Agility
This sport is excellent fun and even if you don't wish to compete with your dog, it is a great way to provide your dog with physical and mental stimulation. The video below shows Mr Mercury with his handler Sue at Crufts.
Any breed of dog, cross breed or mongrel can take part in Agility competitions. There are 3 height limits, which effect the height of the obstacles:
1. Large Dogs - dog taller than 1 ft 5 inches.
2. Medium Dogs - dogs taller than 1 ft 1.75 inches and smaller than or equal to 1 ft 5 inches.
3. Small Dogs - dogs 1 ft 1.75 inches tall or smaller.
The following obstacles can be used for competitions.
Hurdle - the bar at the top should be easily moved if knocked by the dog. The height will depend on the size of the dog ranging from 9.8 inches to 2 ft 1.6 inches high and 4 ft wide.
Rising Spread Jump - this would be 2 hurdles, 11.8 inches to 1 ft 9.6 inches, (depending on the size of the dog) apart. The first hurdle must be 5.9 inches to 9.8 inches, lower than the second hurdle.
Brush Fence - same requirements as the hurdle
Hoop/Tyre - a minimum diameter of 1 ft 6 inches. The centre should be between 1 ft 7.3 inches and 2 ft 7.5 inches from the ground. The frame needs to be sturdy so that the dog cannot knock it over from any direction.
Table - 3 ft square with a height between 11.8 inches and 1 ft 11.6 inches, depending on the height of the dog. The surface needs to be non slip for obvious reasons.
Long Jump - this is made up of raised planks of wood, 4 ft long. For Large dogs 3 to 5 units will be placed on the floor spaced out with a maximum length between 3 ft 11.6 inches and 4 ft 11 inches. The height of the first unit will be 5 inches and the height of the back unit will be 15 inches. For Medium dogs 3 to 4 units will be placed on the floor spaced out with a maximum length between 2 ft 3.8 inches and 2 ft 11.4 inches. The height of the first unit will be 5 inches and the height of the back unit will be 12 inches. For Small dogs 2 to 3 units will be placed on the floor spaced out with a maximum length between 1 ft 3 inches and 1 ft 7.7 inches. The height of the first unit will be 5 inches and the height of the back unit will be 9 inches. The idea is that it will look like one solid object to the dog so they will jump the full length.
Water Jump - the area filled with water will be 1 ft 3 inches to 3ft 11.2 inches by 1 ft 7.7 inches to 4 ft 11 inches. There may be a hurdle or brush before the water 9 inches to 2 ft high.
Wishing Well or Lych Gate - the roof on this obstacle will be at least 5ft high. The bar that the dog jumps over will be between 1 ft 9.6 inches and 2 ft 1.6 inches and won't be fixed.
Collapsible Tunnel - 2 ft to 2 ft 6 inches diameter and 10 ft long. The start of the tunnel will be rigid for 1 ft 6 inches.
Pipe Tunnel - This is rigid and will be 2 ft in diameter and 10 ft long.
Weaving Poles - between 5 and 12 poles between 1 ft 6 inches and 2 ft apart and 2 ft 6 inches high.
Pause Box - 4 ft x 4 ft
"A" Ramp - will look like this;
It will be 3 ft wide and the last 3 ft 6 inches each side will be a different colour to indicate that the dog must make contact with this point.
See-Saw - the see-saw should be between 12 ft and 14 ft long and between 10 inches and 12 inches wide. The pivot point will be a maximum of 2 ft 3 inches from the floor. The 3 ft at each end will be a different colour to indicate that the dog must make contact with this point.
Dog Walk - will look like this;
It will be between 10 inches and 12 inches wide and the last 3 ft at each end will be a different colour to indicate that the dog must make contact with this point.
Cross Over - 4 planks each measuring 12 ft long and 10-12 inches wide leading up to a platform 4 ft high. The dog can be required to go up and straight over, or turn left or right at the top. This obstacle is rarely used.
Courses
The course must include between 10 and 20 obstacles. The test area will be 35 yards square for outdoor venues and possibly smaller for inside venues. There are 8 levels, consisting of Grades 1 to 7 then the Championship Class. The Judge will be responsible for the design of the course. The objective is to successfully complete the course in the fastest time.
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For more information about this sport visit the Agility Net website, where you will find an A to Z of Agility Clubs and Training Groups.
Below is a selection of agility equipment if you have a large enough back garden to teach your dog at home.