Dogs Love Agility

Why do so many people and dogs love agility?  I’ve wanted to know the answer to that question for decades. Years ago, I pegged our energetic yellow Labrador named Cruising Tasmania as my first agility canine but, for a variety of reasons, that didn’t happen.

So, when a local friend suggested sixteen years later that we both sign our dogs up for an agility class in a nearby town, I agreed. No backing out this time. Ranger seemed a bit bored with his obedience training, so I thought a change of pace might be perfect. After all, he’d thoroughly enjoyed running rally courses.

Ranger LOVES agility! I enjoy it too for three reasons. First, we both are learning a new sport. Second, he adores it so much. And, third, I’ve managed to stay upright which is a major feat when one’s dog is lightning fast and his handler moves like a tortoise in comparison.

For ardent cat lovers and others who aren’t familiar with agility, here’s its definition: a sport and competition where a handler directs his/her dog through an obstacle course in a race for time and accuracy. Handlers may give unlimited commands but can’t touch the dog or obstacles. Treats aren’t allowed in the ring.

At least six dog organizations offer agility trials in the United States. They include the American Kennel Club (AKC); United Kennel Club; United States Dog Agility Association, Inc.; North America Dog Agility Council; Australian Shepherd Club of America; and Canine Performance Events. Each have their own rules and titles.

Thousands of agility trials are conducted each year across our nation. Agility was first introduced in 1978 as a sport at England’s renowned Crufts dog show. In 1984, the AKC conducted its first agility trial. The AKC offers many different agility classes and titles to purebreds and mixed breeds. To compete at AKC agility trials, dogs must be at least fifteen months old and be registered with the AKC as a purebred or as AKC Canine Partner. Additionally, dogs with a Purebred Alternative Listing/Indefinite Listing Privilege number may compete.

At our first agility class, Ranger and I paired up with an energetic Golden and her owner who had some experience in agility. We were introduced to a low-height dog walk, weave poles and a balance table. What could go wrong? Plenty. The Golden and Ranger left us humans at one end of the dog walk as they streaked across it to the other end. Even with a head start, I couldn’t keep up with Ranger and recalled why I’d never tried out for track in high school or college.

“Keep ahead of your dog. Keep ahead of your dog,” the trainer shouted at us. Couldn’t she see that us humans were no match for their Golden and Labrador?

“Use your clicker and click or say yes when your dog enters the first weave,” the trainer instructed. I soon discovered a yes was a much easier and faster response than fumbling with the clicker.

Ranger never stopped wagging his tail the entire class. He seemed agog and couldn’t wait for the next treat or series of treats to appear. His new Golden girlfriend acted much the same.

Somehow, I didn’t trip over my feet much less fall.

The following weeks, Ranger learned to wiz through the tunnel, climb a steep A frame, jump on a “pause” table and down, and jump through a tire. He practiced on a see-saw but I needed to stuff food in front of his nose to slow him down and stop him when it broke its plane. He took to the very steep A frame quickly probably because he climbs rocks when he hikes.

Ranger’s favorite obstacles are the tunnel and the jumps. He loves the challenge of something different and would be well on his way to the competition ring except for a minor issue- me. I’m the slow learner and he’s the whiz kid. My husband Dave usually greets me after a day at shows, with, “Well how badly did you screw up Ranger? How many points did the judge deduct because of what you did?”

I admit in rally and obedience that I’ve had my moments but in fairness, so has Ranger- on occasion!

When Ranger seems confused about an agility obstacle, thanks to my poor handling, he reverts back to his obedience and rally training, and sits. That’s not the desired behavior. In obedience, your dog pretty much knows the sequence of exercises. But in agility, you must stay “connected” with your dog so he receives your direction as to what to do next.

I quickly realized the importance of directing Ranger over the course at a distance, a skill new to both of us because he’s at my side in obedience and rally. This means that I must anticipate where I need to be when he is running the course. I’m usually still deciding where to place myself when he emerges from the tunnel at breakneck speed. Frankly, I think a slow-moving breed might be the way to go. I recall a Facebook video of a huge Mastiff walking at a snail’s pace through an agility course. As soon as the dog heard a buzzer indicating that he’d taken too much time to qualify, he sped up to an amble. That dog should be my training canine.

My friends and the instructor exhibit extreme patience with me. My introduction to agility reminded me to be extra patient with newcomers to our informal obedience and rally training group especially when they lack any experience in those sports. Newbies need patience and encouragement so that they and their dogs can enjoy the learning experience.

What do you need to practice agility?

An opportunity to train at an agility facility is perfect or with other like-minded dog owners. Agility equipment is very pricy but anecdotally, the jumps and other obstacles can be constructed at much less the cost than if purchased at stores or online. Luckily for us, the local dog club has much of the equipment which we use for practice.

Don’t expect to see us in the agility ring any time soon. I’ve survived the experience pretty well considering that I only collided once with the see-saw. Try agility with your furry best friend and have fun!

Related Post: https://www.caryunkelbach.com/training-dogs-in-rural-areas/