How to Compete in AKC Agility

Dog agility competition began in the 1980s when dog people were looking for something to do besides competitive obedience. Agility competition, which requires speed and accuracy, involves an obstacle course that the dog completes with the handler running alongside giving commands and directions. The American Kennel Club or AKC sponsors agility competitions for AKC-registered dogs.

Instructions

1. Get your dog physically fit. An overweight dog, for example, will not be up to the rigors of agility training, nor will an old dog, a dog with physical handicaps, one who is blind or deaf and so forth. Make certain your dog is ready to get into training and then start getting in shape with lots of regular exercise.

2. Train your dog in basic obedience. Agility is not all just running around; your dog must have a solid stay, a good recall and should know a variety of commands to help it work at some distance from you on the course.

3. Find an instructor. Local kennel clubs and privately-owned training facilities generally offer agility classes. Agility requires your dog to skillfully negotiate a variety of obstacle including jumps, ramp/bridge types of obstacles, tunnels, and weave poles. Besides offering invaluable training instruction, a class will be well equipped with all of these obstacles.

4. Train your dog on each of the basic obstacles. Follow your instructor's advice, and do not over-challenge the dog. Many dogs who start out anxious about the obstacles end up enthusiastic and successful agility competitors, so be patient and help your dog figure it out.

5. Practice your handling skills. Agility is not just about the dog doing the obstacles, it is about the handler deciding how best to negotiate the course and then communicating that to the dog while on the run. Development of good handling skills is a lifelong endeavor.

6. Know the rules. There are many levels of competition and several different "classes" to enter at the trial. Your instructor will help decide where you and your dog should start, but be sure to study the regulations thoroughly so you know what is going on. Likewise familiarize yourself with basic ring procedure so that on the day of your first trial, you and your dog are in the right place and the right time.

7. Enter matches before you compete in an actual trial. Matches might be hosted by your local kennel club, privately owned training facilities and other dog organizations. Matches allow you to do practice runs in a situation that simulates a show so you can get your feet wet with less stress, and less expense, than at an actual trial. When you and your dog can perform well at matches, you are ready for competition.

Resources

• Read about AKC agility and buy the handbook of regulations
• Clean Run publishes an agility magazine