In brief, Dog Agility is a sport in which a dog runs through a timed obstacle course as commanded by the handler.  Agility training strengthens the bond between dog and handler, and provides fun and exercise for both.

On the agility course, you will see a variety of OBSTACLES:

·         Jumps - Most of the jumps are single bar jumps, some with colorful and decorative wings holding up the bars, double-bar spread hurdle(s), and the tire jump.  Each type of jump is set at the proper height for each class, determined by the height of the dog at the withers (shoulders).  Dogs must clear the full height of the jump without knocking a bar off. 

·        Tunnels - There are two types of tunnels, open tunnels which are long open tubes; and "chutes", which are open at one end and have a collapsed fabric tube at the other.

·        Contact Obstacles - The contact obstacles, so called because of the yellow "contact zones" at each end, consist of the A-frame, the dogwalk, and the see-saw.  To perform these obstacles correctly, the dog must get at least one paw in each contact zone when they ascend and descend the obstacle. The contact zone rule is for safety considerations.

·      Weave Poles - The dog must enter to the right of the first pole and zigzag through to the end.  They must not miss a pole.

·        Pause Table - The dog must land on the table and assume a down position for a count of five seconds.

THE JUDGE:  Not only does the judge design the pattern and supervise the set-up of the courses, but also must referee the dog's and handler’s performance and indicate faults or mistakes.  Watch for his or her hand signals to indicate mistakes.