Content
- FCI Regulation on Agility
- Categories of Dogs in Agility
- Courses and type of obstacles
- An Agility Course for Professional Dogs Should:
- Agility Obstacles for Dogs
- Where can I start practicing agility
- other dog sports
O Agility is a very fun and complete sport, suitable for all types of puppies over 18 months of age. It consists of a combination of a guide (tutor) who leads the dog through a pre-established course, while overcoming various obstacles following an order and time. Finally, judges determine the winning dog based on its skill and dexterity.
This sport develops the dog's intelligence, obedience, agility and concentration, in addition to strengthening its muscles and promoting penetration. To start, it is necessary that the dog already knows the basic obedience commands.
The truth is that everyone can practice agility with a dog if they have the predisposition, desire to spend a good time and enough time, it is not necessary to have advanced knowledge or a great capacity as a handler. Keep reading this PeritoAnimal post to understand how to get started in dog agility and the most common questions about the topic.
FCI Regulation on Agility
Agility for puppies is a type of competition that has an international regulation elaborated by the FCI (The International Cynological Federation) which is in charge of organizing the official championship and setting the basic rules, although all over the world (including Brazil) there are non-approved competitions that allow you to freely practice this activity.
Remember that practicing agility with your dog is a fun way to spend a good time with your pet, so you should only do it with an adult dog (at least 18 months old), who is not find pregnant, sick, injured or medicated. People who practice this type of practice will be expelled immediately.
Categories of Dogs in Agility
As we've commented before all types of dogs can practice agility, whenever you are healthy and willing. For this reason, three categories were developed in official competitions:
- Category S or small: Puppies under 35 centimeters to the withers participate.
- Category M or medium: Puppies in this category are between 35 to 43 centimeters to the withers.
- Category L or Large: The last category is for dogs that exceed 43 centimeters to the withers.
Courses and type of obstacles
Agility courses have a wide variety of obstacles placed randomly on the terrain where the competition takes place. The number and variety of obstacles determines the degree of difficulty and speed the puppy will be subjected to. There is a defined time margin to complete the entire set route in a certain order.
An Agility Course for Professional Dogs Should:
- Have a space of at least 24 x 40 meters. The track inside will be at least 20 x 40 meters.
- The length of the course will be between 100 to 200 meters and will have 15 or 20 obstacles (at least 7 will be barriers).
- The size of the jumps will be proportional to the category of dog that competes.
- The distance between obstacles will also be fixed depending on the dog's category.
- The guide must be able to stand on both sides of each obstacle if necessary.
Agility Obstacles for Dogs
In addition, there will be different types of obstacles that the dog must overcome:
- jumping barriers
- wall or viaduct
- Wheel
- Seesaw
- Palisade
- walkway
- canvas tunnel
- hard tunnel
- Slalom
- Long jump
- Table
Where can I start practicing agility
Before you can enroll your dog in Agility competitions, you must properly initiate Agility and reach the basic level. It is important that this process take place gradually without forcing the puppy or physically exploring him.
For this there are two options, looking for a club where they teach how to practice agility or designing a course at home, a very fun option but viable for few people.
- Sign up for a club/school is the most suitable idea for those who want to practice this sport and start in official competitions, since the teachers can guide you, teach you techniques, forms of motivation, the right pace, etc. In addition, in class you will be accompanied by other people, something that encourages the dog's socialization and increases its predisposition to see other dogs doing the same.
- Create the Agility Course at Home is a fantastic idea for those who want to enjoy with their pet, learning independently and without pressure. If you have a big enough garden or yard, go for it! You will have a great time with your dog!
other dog sports
All physical activities with dogs have the common benefit of improving our bond with them, channeling stress and preventing overweight. Some breeds adapt better to some types of activities, as well as their tutors, the important thing is to stay active and respect the limits of each individual.
In the video below we suggest 5 canine physical activities, including agility, and its most important recommendations: