AGILITY

Agility is terrific fun for dogs, handlers and spectators alike and it involves the dog being guided around a course of between 16 and 20 obstacles by her handler in as fast a time as possible without incurring faults. Much like show jumping except that you don’t sit on them!

A course includes the three contact obstacles, ‘A’ ramp, dog walk and see saw, hurdles, 2’6” for standard dogs and 15” for mini dogs (under 15” at the shoulder), long jump, tyre, weave poles, flat tunnel and rigid tunnel.

The contact obstacles are so called because the dog must make contact with the last 3 ft at each end (usually painted a different colour) so as not to incur penalties.

Agility is governed by the Kennel Club and all dogs entered at a show must be Kennel Club registered. The working register is open to any dog of any ancestry (whether known or not) so this allows crossbreeds and mongrels as well as pedigree dogs to take part.

No dog is allowed to compete before it is 18 months old and the ideal age to start training a dog for Agility is 12 months or slightly older for a large, heavy breed but an older dog providing that it is fit, will take to it just as well.

There are several different classes scheduled at most shows. These are Elementary, Starters, Novice, Intermediate, Senior, Advanced & Open.

Elementary, Starters & Novice are open to any dog, owner & handler that has never won an award. A win from 1st to 6th will qualify you out of Elementary. A first place win will put you out of Starters and into Intermediate. 2 first places and you’re out of Novice and into Senior and 4 wins will qualify you for Advanced. Open is open to anyone. Once you’re out of Elementary and Starters you’re out for life, even with another dog. You can only start in Novice with the next one.

The average number of dogs in a class these days is 400 so a win in any class is quite an achievement.

Faults are incurred in units of 5 for knocking a jump, missing a contact or a weave pole and for a refusal or run past. Taking the wrong course will result in Elimination as will 3 refusals, fouling the ring, leaving the ring out of control and biting the judge!

The red rosette and maybe a trophy will go home with the fastest clear round. (Prize money - What prize money?) Maybe a bag of dog food if you’re very lucky!

Of course you don’t have to enter competitions, you can teach your dog Agility just for the fun of it. Or maybe just get involved with a league match. Scallywags belongs to the Southern Winter League which involves 6 matches with other clubs during the winter months. Just 8 dogs in a class. A much better chance of getting a red one!

For further information check out our agility web links or e-mail info@scallywagsdogs.com
or ring 01329 833813