Agility is a sport in which a dog goes through a series of obstacles, as directed by their handler. The obstacles may include: tunnels, jumps, A-frames, elevated ramps, and weave poles. Agility is a timed event through this obstacle course.
So, if your dog is athletic this may be a sport for you. Toy, miniature, and standard poodles have all participated successfully in agility.
USDAA United States Dog Agility Association
Offers a wide variety of classes and different types of jumps and obstacles than AKC events.
Classes include:
Standard Agility
- In standard agility all obstacles are utilized which includes three contact obstacles the a-frame, seesaw and dog walk, two types of tunnels an open tunnel and a closed or chute style tunnel, weave poles, table (for down and stay) tire jump and other hurdles and jumps.
- The sequence is determined by the judge and prior to the event handlers are given a map of the course and are allowed to walk it (without the dog) prior to the event.
- Is usually judged by time the fastest time and least disqualifying points.
Non-Standard Agility
Gamblers
- Is a point based class where each obstacle is given a set number of points. The handler chooses which obstacles and the order they will proceed to get the most points. The judge may impose restrictions about how the course may be run.
Jumpers
- Is a class that excludes all contact obstacles and occasionally weave poles.
Relay
- A team sport where two or more dog-handler teams compete on a course together.
- A course may include all of the obstacles except for the table which may be used as a point to exchange a baton, start, or finish.
Snooker
- The obstacles are coded with a color and number.
- This is a point game where the handler accumulates as many points in the alloted time.
There are more variations of the classes offered which may include Choose Your Own Course, Power and Speed, Time Gamble and others.
For more information on USDAA click here.
AKC offers 3 classes:
Standard Class
- Includes contact items: A-frame, seesaw and dog walk. Each obstacle has a yellow safety zone that the dog must touch with at least one paw.
Jumpers and Weaves
- Contains only jumps, tunnels and weaves with no contact obstacles to slow them down.
FAST which stands for Fifteen And Second Time.
- This class is for testing a dog and handlers distance handling and speed.
All classes offer novice, open, master and excellent titles. After completing both an excellent standard title and an excellent jumpers title a dog can compete for MACH.
For more information on AKC Trials click here
