Agility
What is Agility?
In 1978 Agility was introduced to the UK at Crufts. Under Kennel club regulations there are 16 obstacles that have to be tackled. The animals competing must be physically fit, and the handler must have the ability to direct and train their dog over all the obstacles. Many people think that Agility is the most fun, for dogs and their owners.
What Dogs Can Compete?
Any dog can compete, pure breed or mixed, but your dog does have to be on The Kennel Clubs breed register, or the obedience and working trials register. Any size dog can compete as the equipment can be adjusted according to the height of the dog. The sizes are split into three groups, these are: Standard dogs, measuring 1ft 5ins at the withers (the highest point of the shoulder), Midi dogs measuring over 1ft 3ins at the withers but under 1ft 5ins, and Mini dogs, measuring under 1ft 3ins at the withers. The only rule is that the dog is over 18 months old and in a physically fit condition as it is a very vigorous sport. Agility should never be attempted without prior training as it is very psychical and equipment needs to be put up correctly to avoid accidents.
What is an Agility Test?
There are three types of Agility Tests, these are:
1) Agility Matches – These are restricted to members of the show society only
2) Limited Agility Tests – This is either: Restricted to members of the show society. Competitors from a certain area. Certain breeds or sizes of dogs.
3) Open Agility Tests – This is open to anybody wishing to take part.
What are Classes?
There can be many different classes at Agility shows, but they will all be at different levels. Each level will get more difficult and competitive as you progress and win more, these are the classes defined by The Kennel Club. There may be special classes at shows, which will be defined by the show management. In these classes the marking and eligibility to compete differ from The Kennel Club Regulations. The course may be non-standard and they may have unusual names such as Helter Skelter, Pairs or Gamblers.
What are the Levels?
There are seven levels at which you can progress by becoming successful in each level.
1) Elementary – This is the lowest level in Agility classes which is designed for either handlers, owners or dogs that haven’t gained a third prize or above in an agility and / or jumping class. The prizes are only valid if they have been achieved at a licensed Agility Test.
2) Starters – This level is for handlers, owners or dogs that have not won an Agility and / or Jumping Class at a licensed Agility Test. Elementary level is excepted in starters.
3) Novice – This level is open to all dogs that are not eligible for senior or advance classes
4) Intermediate – Except for dogs eligible for Elementary and Starter level at a licensed Agility Test, this level is open to all.
5) Seniors – All dogs that have won at least two first prizes at a licensed Agility Test, including Elementary and Starters are eligible for this level.
6) Advanced – This level is open to all dogs that have a minimum of four wins gained at a licensed Agility Test. Two of these must have been gained at an Intermediate, Senior or Open Agility (not jumping) classes. Elementary, starter and novice wins are excepted.
7) Open – This level is open to all competitors.
What are the Obstacles?
There are 16 different Obstacles allowed to be used under The Kennel Club Regulations. These are laid out as a course inside a large area called a ring. The following Obstacles are described for the height of a Standard, they are smaller for Midi and Mini dogs.
1)Hoop (Tyre) – A hoop or tyre is suspended from a fixed frame and your dog is required to jump through it.
2)Long Jump – Clearing a series of low hurdles, your dog must jump a maximum length of 5ft.
3)Water Jump – A low hurdle may be placed in front of a long jump of shallow water.
4)Hurdles – The dog must jump over a hurdle without knocking it down. The bar should be easily displaced so that if the dog does knock it won’t hurt itself. The bar is placed at a maximum height of 2ft 6ins and is 4ft in width.
5)Brush Fence – Again with an easily displaced bar it is another kind of hurdle.
6)Rising Spread Jump – This is two hurdles placed closely together with the first hurdle lower than the second.
7)Table – Your dog must jump up and lie down on the table for a time set by your judge. The table is a minimum of 3ft square, with a non-slip surface and be of safe construction.
8)Cross Over – This resembles a raised square table with four ramps going up each side. Your dog must go up, then down the two sides specified by your judge. On this obstacle there are ‘contact points’ in a different colour to the rest of the equipment. Your dogs paws must come into contact with the ‘contact point’ to avoid penalty points being incurred.
9) Pause Box – Specified by the judge your dog has to pause for an amount of time in an area of 4ft by 4ft on the ground.
10) Pipe Tunnel – This is up to 10ft long and a minimum of 2ft wide.
11) Collapsible Tunnel – This can be up to 10ft long with a rigid round entrance with non-slip cloth forming the body of the tunnel which your dog must make his way through.
12) Wishing Well or Lych Gate – This hurdle must have a roof to it, and have an easily displaceable bar.
13) SeeSaw – This again has ‘contact points’ that your dog must touch. It is a pivoted plank with a minimum length of 12ft.
14) Dog Walk – This is a plank at 4ft 6in high with ramps at both ends. Your dog must walk over it making sure that the paws touch the ‘contact points’.
15) A Frame – This is a frame that is the shape of an A formed by two ramps. The ramps have non-slip surfaces with anti-slip slats. Your dog must go over and ensure that his paws touch the ‘contact points’.
16) Weaving Poles – Your dog has to weave in and out of a series of between five and twelve poles at least 1ft 6ins apart.
Rules and Regulations and Contacts
Up to date copies of the rules for the UK are available from the Kennel Club as are contact details.
