[rev_slider alias=”agility” /]

There are few greater joys than running/jogging an agility course with your dog. A course takes from 20-60 seconds to run with adrenalin pounding for the entire time. It is one of the most bonding sports you can take on with your dog. Each member of the team has to be focused yet highly in touch with his or her teammate. A moment’s loss of this team touch and BOOM, you’re busted and off course. Lots of dog training books talk about “the other end of the leash” and how our dogs feel our emotions. In agility there isn’t a leash. There really is a “Vulcan Mind Meld.” Good handlers know and feel their dog and EVERY dog feels their handler. When it goes well, qualify or not, finishing a run is a great thrill. Both dog and handler come off laughing, bounding, joyful, and exuberant. It’s a blast!

The sport is available to a broad range of teams. We’ve seen an 90 year old lady competing with her dog as well as a ten year old. The challenge level can vary from national trials earned through a full year of competition to local trials, and fun matches where every run wins and all of us cheer. Aside from AKC sanctioned trials there are several other governing bodies that have their own standards, course types, obstacles and rules. There is a level for the most casual to the most dedicated. Everyone who tries the sport with their dog universally comments about how much more fun agility provides than any other canine sport.

How do you get started in canine agility?

First contact any of the Board members and they will direct you to your nearest club agility handler (most of our board members participate themselves). That person can then point you to the nearby agility trainers. This sport normally takes about 12-18 months for a puppy to be ready for competition. An older dog might take less than a year of instruction. However it’s the handlers who really need training. Luckily, northern California has some of the best instructors in the country. Many of our local instructors are featured in Clean Run magazine, the bible of agility. Classes are available day, night and weekends. Even if you never compete, the learning challenge to you and your canine partner is a ball. Most dogs come home from agility class mentally and physically tired. And, your relationship with your dog will be incredibly strengthened!

For more information please contact Leslie Holt, [email protected] or Debbie Price, [email protected]