fun and exciting for participants and spectators alike. Success
in agility requires proper training, as it is a game of physical
skill, control, patience and, most of all, teamwork between
handler and dog.
training course so that your dog exhibits good manners around people and other dogs. We encourage
you to continue training in the agility program because you and your dog will learn advanced obedience
exercises while playing an exciting game. He will learn off-leash skills in a controlled, safe environment.
Agility builds your dog's confidence and encourages a trusting relationship between you and your pet.
It is a great way to get a little exercise for you and your dog. It can be participated by persons of all
ages and physical abilities. Dogs of any size or breed can successfully do agility. You can participate in
agility, just for fun or learn how to show your dog at agility trials.
In competition, agility is a race against the clock, but accuracy is the first requirement. The time it takes
to run a course between the start and finish line is important, but all the obstacles presented by a judge
must be correctly handled. For example: a dog is expected to climb up and down the A-frame, walk up
and down the planks of the dog walk, and balance the seesaw. These pieces of agility equipment are
called "control obstacles". Dogs have the joy of leaping over jumps and running through tunnels at high
speeds but must show control by stopping on the pause table. The most challenging part of the course
is the weavepoles - anywhere from 6 to 12 poles are presented to the dog on a course. When
perfected the weavepoles are the most breathtaking portion of the course to watch dogs perform.
There are five different height categories, allowing each dog to be tested fairly according to its size.
Every course run by the handler and dog is new and exciting, because each judge designs a new test
of skills for each trial. The variety of levels of difficulty go from Novice to Excellent. There are
several different organizations which offer agility trials and awards. Click on the links below to find
out more about these organizations.
Why Agility?
become excited by the opportunity to play this new game. You can use this quot;reward" to achieve
"behavioral compliance". It is a "give and take" between pet and owner. Example: you ask your dog to
"sit" and when he does he is permitted to "play the game". Before your pet is allowed to complete each
portion of the agility course he must complete a simple task. As your pet becomes more compliant he
will happily obey your commands at home and during everyday outings.
The Canine Center offers a complete training program for you and your pet.
to welcome page.