You have located the amazingly fun world of Dog Agility. Be careful, It's addictive! This is my agility world - enjoy!
This started for me in 2006 when we brought home Fiona, a rescue Sheltie puppy. We fell into agility by accident when, during puppy class, the agility instructor Jeff noticed Fiona had agility talent. At her passing she earned multiple national titles in multiple venues.
Today, I compete with Breanna and Daphne and Judge two of the venues we compete in along with seminars and training events. Almost every weekend I am somewhere doing something in agility. The screen to the right with show active live-streaming at the current event.
American Kennel Club is the canine standard when it comes to dogs. They think a lot of themselves but in reality they have a lot to offer. I focus on Agility but the depth of scope of what they bring to the dog world table is worth a moment to check out.
NADAC was the first agility venue I competed in and the first I judged for. They have the reputation for open, flowing courses and welcoming people. In reality, everyone in agility are welcoming - we are talking about dogs. NADAC, North American Dog Agility Council, presents as less competitive but don't tell them that, they do compete.
CPE - Canine Performance Events. I also judge for this organization but started competing in this world last. Fiona had accomplished everything in 3 other venues and I wanted to find sometihng new. CPE can be found in 25 states and Canada. They are the least intense of all the venues. If you want to spent time with your dog and accomplish agility titles, this is the place for you. They offer fun games as well.
What is Agility
June 2015, Fiona was diagnosed with terminal bladder cancer. A fellow judge friend told me to check into Purdue Vet Clinic and Dr. Knapp. Mid July was our first appointment. Three days later Fiona was on her way to a one of a kind surgery to keep her bladder working. She was also on a balanced Chemo plan.
A month later she finished 10,000 lifetime points. A month after that she placed 2nd at NADAC champs. She survived 2 viable years with this diagnosis. This is why we raise money for Dr. Knapps research. There are many more success stories due to our fundraising.
Purdue - College of Veterinary Medicine
Dog agility is the rodeo equivalent of what you see at Thanksgiving from Westminster.
An agility course is basically an obsticale course for the dog. Handlers get to walk the course first but the dog NEVER sees the courses before running. It's all spur of the moment.
Each obsticle has a performace requirement. The most notable are contact obsticles where the dog must touch the yellow before departing.
In general, all courses need to be performed without faults. Time determines placement. Over max time and the dog does not qualify. Local trials achieve requirements for national titles.
It's all for fun, no money on the table, but we all want to be successful. Dogs get treats!!!!
And the dogs DO enjoy it!