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It is one of the fastest-growing dog sports in the USA!

  • Everyone loves agility—handlers, spectators and especially eager dogs... Agility is a fun course for dogs that includes a variety of obstacles for dogs to tackle, including tunnels, weave poles, jumps and see–saws! Yep, seesaws.
  • Dogs are judged on speed and accuracy. They have to complete the course in an allotted time frame, but most important, they have to do it correctly by completing each obstacle correctly and in the correct order. We might look at this as work but to a dog this is FUN!
  • Agility began in the 1970s in England as entertainment during intermission at horse shows. The courses mirrored a miniature horse show jumping course. The feature proved so popular with spectators that it spawned its own sport just for dogs. Gotta love that.
  • Today, agility is played worldwide and remains one of the fastest–growing dog sports in the United States and the fastest–growing event at the AKC. The sport also appeals to ALL dog lovers. You see senior citizens and children alike out on the course with their dogs, all whooping it up together.
  • All dogs can do agility—ranging from the very small to the very tall. The classes are divided by jump heights and weights in order to make the competition equal among the different sizes of dogs. It's an even playing field... and there's lots of playing!
  • HOW TO GET STARTED: Many AKC training clubs and training schools offer agility classes. Your dog needs basic obedience training before they start agility. Also, dogs' growth plates should be closed before they start jumping, weaving and performing full-height obstacles. If you have a puppy or young dog, get your veterinarian's advice before starting agility training.