Equine Agility

By Suzanne De Laurentis and Allen Pogue  2006

Canine Agility has become a very popular sport globally and is watched live and via television by folks who are dog breeders, trainers and lovers and also those who have never owned a dog. In Dog agility a dog and handler maneuver, off leash an obstacle course in a timed competition. The course is creative and presents a real challenge to both canine and handler. The dog must respond with split second accuracy to the requests he is given and the handler who works right along side of him coaches him through the course. Canine Agility is big business and big sport.

Dog Agility is modeled on equestrian stadium jumpers’ competitions, and has its own scoring, obstacles and performance requirements. Agility as an entertainment for spectators is the most rapidly growing dog sport in Europe and America. Spectators are usually awed by the dogs’ and handlers’ mutual enthusiasm and unity in their race against the clock.

Canine Agility trials original international rules call for the highest level of agility from the dogs both in terms of speed and ability to perform the obstacles. Challenges are appropriate to the class and experience level of the dogs competing. Handlers may give an unlimited number of commands or signals to their dogs, but may not touch either the equipment or the dog.

Most animal lovers today are familiar with The Dog Whisperer, featuring Cesar Millan, one of the hottest programs on television these days. In his top selling book, Cesar’s Way, he repeats many times that the three things a dog needs most are exercise, discipline and affection. Although canines and equines are at opposite ends of the preditor/prey spectrum, there are many similarities in what is required to keep both species happy and well behaved within their natural herd or pack. Continue