Agility was first known in Great Britain and came to the US in 1977. It combines agility, versatility and confidence of the animal with control of the handler/trainer.

An agility course is set up with several different obstacles. These include Tunnels, Dog walks, Weave poles, Jumps, and Teeter, also called See-Saw. The sport has evolved its own obstacles, performance ideal and scoring system. Success in agility is only acquired by proper training, teamwork between dog and handler, control, skill, and patience. Accurate performance is absolute required, but it’s also a race against time spent to master the obstacles.

On the Tilter or See-Saw the dog walks up, making it tilt down and exits successfully over a marked zone. The tunnel is very much dominated by terriers, but Collies as well enjoy this equipment. The dog has to touch at least with one paw the yellow painted areas on the way up and down.

Some dogs are natural jumpers and just love the single or double jumps; other dogs have to learn how to jump hurdles.

One of the most difficult challenges are the Weave poles. It requires certain techniques to teach dogs to complete this obstacle. Weave poles are in sets of 6 to 12 poles in formal competitions. The dogs must enter to the right of the first pole and weave each one until they exit to the left on the last pole.

The Dogwalk looks similar to a balance beam and has ramps on both sides. Some dogs develop an amazing speed when crossing this beam!

Some more of the obstacles are the Tire, and the Collapsed Tunnel, also called the Chute.

All obstacles have been designed with safety in mind. The bars on jumps are easily displaced so that the animals should not injure themselves in case they make a mistake. All contact equipment surfaces are rough for good traction and safe in dry and wet weather.

Certain dogs are born performers and thoroughly enjoy speeding around the course with their hair flying, muscles ripping and tail wagging. Even born “artists” need proper training though and the handler, if doing well, will be able to help the dog in performing at it’s best.

If you are interested in training your dog we highly recommend to make yourself familiar with this sport, and watch some performances before you start handling your dog. You should start out with the help of a trainer, or maybe take basic classes with your animal at a training school. Again, safety is important, you don’t want your animal to be injured! Wobbly equipment where the dog might fall off of hurt himself will make the animal shy and reluctant to master obstacles. Make sure to get the right and safe equipment and don’t forget that animals also need to warm up prior to strenuous exercise to prevent muscle strains and other injuries. Keep training sessions short and intense, but never let your dog run wild or uncontrolled.

Before you start training make sure that your dog responds well and consistently to basic commands such as sit, stay, lay down. And most important, your dog has to come when called! If these four commands are not perfectly performed, do a refresher course with your dog before starting agility training! (See our article >>Obedience Training).

Not all agility obstacles are fit for very young dogs under the age of one year. You can start your puppy with about 9 months to use/play with the Tunnel, but don’t progress to Tilters, Dogwalks or Weave Poles at this young age. Also many veterinarians are advising for dogs not to jump or climb until their growth plates are fixed. Agility training is also great for older dogs, just make sure that your animal has no hip or joint problems, or is suffering from arthritis or osteoarthritis.

If your animal is progressing nicely and you come to the conclusion that it is talented enough and ready to compete keep in mind, that under the rules of the Agility Association dogs need to be at least 18 months old to be admitted. The American Kennel Club allows participation in sanctioned events at 12 months of age.

We found a great website with very reasonable priced Agility Equipment. It’s webaddress is >> activek9

Check out their great prices and monthly specials. They offer Hurdles, Tire jumps, Tunnels, Chutes, Weave poles, Stakes, and even a Dog Agility Starter Kit.

Another great site with excellent equipment is Weave-Poles.com. Weave-Poles specializes in professionally built **all furniture grade PVC** dog agility equipment!

Have fun - you and your dog!