Agility is a very fun and complete sport, suitable for all types of dogs over 18 months of age. It consists of the combination of a guide (owner) who leads the dog through a pre-established route while overcoming various obstacles following a set order and time. Finally the judges determine the winning dog based on his ability and dexterity
This sport develops the dog's intelligence, obedience, agility and concentration as well as strengthening its muscles and fostering your rapport.
Anyone can practice Agility if they are predisposed, want to have fun and have enough time, you don't need to have advanced knowledge or great skills as a trainer. Read on to find out how to get started in Agility.
FCI Regulations
Agility is a type of competition that has international regulations drawn up by the FCI (the Fédération Cynologique Internationale) who is in charge of organize the official championship and set the basic rules, although around the world there are non-approved tests that allow you to practice this activity freely.
Remember that practicing Agility is a fun way to have fun with your pet, for this reason you should only do it with an adult dog(at least 18 months old), who is not pregnant, sick, injured or drugged. People who carry out this type of practices will be expelled immediately.
Categories of dogs
As we have already mentioned all types of dogs can practice Agility, as long as they are he althy and predisposed. For this reason, three categories have been developed in official competitions:
- S or small: dogs less than 35 cm tall at the withers.
- M or medium: dogs between 35 and 43 cm in height at the withers.
- L or large: dogs that exceed 43 cm in height at the withers.
Routes and types of obstacles
Agility courses have a wide variety of obstacles placed randomly on the ground where the competition is held. The number and variety of obstacles determine the degree of difficulty and speed to which the dog must submit. There is a defined time frame to complete the entire marked route in a specific order.
Agility Course Requirements
- Have a space of at least 24 x 40 meters. The track inside will be at least 20 x 40 meters.
- The length of the route will be between 100 and 200 meters and it will have around 15 or 20 obstacles (at least 7 will be hurdles).
- The size of the jumps will be proportional to the category of the dog participating in the competition.
- The distance between obstacles will also be set according to the dog's category.
- The handler must be able to stand on both sides of each obstacle if necessary.
Obstacle types:
- Jump Hurdles
- Wall or viaduct
- Wheel
- Rocker
- Palisade
- Runway
- Canvas Tunnel
- Rigid Tunnel
- Slalom
- Long jump
- Table
Where can I start practicing Agility?
Before registering yourself and your dog in the official Agility competitions in your country, you must start properly in Agility and reach the basic levelIt is important that this process occurs gradually without forcing the dog or physically exploiting him.
You have two options for this, find a club where they teach you to practice Agility or make a course at home, a very fun but viable option for few.
- Join a club is the most appropriate idea for those who want to practice this sport and start in official competitions, because the teachers They will guide and teach you techniques, forms of motivation, the right rhythm, etc. In addition, in the classes you will be accompanied by other people, which will promote the socialization of the dog and increase its predisposition when seeing others do it.
- Create the Agility course at home is a great idea for those who want to enjoy with their pet learning independently and without pressure. If you have a large enough garden and you have the financial resources for it, go ahead! You will have a great time with your dog.
