Run, Jump, Climb, and Teeter with Agility!
What is it: Agility is likely the number one sport that comes to mind when people think of dog sports, and it makes sense! Agility is a lot of fun, and the top teams in the sport are a thrill to watch. The sport provides an athletic challenge for dog as they zoom through an obstacle course guided by their handlers. These obstacles vary between venues, however you can typically expect to see jumps, teeters, A-Frames, dog walks, tunnels, weave poles, and more.
Venues and Rules
Agility has almost too many venues - but it works out well. Some tend to be more competitive than others, and we think it’s great that you can participate at the level that you feel comfortable at. Some of the most common venues include:
Tools and Training
Agility requires quite a bit more in terms of what you will need to train. For your dog, you really only need a flat collar/leash or an agility style tug leash. However, that's the easy part. It is strongly recommended to find an agility instructor near you. Definitely do your research, as some instructors are training competitive teams, while other places, such as Zoom Room, teach for fun and family bonding. Each venue has their own set of equipment, but you generally would need jumps, tunnels, sand bags, an A-Frame, a eeter, a dog walk, and more. You also should ensure that your dog has strong Obedience foundations (i.e. sit, down, stay, and come) before starting. Your dog's overall fitness should be a top priority before you begin. Still interested in the sport? Get your sneakers and treats ready!
Many of our homes do agility just for both fun and bonding. AKC offers an Agility League, which opens the sport up to more people, and we have generally found that CPE is a very welcoming venue to try your hand at competing.
Benefits for you and your dog:
Physical Exercise - agility definitely provides a great energy outlet for your dog as they run through the courses. It also helps keep dogs fit, mitigates obesity, and increases endurance. Although you won’t be going through tunnels or over jumps, you will still be running alongside your dog - so it’s a great fitness activity for you!
Mental Exercise - agility gives your dog a mental workout because they need to learn new cues and how to maneuver through each course.
Increase Bonding - Agility is a time to be 100% present with your dog; no distractions. Together, you and your dog will learn to be so in tune with each other that the direction of a mispointed toe, or your shoulders leaning the wrong way, can impact what obstacle is taken next.
Develop Self-control - as you learn the different obstacles, you will find that your dog has a favorite. Your dog will need to learn to follow your instructions instead of only taking the obstacles that they love.
Make New Friends - the agility world can be smaller than you think. You and your dog will make friends in your class or at trials. It also is a great opportunity to practice being in new places with your dog.
Thurisia Dog’s Do It All!
Thurisia’s Involvement: Agility has always been a sport that we have enjoyed dabbling in. The Alaskan Klee Kai can be driven, biddable, and definitely active enough to have a great time with this sport. While it requires more overall dedication, the bond built is priceless. Some Thurisia agility teams involve:
Maya - CPE, UKC, AKC
Lyra - CPE, UKC, AKC
Waterloo - USDAA
Kenzie - AAC, UKI,
Journey -
Isla - UKC