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 True negotiates the weave poles. |
The sport of Dog Agility consists of three basic components:
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PRECISION (Contact Obstacles)
Contact obstacles are named for the bright yellow "contact zones" on both ends. They include the A-Frame, Teeter-totter, and Dog Walk. Dogs must have at least one paw on these zones before leaving the obstacles. In some types of competition, they must also have their paws on the contact zone going up. Severe penalties are given for a "fly-off" in which the dog leaves the teeter before the end touches the ground. In the Novice levels, the most important aspect of each run is safety. The contact zone rules maximize safety for the dog.
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CONTROL (Weave Poles & Pause Table)
Control is one of the most important elements of agility. The weave poles and pause table (or pause box) are good indicators of the level of control a handler and dog have together.
Weave poles are one of the most difficult obstacles in the sport. Dogs must enter the poles at the left shoulder and weave in and out of the 6-12 poles as quickly as possible. Fast weave pole performance is essential to make a good time on the course. The Pause Table looks deceptively simple. The dog hops up on the table and lies down for a count of 5 without getting up. Dogs can make many mistakes, such as missing the table entirely, approaching it too fast, and skidding off or not lying down.
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SPEED (Jumps & Tunnels)
Dog agility was originally based on horse jumping events and retains several types of jumps that are like those in horse arenas. The tire jump, however, is a "dog-centric" jump as a horse would have trouble going through this one with a rider aboard. Jumps are set at 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24 inches depending on the height of the dog measured at the shoulder. For instance, a dog measuring between 16-20 inches at the shoulder would jump at 20 inches.
Tunnels: The concept is simple. The dog goes in one end and comes out the other. Dogs, however, have come up with a number of variations on this theme including the "in and right back out" manuever as well as using the tunnel as a jump.
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The Open Tunnel (or pipe tunnel) is most commonly used and is made of a flexible duct material that can be set up straight or curved so the dog cannot see the opening at the other end.
The Closed Tunnel consists of two parts: an open barrel-shaped section and a long attached nylon "chute" that looks like a windsock. It is called a closed tunnel because the dog cannot see through it.
MIXED BREEDS
are welcome. Trials sanctioned by CPE, NADAC, and USDAA allow competition of both mixed breeds and purebreds.
AKC and ASCA allow competition of registered mixed breed dogs.
POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT
This sport does not allow the use of pinch collars, choke chains, harsh corrections or punishment-based training. Dog agility must be enjoyable to both partners on the team. Treats, toys, and lots of praise are truly the essence of training for the sport.
CLASSES and EVENTS
There are several types of events in NADAC, USDAA, CPE, and ASCA agility with each event leading to titles at 3 levels (Novice, Open, and Elite). Classes include Regular Agility (all obstacles), Jumpers (jumps and tunnels only), and Gamblers (no set course initially with a final "gamble" where the dog must work at a distance from the handler).
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