AGILITY

AGILITY

Agility is one of the best known dog sports in the canine world. Agility is a fun and complete sport, suitable for all dogs over 18 months. A guide (master) must lead the dog on a predefined route that includes various obstacles and this route must be completed as quickly as possible. Finally, the judges determine which dog has won based on their agility and skill.

Why agility?

Agility will allow you to teach your dog new commands. But all this will only be possible if he already obeys basic orders such as sit, lie down, come here,.....Especially since for this sport he must not have a leash, a collar and his master must not touch him.

This sport develops the dog's intelligence and obedience, while strengthening his muscles and your relationship.

Agility also requires a certain concentration because the dog will have to be constantly listening to hear what you are asking him to do.

This sport is strongly recommended to maintain good relations with your dog and thus strengthen your complicity. Throughout the course, you must follow your dog running most of the time. Agility will soon be a pleasant moment for your dog since he will have shared it with you. Moreover, it will allow you to keep a certain physical shape.

Anyone can practice Agility if they feel like it and if they want to spend enough time doing it. You don't need to have advanced knowledge of this activity, nor do you need to have great training skills. Read on to find out how to get started with Agility.

FCI Rules and Regulations

Agility is a type of competition that has international rules drafted by the FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale) which is responsible for organizing the official championship and defining the basic rules. There are also, all over the world, non homologated competitions that allow the free practice of this activity.

Practicing Agility is a fun way to spend time with your pet. You should only practice this activity with an adult dog (at least 18 months old), which is not pregnant if it is female, sick, injured or under treatment. Anyone who engages in this type of practice will be immediately expelled from the training area.

Categories of dogs

As we mentioned earlier, all dogs can practice Agility, as long as they are healthy and motivated. There are three categories in official competitions:

• Category S or small: Dogs in this category must be less than 35 centimeters at the withers.
• Category M or medium: Dogs in this category must be between 35 and 43 centimeters at the withers.
• Category L or large: The last category is for dogs over 43 centimeters at the withers.

Course and types of obstacles

Agility courses are made up of a variety of obstacles randomly placed on the terrain where the competition takes place. The number and variety of obstacles determines the degree of difficulty and the speed at which the dog will have to go. The itinerary must be completed within a set time, with a specific order of obstacles.

A professional Agility course must :

• The track inside it must be at least 22 x 44 yards.
• The length of the course will be between 109 and 218 yards and will include 15 to 20 obstacles (of which at least 7 will be hurdles).
• The size of the hurdles will be proportional to the category of the dog participating in the competition.
• The distance between the obstacles is also fixed according to the category of the dog.
• The guide must be able to stand on both sides of the obstacles.

In addition, the course will be made up of various types of obstacles that the dog will have to overcome :

• Hurdles
• Wall or viaduct
• Wheel
• Toggle
• Palisade
• Gateway
• Canvas tunnel
• Rigid tunnel
• Slalom
• Long jump
• Table

Where can I start practicing Agility

Before registering you and your dog in official Agility competitions in your country, you will have to start Agility training and reach a basic level. It is important that this process is achieved gradually without forcing the dog or physically overworking him.

To do this, you have two options: find a club where people will teach you to practice Agility or make a homemade course, a very fun option, but one that cannot be implemented by everyone.

• Joining a club is a good idea for those who want to practice this sport and register for official competitions, as the professionals will guide you and teach you techniques, ways to encourage your dog, the right rhythm, etc. In addition, during the classes you will be accompanied by other people, which will help your dog's socialization and increase his willingness to see others do it.
• Creating a homemade Agility course is a fantastic idea for those who want to learn independently and without pressure with their pet. If you have a large enough garden and the financial resources to do so, go for it! You'll have a great time with your dog.