AGILITY

From the American Kennel Club - Agility  website. 

Agility is the ultimate game for you and your dog. It also one of the most exciting canine sports for spectators. In agility, a dog demonstrates is agile nature and versatility by following cues from the handler through a timed obstacle course. The course has jumps, tunnels, weave poles, and other obstacles. Agility strengthens the bond between dogs and handlers, it is extremely fun, and it provides vigorous exercise for both!

The AKC offers two types of agility classes. The first is the Standard Class which includes obstacles such as the dog walk, the A-frame, and seesaw. The second is Jumpers with Weaves. This class only has jumps, tunnels and weave poles. Both classes offer increasing levels of difficulty to earn Novice, Open, Excellent and Master titles.

After completing both an Excellent Standard title and Excellent Jumpers title, a dog and handler team can compete for the MACH (Master Agility Champion title) - faster than the speed of sound!

Agility began in England in 1978. The AKC held its first agility trial in 1994. Agility is now the fastest growing dog sport in the United States and is the fastest growing event at the AKC!

AKC agility is available to every registerable breed, from Yorkshire Terriers to Irish Wolfhounds. The dogs run the same course with adjustments in the expected time and jump height.

Safety of the dogs is a primary concern for AKC agility. The classes are divided by jump heights in order to make the competition equal between the different size of dogs.

Beginner I Obedience/Agility - "Puppy Agility" for dogs 3 months & older --  A class designed for both owners and dogs  with no experience in either obedience or agility.  Basic obedience fundamentals  will cover commands such as: Sit, Down, Heel right & left side, Wait, Here (a come type command to bring your dog back near you), and Watch (a command that tells the dog to pay attention to only you). Positive training with lots of food. 

Required:   A flat buckle collar (non-choke) and the puppy must be comfortable on a leash and not exhibit any aggression toward toward other dogs.   Must present proof of rabies @ first class if dog is over 16 weeks

Age:   4 months to adult (class will probably be divided by age and experience) 

Puppies participating in this coursework must be at least 3 months of age, be on a leash or be under reliable control at all times (preferably having participated and/or completed in a puppy socialization class) and not exhibit any aggression towards other dogs   

Time:    7:00 - 8:00 pm  8 week session (with some no class days since I will be at some shows during this time period)

Place:   GMKC Agility Field at Goose Creek Kennels
              5913 Rocky River Rd. N
              Indian Trail, NC
                     
Instructor:  Bobbe Jackson

Cost:   $80.00

Contact:  Bobbe or Lynn  - 
Phone (H) 704-882-2178 or by email (H) pbgvgsecr@windstream.net or 
(W) bmjackso@email.uncc.edu

Agility I -

For dogs 6 months and older -- A class for those dogs that have either had some formal or informal obedience training. Young dogs will jump at a lower height. Basic agility commands, weave poles, obstacles, & jumps will be covered.

Agility II  -

For dogs that have completed Agility I or have had previous training - For those that want to compete or just want to build on skills they already have. Problem solving; thinking on your feet; run throughs, sequences.

Updated:  Tuesday, September 05, 2006