on their own.

What should I do before starting?

Before starting agility training, it's a good idea to have your dog examined by your veterinarian to ensure he's in good physical condition. A dog should also have basic obedience skills in order to have the focus needed for agility.

How do I get involved?

There are clubs all across Canada that practice, teach and compete in agility. The cost varies, depending on whether you learn for fun in a class or compete. One run of a course at an agility trial costs about $15 or $20, depending on the association and the host club.

The best way to find a club in your area is to check online. Most agility associations have online lists of clubs along with their locations and contacts. Choose the club that best suits you and your dog by researching the credentials of the instructors and methods used in the class. Look for qualified agility instruction whether you are preparing for a competition or starting at basics to exercise a family pet.

Agility Association of Canada: AAC sanctioned trials are open to purebred and mixed breed dogs. www.aac.ca

Canadian Kennel Club: CKC sanctioned trials are open only to breeds registered under CKC. www.ckc.ca

North American Dog Agility Council: NADAC sanctioned trials are open to purebred and mixed breed dogs.
www.nadac.com.