Dog agility is a fun sport for dogs and handlers to get fit together! This sport requires the dog to go through an obstacle course off-leash. The dog’s handler directs the dog through the course by running alongside and giving instructions using their voice or body signals only. The obstacles usually include an A frame, dogwalk, seesaw, different types of tunnels, hurdles, tire hoop, long jump and weave poles.
Former Paralympian Charlene Meade was one of the longest living paraplegics in Australia from trauma. Charlene was also a big dog sports enthusiast and had won awards for agility competitions. Read about her remarkable and inspiring story.
Dogs NSW says obstacle jump heights are suited to the dogs, jumps at 200 mm, 300mm, 400mm, 500 mm or 600mm based on the height of the dog at the withers.
What Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC) titles can be attained?
Competitions for Agility, Jumping and Agility Games include Novice, Excellent and Master classes.
Is my dog suitable for dog agility?
Dog agility. Photo: Angel Luciano/Unsplash.com
There are no breed restrictions. However, your dog will need to be physically capable to do the obstacle course. Agility is ideal for high energy dogs like Border Collies and Australian Shepherds but it is open to all dogs.
Puppies can learn dog agility from eight months, competition from 18 months of age and fit adult dogs can start anytime.
Where can I do dog agility?
Find a dog club near you by contacting ANKC‘s State member bodies:
