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Information about the Sport of Agility |
| What is Canine Agility |
| In short, Agility is a sport in which a dog runs through a timed obstacle course under the guidance of the handler. Agility training strengthens the bond between dog and handler, and provides fun and exercise for both. |
| History of Agility - King of Dog Sports |
| Where
it Began - The idea of agility was
born in 1977 when Crufts Dog Show needed something to fill up
spare time in the main arena between the end of the obedience
championships and the start of the group breed judging. Various
dog training demonstrations were held over the years, some of
which included dog jumping. The new demonstration had to be
a nice to see test and it should be suited to the hard Olympia
floor. The main idea of a dog jumping competition is based on
the show jumping of horses. Some people put their heads together
and they came out with a test based on vast practical dog training
knowledge and experience in working trials. Main factors that
had to be kept in mind were : that it should be fun, without
being dangerous and it should have to amuse spectators. They
built the equipment. Another club was contacted to form a second
team of four dogs and they all helped each other with training
ideas and modifications to equipment. And so the base was laid
for the agility we know now. 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 now even televised. This enthusiasm for Agility has spread to virtually all of Europe, as well as Australia and New Zealand, followed by the USA in 1986, making Agility a truly international dog sport. Agility in Canada - Agility roots were planted in Canada by our own Art Newman, of North Gower, Ontario, in 1988, with the founding of the Agility Dog Association of Canada (Now called the Agility Association of Canada - AAC). Agility clubs are now firmly established in all major centres in Canada, and many smaller outlying areas. |
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| Training Methods |
| ADSC
uses operant training methods including clicker. Praise, toys
and food are used to motivate the dogs from puppy stages through
the advanced levels of training. Dogs are always encouraged
to perform obstacles and never forced. Safe equipment which meets the standards set forth by the Agility Association of Canada is used for training. All the equipment is fully adjustable to introduce new dogs to the obstacles to build confidence and basic understanding of executing the obstacles. In addition, the club has miscellaneous equipment used to help improve the dogs coordination like wooden ladders, hoops, wobble boards and small ramps. |
| Puppies and Agility |
| Agility
puppy training can start with dogs as young as 4 to 5 months!
Granted, it doesn't really LOOK like agility at first. There's
a lot of playing and silliness - but really, at any level of
training, isn't that what agility should be for our dogs? FUN!
Puppy agility NEVER physically stresses little puppy bones;
so our young dogs don't do any real jumping. They step over
small cavaletties that are only a couple of inches off the ground.
We do a lot of target work to teach them to work away at a young
age. Target work also helps our puppies to have excellent contact
control! Puppies LOVE running through the tunnels (usually chasing
each other or a ball!). And we do basic commands that help them
to go DOWN on the table QUICKLY! The puppies even learn correct
weave pole entry, using a touch stick! Puppies are so eager to learn and so happy to please. They really pick things up quickly. But the key to a successful training session is to keep the lessons SHORT and POSITIVE (kind of like their instructor!). We also employ lots of rewards, from special food treats to toys and games (and lots of hugs). Once a puppy figures out an obstacle, they've GOT IT! And agility training works WONDERS for improving confidence in a shy puppy. The other huge benefit is the socialization these puppies are getting with each other; in fact, I think they look forward to the play sessions the most! |
| A Sample Fun Course |
Below
is an example of a Fun Course. For an official starters course
the trial Judge is responsible for the course design. The
Chief Builder and the Ring Stewards are responsible for the
actual layout and building the course. When the course is
built the Judge will check it, measure the distance between
obstacles, and the overall course distance. They will have the course adjusted as needed. |
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3D View Of What it Might Look Like When
it's Set Up |
| The Equipment |
Jumps - Each type of jump is set at the proper height for each class,
determined by the height of the dog at the withers (shoulders).
Dogs must clear the full height of the jump without knocking
a bar off. |
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Standard
Jump |
Wing
Jump |
Double
Jump |
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Spread
Jump |
Long
Jump |
Tire
Jump |
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Tunnels - There are two types of tunnels, open tunnels which are long flexible open tubes; and closed tunnels or "chutes", which are open at one end and have a collapsed fabric tube at the other. |
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Weave Poles - The dog must enter to the right of the first pole and zig-zag through to the end without missing a pole. The Standard Weave Poles are the ones used in competition. |
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Puppy
Weave Poles |
Slanted
Weave Poles |
Standard
Weave Poles |
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Pause Table / box - The dog must land on the table or in the box and assume a down position for a count of five seconds. |
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| What Happens at a Trial ? |
| The Events |
| Standard - courses must include jumps, all 3 contact obstacles, weave
poles, the table, the flexible tunnel and chute. The number
of obstacles increases with the level of competition. It demonstrates
the overall ability of the dogs to perform all the obstacles. Gamblers - the object of Gamblers is to successfully complete as many obstacles as possible within a set time allowed in an opening sequence. The obstacles each receive a different point value, common values are jumps, 1 point, tire and tunnels are 2 points, contact 3 points, weave 3 to 5 points. The opening sequence expires with blow of a whistle, at which point the handler has a shorter set time to complete a closing sequence. This final sequence or "gamble" must be done with the handler remaining outside a prescribed area usually outlined with rope or tape and within the time allowed. A minumum number of points are required, in addition to the successful completion of the gamble within time for a leg to be earned. Jumpers - is composed of jumps, tires, tunnels, and chutes. This game is probably the most popular event by many competitor and spectators alike. It involves excellent handling skills and real team-work. The pace is fast and furious with twisted flows and potential chances for off course penalties at every turn. Team Relay (2 dogs) - designed to demonstrate team spirit, strategy and sportsmanship. Relay involves a course layout similar to standard agility. The course is divided in sections and each dog on the team is selected by the team members to run a specified section. All team members must run clean and under the time allowed to earn a qualifying leg. Upon completing their respective section, the handlers passes a baton in a specified area to allow the next handler to continue on the next section. Failure to pass the baton in the specified area results in elimination. Snooker - is base on the British game of Billiards. There are two separate sequences. The opening sequence requires the handler to perform one of 3 or 4 designated (red) jumps followed by an obstacle of choice, and repeat this pattern at least twice more, a third time is an option left to the judges discretion and outlined in the briefing. The closing sequence requires the dog to follow the obstacles numbered 2 to 7. The game is based on points accumulated and as long as the dog has reached or surpassed the required point level, a qualifying score will be earned. Steeplechase - is composed of jumps, tire, tunnels, chute, A-frame and weaves. The A-frame or 12 weave poles are done twice in the course. Steeplechase chase is about speed, with fast flowing courses that are a thrill to watch. It uses masters jumpers times and it is the only game that is time plus faults. Your dog can drop a bar and still qualify, but he'll have to be really fast to do it. Steeplechase is available to all levels and offers its own title. |
| AAC Titles and Requirements |
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