Dog Agility
| Print | By | May 12, 2009 11:08 AM

Dog Agility

Dog agility is a competitive dog sport in which a team of dog and handler must complete an obstacle course and are judged on time and accuracy. The sport made its debut at the Crufts Dog Show in England in February 1978. Since then it has gained popularity across the world.

To compete dogs must be in good health and be at least 6 (UKC) or 12 months (AKC) of age to compete. Many organizations have special classes for older dogs, with lower jumps and longer course time, making it possible for dogs of all ages to compete. Both purebred and mixed breed dogs can compete in agility trials, with the exception of trails held by the AKC. They restrict trials to AKC-registered dogs only. However, if your dog is a pure bred, just without papers, you can apply for PAL/ILP (Purebred Alternative Listing/Indefinite Listing Privilege) which will enable you to enter AKC sanctioned trials.

Agility is fun for both dogs and handlers. It's a great activity to do with a newly adopted dog, or a shy puppy. It builds confidence and provides obedience and socialization training in a fun setting. Agility is great exercise and builds a stronger bond between the dog and the handler.

Check out petside's video on Dog Agility

Popular agility organizations:

USDAA - United States Dog Agility Association

AKC - American Kennel Club

UKC - United Kennel Club

NADAC - North American dog Agility Council

DOCNA - Dogs on Course in North America

CPE - Canine Performance Events

AAC - Agility Association of Canada

Comments (12)

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madeline February 27, 2009 1:07 PM

i just think thats fricken awesome i think dogs should be in the beijing.

Anonymous February 28, 2009 4:03 PM

Dogs should be in the Beijing.

Why you wanna no u a stalker?!?! March 1, 2009 3:03 PM

lol ya i think they would be better than humans in the olimpics

Sierra Bravo March 3, 2009 10:57 AM

Unfortunately, people eat dogs in Beijing...prior to the Olympics, they were called 'fragrant meat'.

So, now way I'm letting Hotdog and Honey (my two labs) go to Beijing, esp. since the Olympics are over!

Thanks for the info, though.

s.b.

dogeater March 8, 2009 11:58 AM

Slab of lab -- MMMM, good.

Sierra Bravo March 9, 2009 5:21 AM

What, you dont think they have pet dogs in china?

There is a difference between realising that meat is meat, and a pet is a pet.

I can have a pet sheep all my life and still eat lamb quite happily.

erin March 10, 2009 7:10 PM

those are some talented dogs

King April 11, 2009 7:29 AM

Likely hundreds of dogs within a few blocks of my house here in Shanghai.. We also have 2 pet stores within 3 blocks.

The Bird Coop April 12, 2009 1:19 PM

Great Site, keep it up

Marquis
www.bird-coop.com

Anonymous April 15, 2009 8:22 AM

Dogs should be in the Beijing.

compensation claims April 21, 2009 5:28 AM

I got bitten badly when i went to crufts last time so i feel negative to anything that has derived from that. if i remember rightly i used Macks Solicitors to make a claim against the dog

Animal Lover September 19, 2009 6:28 PM

People Eat dog in Beijing!!!!and plus dogs can turn easaly agenct their owners and hurt them suvierly if you make them do something they dont want to.....!>:-(

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