Wasatch Agility
Wasatch Agility
Wasatch Agility's Training Facility
What breeds of dogs can do agility?
Most every breed of dog [purebred or mixed breed (All American Breed)] can do agility. Some of the long backed and/or short-legged breeds have a harder time with the contact obstacles and jumping. Some dogs love agility and some never do. Just like people, some dogs are more inclined to like intense physical activity than others.
How do I get my dog started in agility?
The first thing to do is find a reputable instructor. This is someone who has successfully competed in the sport, attends seminars, and camps to stay informed of the newest handling and training techniques, plus interacts well with people and their dogs. In the Salt Lake City Area, you can check out our Agility Trainers page for a list of local instructors. The Clean Run web page (www.cleanrun.com) offers a link to instructors all over the nation.
How old does my puppy have to be to begin an agility class?
This depends on the instructor. Some instructors offer a class for puppies as young as 16 weeks that consists of targeting, obedience for agility, focus, and baby obstacles. Other instructors prefer to wait until the puppy has attended obedience classes. You want to make sure your puppy’s growth plates have closed before jumping full height, going over full height contact obstacles, or doing upright weave poles.
I have an older dog, how old is too old to start agility?
Physical health is more the issue than age. Is the older dog physically sound and fit? Does the dog have arthritis or another degenerative disease? These factors do not inhibit the older dog from doing agility, but it may be a limiting factor in the level of agility you can achieve. Agility can be a good exercise and fitness program for the older dog that may be past his prime for competition. Look for a group or instructor who understands your goals for your older dog. Pay attention to your dog's movement the day after agility. Is he stiff and sore or have problems getting around? Does he refuse to jump or climb the A-frame? These are signs that the dog may not be comfortable or physically able to do agility. Have your vet evaluate your training program and your older dog's physical health.
What does my dog need to know before entering an agility class?
Your dog must have a good understanding of sit, stay, come, and down before entering an agility class. It is a good idea to enroll in an obedience class before taking an agility class. If your dog is weak on these basic obedience commands, you will be wasting precious class time on obedience instead of learning agility. It is also helpful if your dog is able to work off leash around distractions.
How soon can I start competing in trials?
Your instructor should be able to help you decide when the time is right to enter your first trial. Your dog should have a firm understanding of correct obstacle performance. You should have a good understanding of course analysis and handling maneuvers to successfully negotiate a course. Participating in a few fun matches before entering a trial will allow you to train and make corrections in the ring (something you can NOT do during competition except NADAC). It will also get your dog onto different equipment. Every teeter-totter has a slightly different tip point. This can scare a dog that has only trained on one set of equipment.
How are titles earned and what they?
Each organization has different regulations, standard, and classes/games. Thus there are numerous different titles. However, generally speaking you must get three qualifying scores, in a specific level performing a specific class or game, to earn a title. A qualifying score is one where you've met that organizations' course fault (or minimum score) and time limits. For example USDAA allows no time or course faults to earn a qualifying score in its standard class, but AKC, at the lower levels, does allow some in their standard class. Also what constitutes a fault becomes more stringent as you move up in levels. For additional information you will need to look at the regulations for the organization of interest. See links below.
Partial list of Titles for
USDAA,
NADAC, and
AKC.
How many different organizations offer agility trials?
There are several organizations that either specialize in agility or have a program in agility, plus there are new ones popping up all the time. The four predominate ones are:
United States Dog Agility Association [USDAA] - An agility only organization whose standards are the closest to the standards used in international competition. All dogs, whether purebred or mixed-breed, are allowed to compete.
North American Dog Agility Council [NADAC] - An agility only organization in which the courses tend to be very open and fast. All dogs, whether purebred or mixed-breed, are allowed to compete.
American Kennel Club [AKC] - The largest national breed organization. Only purebred or those that looks like an AKC recognized breed are allowed to compete.
United Kennel Club, Inc.
[UKC]
- The second largest national breed organization.
For the first three, venues are similar with minor differences in jump heights,equipment, and scoring. UKC has numerous other pieces of equipment and different scoring regulations. More information on each organizations rules and regulations can be found on their web sites. You can chose to compete in only one or all organizations' competitions (assuming your dog meets their breed requirements).