Dog
Agility - More Than Just "Go Fetch"
So
you think your dog is pretty active? Does he/she like
to run, jump and dash around things? Then you might
have a dog agility star in the making!
This
fast growing sport was imported from the U.K. in 1977,
as a fun, competitive activity that utilized a dog's
natural abilities and actions, such as jumping, running,
and conquering natural obstacles that are in their way.
Only
now the obstacles are man-made, involving dog dexterity
equipment that can easily be made at home. However,
if you are considering competition, you will want to
have the obstacles made to regulation size and laid
out according to competitive standards.
Basically,
agility in dogs involves having the dog run a course,
lead along it by the owner giving voice and hand commands.
Many kennel clubs offer dog
agility training for both purebreds and the family
mutt, because it's a sport that has no other distinction,
except for size, which is how the classes are broken
down.
The
layout for an agility competition will likely include
an open tunnel, a closed tunnel, a table on which the
dog pauses, a set of poles they will weave through,
a balance beam/ramp, a see-saw, hanging tire, A-frame
ramps, bar jumps, and a
broad jump.
That
may sound like a lot of work, but you'll be surprised
how fast some dogs whip through the obstacles. And since
the awarding of points is based on speed and adherence
to rules on how each obstacle is to be approached or
handled, your dog's agility is going to be one of the
key factors, along with how well you can handle the
course as well!
For
the dog owner who wants to spend time doing something
with their pet, whether purebred or not, dog agility
becomes a fun, shared activity that you'll both enjoy,
and the whole family can take part in.
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