What is Agility?

Dog agility is a fun and exciting sport that involves dogs and their handlers working together to navigate a series of obstacles such as jumps, tunnels, and weave poles in a set order and within a certain amount of time. The goal is for the dog and handler to complete the course as quickly and accurately as possible, while the dog stays focused and obedient. Agility is a great way for dogs to stay active and engaged, and for handlers to bond with their furry friends while learning new skills. It’s a sport that’s open to dogs of all breeds and sizes, and it’s a great way to have fun and build a stronger relationship with your dog.

Where Agility began? Dog Agility began as an extra entertainment to fill time between events at the world-famous Crufts International Dog Show in Britain in 1978. It was such a success with both the spectators and the participants that a new dog sport was born.

Dog Agility combines a fast pace, an athletic challenge, strategy and teamwork. Everywhere the sport is introduced, dogs, handlers, volunteers and spectators alike fall in love with the crazy fun-filled games that give Dog Agility its name.

Today, agility enjoys enormous popularity in Britain, with well-attended competitions every weekend during the show season. The larger events draw thousands of competitors and attract huge, appreciative audiences – many competitions are televised. This enthusiasm has spread to virtually all of Europe, as well as Australia and New Zealand, followed by the USA in 1986, making Dog Agility a truly international dog sport.

The advantage of joining a club is learning from experienced handlers on equipment owned by the club. After your dog knows the basics, you can enter an event.
What is Agility.pdf

Agility courses offered at Taieri Canine Training Club

1. Beginners Agility – Have you ever watched a dog agility competition and thought, “I want to try that!”? Our Beginners Agility course is the perfect place to start! This course is designed for those who are completely new to agility and want to learn the basics of this exciting sport. We’ll build on the skills learned in the Foundation for Dog Sports course and help you and your furry friend navigate agility obstacles with confidence.
2. Starters Handlers – Are you ready to take your handling skills to the next level? Our Starters Handlers course is designed to introduce you and your dog to the world of agility equipment and prepare you for your first competition. We’ll help you build a strong foundation of handling techniques and show you how to work with your dog to navigate jumps, tunnels, and more.
3. Novice Handlers – If you and your dog are already competing in agility and want to improve your skills, our Novice Handlers course is the perfect fit. We’ll help you refine your handling techniques and show you how to navigate more complex courses. This course is for those who have already acquired some agility skills and want to take their training to the next level.
4. Intermediate Handlers – Are you ready for a new challenge? Our Intermediate Handlers course is for those who have already won out of the starters level and are looking for more advanced training. We’ll help you tackle more difficult obstacles and work on advanced handling techniques to take your agility game to the next level.
5. Senior Handlers – If you’re competing at Senior level agility then our Senior Handlers course is for you. We’ll help you fine-tune your skills and prepare you for more advanced challenges. This course is perfect for those who are looking to improve their agility skills and take their competition game to the next level.

Email our agility co-ordinator to book into our next introductory agility class.

A checklist for your first agility training class…
A collar and lead
Toys –  make sure you bring his *special* toy, whatever it may be!
Treats – small, soft, super-special treats work best. Bring lots!
Clean up bags – bring extras just in case!
A hungry dog! – Don’t feed before class. Feed treats during your lesson.
A sense of humor! Stay positive -make it fun for both of you.

Resources

Wanting to enter a competition?
Entering a Ribbon Trial
Entering an Agility Show
Obedience and Agility registration form (you need to do this is your dog isn’t already registered with DogsNZ)
Online Entry system – You can find this here