Agility
Dog Agility is a rapidly growing sport worldwide. On an agility course the dog is challenged to confront several obstacles and pass over, under or around them successfully. The dog works with a handler or the owner on a regulation course.
Classes are suitable for all levels of dogs from beginners to competitive, to dogs aged 12 months+ and all breeds/size of dog. Your dog needs to come back when called – although we can help you with this.
Agility is a sport for all dogs regardless of pedigree. Mixed breed and purebred dogs alike compete in dog agility. Dogs are grouped into classes based on jump heights corresponding to the dog’s size. The training and competition season in New Zealand runs all Year Round. Some members just enjoy the sport and do not compete.
The obstacles used in agility have been designed with both safety and spectator appeal in mind. All jumps have easily displaceable bars, and obstacles that the dog must physically scale have ‘contact’ zones painted on the equipment; the contact zones enforce safe training techniques since handlers know that dogs will be faulted unless one or more feet are in contact zones when ascending / descending these contact obstacles. All contact equipment surfaces are roughened for good traction in both dry and wet weather.
To start training in agility:
- Dogs must be at least 12 months of age and have completed a beginner obedience course
- If an obedience course has not been completed, the handler must demonstrate good control with their dog before being accepted into an agility course.
- Dogs under 12 months old cannot be accepted, as training at such a young age can have a detrimental affect on the dog’s muscular and skeletal structure
Classes cancelled when grounds are very wet / muddy.