What is agility? This is not only a sport, receiving awards and pride in your dog. Classes and training strengthen the bond between the owner and the animal. The dog becomes more balanced, confident and obedient. A man and a dog enjoy mutual communication, and most importantly, complete mutual understanding. So, let's see what agility is.
The basics
In short, agility is a sport in which a dog and its owner participate. From English, the word agility translates as "dexterity, agility, speed." Dogs are happy to practice agility. Photos show this well.
It seems to many that a trained dog performs all the tricks on his own, and it is to her that all the merits belong. But this is only an appearance. The dog follows the owner and executes his commands, it is he who is responsible for everything that happens. In agility, the leading owner is called the handler. His duty is to establish high-quality and productive contact with the dog, otherwise he will not see victory.
Shells are placed on the highway. It can be various barriers, tunnels (soft and hard), slalom, swing, boom, slide, etc.
The track is a group of shells installed in a certain order. In each individual competition, the course may be different. But in any case, there will be no more than 20 obstacles on it, and the length of the route should not be more than two hundred meters. Despite the impressive length, a lot of space for competitions is not needed, even a busy track can fit in a small area due to several circles, various loops, snakes, etc.
History
Agility was not originally an independent sport. It served as entertainment for guests of the English exhibition. One of the organizers is John Varley, who, together with his friend Peter Minwell, wanted to surprise visitors with something hitherto unseen. They copied some horse jumping gear and came up with some new gadgets. The result was a very interesting obstacle course for dogs. The new entertainment was called agility. Thus, 1978 can be considered the year of birth of a new sport in which dogs and their owners are happy to participate. All dog lovers soon learned what agility is.
Today’s chairman of agility at the FCI Sports Committee, Jean Paul Petididier, attended that landmark exhibition. And he liked the performances of the participants so much that he decided that such competitions should be held everywhere in dog breeders' clubs. It was he who spread the fashion for a new sport throughout Europe.
Interest in agility came to Russia around 1992-1993. And already in 1994, the first Russian Agility Championship for dogs was held in Moscow. So far, only 12 host pairs with their dogs have taken part in this competition. In 1995, the Cup of Russia was already held, at which Jean Paul Petididier himself was a judge. The Russian Spirit team won the Russian Cup. In 1996, Russian teams received the right to participate in the World Agility Championship.
Shells
Agility competitions in Russia are held in accordance with FCI rules on approved shells. They must be safe for dogs and conform to certain size rules.
- Barriers.
- Swing.
- Slalom.
- Viaduct (wall).
- Hard tunnel.
- Soft tunnel.
- The tire.
- Slide.
- Long jump.
- Boom.
- Table.
rules
Agility is a rather spectacular sport, but it does not differ in complex rules. Handler can not lead his dog on a leash, even the collar is removed. All commands are given at a distance; you cannot touch and direct the dog with your hands. Encourage the dog treats while passing the route is also prohibited.
The main task in agility is to overcome the obstacle course as accurately, competently and quickly as possible. Speed is not the most important thing, if a dog overcomes obstacles quickly, but with errors, then it will not get a high rating. There is even such a thing as cleanliness of the route - this is an indicator that is calculated taking into account all the penalty points.
Penalty points can be awarded for:
- Dog's refusal to overcome any projectile.
- Errors when working with a projectile.
- Excessive travel time. This time depends both on the length and complexity of the track, and on the average speed, which is determined at this competition (from 2.5 to 4.5 meters per second).
Before the start of the competition, handlers can briefly, within a few minutes, familiarize themselves with the track. They need to understand how difficult it is, to calculate the capabilities and strengths of their dog. But training on the track with a four-legged friend will not work - dogs are not allowed to perform on the track.
During the competition, the dog overcomes obstacles at the command of the owner, and the judge measures the time taken to complete the course and checks the cleanliness and literacy of working with shells.
Agility Difficulty Levels
Agility 1. Dogs that do not have an Agility certificate are participating in this type of competition.
Agility 2 is open to dogs that have already received a certificate.
Agility 3 is a competition for the best athletes. Dogs who took prizes three times in second-level competitions can take part in it.
Breeds
Each dog will be happy to know what agility is. Any breed of dog, or even purebred dog, can take part in the competition. Absolutely any dog can get a prize place, because the main thing is a good connection between the owner and the pet, which allows for teamwork.
Dogs with solid dimensions (dogs, wolfhounds, and Leonberger dogs) may have problems with passing certain obstacles, for example, it can be difficult for them to squeeze into the tunnel. It will be more difficult for dogs whose shoulder and hip joints are at right angles. For this reason, terriers and schnauzers will show themselves slightly worse in slalom and barriers, but dogs with creeping gait, such as shepherd dogs, will get an advantage on these shells.
Nevertheless, agility can do absolutely everything. After all, cups and victories are not the main thing. First of all, agility training is a great chance to improve relations with a pet, strengthen the owner-dog relationship and just have fun with a four-legged friend. In addition, it is no secret to anyone that a dog must constantly develop. Agility training can be a good exercise, and food for the mind.
Growth categories
Of course, the tracks for very small and for large dogs are different. Therefore, agility is divided into several categories.
- Mini. In this category, dogs whose height does not exceed 35 cm take part.
- Midi - for dogs from 35 to 43 cm tall.
- The standard is for dogs above 43 cm at the withers.
Dog training
Agility can be started when the dog is four months old. Of course, you can engage with an older dog. Everyone has a chance to take a prize in the competition.
With a young dog, you can immediately begin to study agility shells and practice for a year, after this period it will be clear whether the dog is the future champion.
Agility training can begin in another way. This method is well suited for adult dogs - first go through a general obedience course and UGS (guided city dog), and then get acquainted with agility shells. A trained dog will have enough months to master them.