What is Agility?
| GIF Courtesy of Carol Cobb, Dallas TX
|
|
|
Agility began in England in 1978. The AKC held its first agility trial in 1994. Agility is now the fastest growing dog sport in the
United States and is the fastest growing event at the AKC!
Agility is similar to an obstacle course run against time. The handler runs with the dog, which is off lead,
directing the dog through the course. This must be done without touching the dog or the obstacles.
In agility, a dog demonstrates its agile nature and versatility by following cues from the handler.
The course has jumps, tunnels, weave poles, and other obstacles. Agility strengthens the bond between dogs and handlers,
it is extremely fun, and it provides vigorous exercise for both!
|
The handler may be on either side of the dog and located at any but a few restricted places on the course while
directing the dog from obstacle to obstacle. In some situations, the handler should be close to the dog exercising control
to assure that the dog performs the more precise aspects of negotiating a given obstacle correctly. However, in other situations,
the handler should be able to send the dog out alone, while the handler takes a shorter route to the next critical location on the
course. There are few restrictions on the types of signals, verbal commands or praise given by the handler, as long as they are not
of a harsh or derogatory nature. The performance should convey an image of fun and enthusiasm, and companionship between the dog and
handler.
===========================================================
UKC Agility
There are three (3) levels or classes with corresponding titles, and the Agility Champion.
Agility I Class (UAG l): Agility I is considered the entry level Class. Thirteen (13)
obstacles are included in the course designs; six non-hurdles, six hurdles and the Pause Table obstacle. Only certain less
difficult challenges may be used in the course design.
---------------------------------
Agility II Class (UAGII): Sixteen (16) obstacles are included in the course designs; seven non hurdles,
(all of which are different from those of the Agility I Class), eight hurdles, and the Pause Box. Certain more difficult
challenges not allowed in Agility I may be used in the design of Agility II courses.
Title of Agility Champion (UACH): This title is awarded on the basis of 100 U-ACH points accumulated from the
Agility I and Agility II Classes for scores of 196 to 200.
----------------------------------
Agility III Class (UACHX): Sixteen (16) obstacles are included in the course designs: eight non-hurdle, one of which must
be either the Pause Table or the Pause Box, and eight hurdle obstacles. All of the obstacles are selected from those used in the
Agility I and Agility II Classes. Several handling procedures are required as an additional means of increasing the level of difficulty.
There are no requirements to complete the course at a faster rate of speed than is required in the Agility I and II Classes.
Entry in Agility III requires the completion of the Agility Champion title (UACH).
=============================
From the UKC Agility website
===========================================================
AKC Agility
The AKC offers two types of agility classes. The first is the Standard Class which includes obstacles such
as the dog walk, the A-frame, and seesaw. The second is Jumpers with Weaves. This class only has jumps, tunnels
and weave poles. Both classes offer increasing levels of difficulty to earn Novice, Open, Excellent and Master titles.
After completing both an Excellent Standard title and Excellent Jumpers title, a dog and handler team can compete
for the MACH (Master Agility Champion title) - faster than the speed of sound!
=============================
From the AKC Agility website
The best place to bury a good dog is in the heart of its master.
