Agility
Dog agility is very similar to the horse sport of show jumping. An agility competition consists of a dog and its handler running around a course of up to 20 obstacles. The obstacles can include jumps, walls, tunnels, long jumps, see saws & tyres etc. The dog with the fastest time and the least faults wins the class. Dogs are graded depending on their level of experience so that new dogs and new competitors are not competing against experienced dogs/handlers. Dog agility is a great way of keeping your dog (and hopefully you) fit and is an extremely good way to build a strong bond between you and your dog as you work your way through the training process and start competing.
To start off in agility
- Request a list of Clubs which run Agility training classes from The Scottish Kennel Club.
- Join a Club in your local area and start the training process. It will take six months to a year to develop a good enough partnership so that you are ready to start competing.
- Register your dog on the Kennel Club Breed Register or the Activity Register.
- Familiarise yourself with Kennel Club Rules and Regulations. Agility and Flyball Regulations booklet can be purchased from The Scottish Kennel Club.
- To enter a competition a schedule and entry form can be requested from the Secretary of the particular Club running the show.
- Complete the entry form and return it, along with your payment, to the Secretary prior to closing date.
Agility provides your dog with mental stimulation & exercise and strengthens the partnership between you and your dog.
