Dog agility training requires a great relationship between a dog and a handler. These handlers usually have a great deal of experience and knowledge on dogs and their behavior. Dog agility training is considered a sport by many people. The handler is required to move a dog through an obstacle course in a set period of time. The handler cannot use a leash on the dog when participating in dog agility training exercises.



Something like steeplechases and other equestrian sports, the dog must be moved through the course by the handler in a dog agility training competition.

Dog agility training competitions are popular as a spectator sport in the U.S. and much of Europe. These events draw large crowds who cheer on their favorites as they work through the obstacle courses.

In a dog agility training event, the excitement often comes from the competition between the entrants. A national organization conducts many of the dog agility training events in the United States. The dogs and their handlers usually have to face heavy competition before qualifying for the final events.

Dog Agility Training Aims To Navigate Obstacles

A lot of the excitement of dog agility training comes from watching the animals make their way through these tough obstacle courses; there is a lot of variation in the types of obstacles used on these courses. The obstacles are designed to present a challenge, but not to be so tough that the dogs or trainers are at risk of injuring themselves during the competition.

The obstacles are designed like those in equestrian competitions so they will fall away if the animal touches the obstacle. The handlers and the dogs in these competitions train so the obstacles can be overcome with speed and without injury.

Dog agility training competitions are designed for all skill levels to make sure that in any given event the dogs and handlers who will compete are evenly matched. Beginning level dog agility competitions will have much less challenging obstacles than will be found on the courses in higher level competitions.

Handlers have the responsibility of commanding and coaxing their dogs through the obstacle course - dogs and trainers alike who have a lot of experience perform with incredible skill. In competitions, dogs of similar sizes compete to make the conditions as fair as possible. The dogs competing however can be of any breed; a dog need not be purebred to be a dog agility training champion!