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AGILITY: A Canine Sport Like No Other
WHAT IS AGILITY
Agility continues to be one of the fastest-growing dog sports in Canada, and around the world, and for good reason. The sport gives your dog the mental and physical exercise they need to be happy dogs, but most importantly it develops a deep and loving bond where both the handler and dog “run as one”. Check it out and see what the hype is all about.
Agility is a dog sport where your dog is handled through a pre-set numbered obstacle course. There are many different obstacles to navigate in the course such as various types of jumps, tunnels, weave poles, see-saw, dog-walk, a-frame, tire, and pause tables. It can be trained as a recreational sport, where you can spend some extra free time having fun with your dog, or it can also be advanced to higher levels for those who want to compete in trials. Several different organizations have trials to compete in and they vary based on the country. Canada currently recognizes the Agility Association of Canada (AAC), the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC), UK Agility International (UKI) and the North American Dog Agility Council (NADAC) agility organizations.
Competing can be done locally, but if you want to get more serious you can also compete on National and International levels. It all depends on how much time and dedication you want to put into this wonderful sport. Most agility trials in Saskatchewan are AAC, but there are still a couple offered by each organization each year. You can visit each organization’s website for more details.
One of the amazing aspects of agility is that you can choose how much or how little you would like to train, it is all up to you and your dog!
It has been said that agility is addicting, as most people start playing agility as a recreational hobby, and it soon builds into a love for the competing aspect of the game.
WHO CAN PLAY?
Agility can be played with all breeds and ages of dogs and people. It is an excellent sport for high-energy dogs, puppies, seniors and more laid-back breeds. Agility is both mentally and physically stimulating for both the dog and handler. Handlers can be of all ages, from junior handlers to senior handlers and if you are physically limited, you can train in distance handling, it is truly a sport for all. It is important to note that puppies and senior dogs will need exercise and course modifications for safety, but they can still enjoy all the benefits of having fun in the sport.
As a sport, it is important to remember to warm up and cool down your dogs and yourself when training. This good practice keeps the dog and handler safe and in great shape to play this amazing sport!
HOW DO I GET STARTED?
To get started in the sport you can find a reputable online course and local experienced coaches. Many of the foundation skills required in agility can be taught in the comfort of your own home such as engagement, sit stays, creating value for hand and body positions, flatwork (what I like to call “agility dancing”), and more. You will want to find in-person classes at some point to start learning the obstacles and how to handle sequences and courses. Safety is of the utmost importance. Finding a club with current training experience and safe equipment should be a priority. Clubs committed to the longevity of the sport invest in keeping up with policies, equipment, and training techniques as the sport continues to evolve.
Agility is truly a lifelong learning sport, and there are so many ways to handle an agility course. Every agility course you encounter will be different and that is what keeps this sport so exciting!
Agility truly is a sport like no other where two living beings become one. It’s just you and your dog dancing the agility dance within an obstacle course demonstrating the bond you have with your dog to be able to communicate with each other in a ring with nothing but your body motion and verbal commands. It’s a beautiful feeling of trust, commitment and devotion. Nothing beats the feeling of running an agility course as one unit with your dog, and this is why people will tell you to be careful, as agility will quickly become an addiction!
Get out there today and play some agility with your dogs, you won’t regret it!
