For the dog agility enthusiast

Becoming a dog agility enthusiast can happen almost overnight, and take you by surprise, because this sport is so much fun!

Perhaps you`ve seen a dog agility contest on TV, or watched thedogs and trainers run an agility course at your local Dog AgilityTraining School.

Or maybe you`re just the sporty type yourself, and you want tofind a sport where you share your energy and enthusiasm with your puppyand enjoy it together.

• What is dog agility?
• What breeds do best in this sport?
• How to get started

Video: Australian OneMind Dog Enthusiasts: Agility technique training

Whatever the reason, the sport of dog agility is hugely popular and canbe addictive!

Video: Fast and Fun: Dog Agility Training

Maybe it`s because, as any dog agility enthusiast willconfirm, that this activity is a great way to :

* Build & strengthen the bond between you and your pup, improving trust and communication

* Keep your dog fit both physically and mentally - and help keep you in shape too!

* Meet other people who share your interests and passions, and give both of you lots of fun social experiences

* Enjoy yourselves

What Exactly IS Dog Agility?

Agility is a sport which involves you and your pup working closely together as he `runs` courses which consist of a variety of obstacles.

It was first seen in England in the late 1970`s.

But it didn`t stay `under the radar` for long and quickly gained popularity both in the UK and in the USA during the `80s - and has continued to grow steadily since then.

There are now dog agility clubs and classes in most cities and towns across the country.

Obstacles your dog learns to negotiate usually include....

..... and more.

You`re not allowed to touch your pup while he`s running theagility course, so you need to rely on verbal instructions and bodysignals to communicate, and this encourages a very strong bond betweenowner and dog.

The dogs are judged on athleticism, speed and accuracy and youcan find agility trials for all ages and abilities.

Video: Dog Agility 3D - Game Preview

Some are just forfun, others are seriously competitive - and once you get started you mayboth well be `hooked`!

Picking A Winner!

n theory ALL dogs can participate in the sport of agility, and inreality it`s a great activity for many different dog breeds, and mixedbreeds.

But the demands of the sport (which include speed, flexibility,intelligence and confidence) make some breeds a naturally better fit.This is important if you are wanting to compete in agility trials formore than just the fun of it.

Some of the most popular breeds in dog agility are :

• Border Collie


• Australian Shepherd


• Australian Cattle Dog


• Labrador Retriever


• Belgian Tervuren


• Cocker Spaniel


• Welsh Corgi


• Papillon

As you can see from this list, size isn`t really an issue, andalmost any breed can participate. Mixed breed dogs often make excellentdog agility competitors too, and there are no restrictions on pedigreeetc.

Correct body structure, good health and a confident, outgoingpersonality are the most important things to look for in a puppy if youhave agility competition in mind.

Many large breed pups grow and mature slowly, and theirjoints/bones/ligaments shouldn`t be stressed during this stage. So,always check with your veterinarian before starting any sort of activity that involves a lot of running or jumping... before you start out.

Waiting until your pup is past the adolescent stage and his framehas matured is usually recommended as it will help prevent any injuriesto growing bones and ligaments.

How To Get Started....

Video: OneMind Dogs agility presented globally!

Now that you`re a dog agility enthusiast, you`re probably itching to know how to get started.

Well, you`re in luck, because this is one of the mostpopular canine sports around, and most areas have dog agility clubs andtrainers.

You can take get involved at any level, from building practicecourses in your own back yard, to competing in major agility trials,held by one of the major organizations involved in this sport.

You can find lots of dog agility information on the websites of these organization....

• United States Dog Agility Association


• North American Dog Agility Council


• You can also find AKC recognized agility clubs, organized by state, here akc.org - agility clubs

What`s even better, is that anyone can take part - even kidsand teenagers. In fact youngsters and their dogs often make a greatteam.

There are classes offered all over the country (and world!) and there`s usually something available for any age or level of experience.

The Beginner`s Guide to Dog Agility

And here`s a great book to get you started off on the right foot (and paw): It`s a fun and user-friendly guide to the popular sport of dog agility. This enjoyable agility dog book is suitable for total beginners, as well as those with some experience. Clearly written, with simple instructions and beautiful photos. The light-hearted humor makes it very readable and I`d recommend this book to anyone who`s getting ready to jump into this sport!

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