Have you ever watched Crufts and seen those impressive displays of dogs leaping over hurdles and weaving around poles, and assumed it wasn’t something you and your dog could do? Well, think again.
Dog agility is a great way to get outside and try something different – whether that’s for you, your family or your dog.
What is dog agility?
Dog agility is a fun, friendly and fast-paced activity which can benefit both you and your dog’s mental and physical health, as well as strengthening your bond.
It is something everyone can try, whether just to burn off some energy, make friends with a close-knit community or to compete in international events.
Dog agility involves dogs and their owners running an activity course consisting of jumps, tunnels, seesaws and other equipment, and is open to all to get involved.
Dog agility has been growing in popularity since it was first demonstrated at Crufts in 1978 and today, the event sees over 150 agility competitors take part in various classes of different heights and levels – and maybe you could be one of them in the future.
The introduction of agility competitions to Crufts opened canine activities up to even more dogs and their owners and is said to have brought a whole new atmosphere to the event.
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How do I get my dog to start agility?
Dog agility competitions are made up of various obstacles for your dog to run through, jump over, or weave in and out off in a set sequence. As the owner, your job is to lead your dog through the course with as few faults as possible - all while against the clock.
The Kennel Club has shared some steps to get started in dog agility:
- Make sure your dog is healthy and happy – if your dog has any medical conditions check with your vet before starting up agility. For your dog’s safety, it is recommended that they do not start training on any agility equipment until they are at least one year old
- Teaching your dog basic training commands is key – if you are struggling to train your dog, you could enrol in a local training or obedience club which teaches The Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Training scheme for mastering basic training and obedience.
- The Kennel Club website also has easy training games and activities you can try at home for free.
- Once you have a handle on training, you may want to progress to a club that specialises in agility, you can look these up on The Kennel Club’s Find a Club tool.
- When you feel ready to start on agility equipment, The Kennel Club has created a step-by-step video guide which demonstrates the different obstacles and what to expect in a competitive ring online.
Whether you take part competitively or just for fun, agility is a great opportunity to become part of a welcoming and friendly community.
The Kennel Club’s International Agility Festival
For anyone feeling inspired and wanting to see some agility in action, the world’s largest agility festival is returning to Oakham, Rutland, from 8 – 11 August, with dogs of every size, shape and breed competing across a huge 18 rings and 200 classes, from novice to professional.
It’s a fantastic atmosphere and spectators are welcome to come spend the day and enjoy watching the action, with a range of doggy shopping stands and food options. Entrance is free, although there is a £5 parking charge. Further information is available at thekennelclub.org.uk/iaf
Words: Laura Lloyd, The Kennel Club
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