Agility has boomed in popularity in the last 20 years. In fact, the 2015 annual AKC report found the number of entries in agility events was 1.2 million with entries for conformation events, traditionally the most popular of events, was 1.3 million for the year of 2014. Compare this to 2006 where there was a near million entry difference between the two competitions (AKC, 2015; Bad Dog Agility, 2016).
In this sport, the dogs are asked to complete a timed course of 20-27 obstacles in a specific sequence. Obstacles may include tunnels, jumps, sea-saws, weave poles and large, raised planks known as a dog-walk. In order to succeed, the dogs not only need to be fast but are required to perform the obstacles in a thoughtful way to meet specific criteria. Criteria includes keeping jump bars up and making contact with designated foot areas on obstacles like the sea-saw, dog-walk and A-Frame. This tests the athleticism of the dog and the handler. The handler is tested on their ability to read the dog and carry out handling manoeuvres to guide the dog cleanly through the course. Agility is open to all breeds including mixed breeds, although there are breed specific venues of competition.
In Canada, venues open for agility competition include:
- AAC, Agility Association of Canada
- CKC, Canadian Kennel Club
- UKI, UK Agility International
Depending on the frequency of trials in the area, competitors may compete in multiple venues and may travel to the United States to compete at events in venues such as AKC, USDAA and NADAC.
This game is harder than it looks as it requires the dog to focus, connect with the handler and carry out specific skills at high speed in a very high stress environment. Below, are videos that capture some of the skills required of the dogs at agility competitions.
This video, courtesy of DogSports Cz on YouTube, demonstrates the athleticism of these dogs as well as the variety of breeds that compete at high levels of competition.
Here, Canadian world champion Susan Garrett has put together a YouTube video of her performance on a world level course demonstrating the speed and level of complexity required of dogs at this level.