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AGILITY
Agility is an exciting sport for competitors and spectators alike. However, it can be misleading to the uninitiated, as the competitors at the highest level make it look so easy. If only that was the case! The majority of dogs like Sheepdogs adore jumping and do so effortlessly. It comes as naturally as working sheep does to Collies. However, there is a vast difference between a dog clearing obstacles in a natural environment and a dog working through an Agility round in competition. Indeed, there is no comparison.
The avarage Agility course consists of an A-frame, a scale jump, a narrow, raised walk-way, a tunnel, a tyre, weave poles, plus a variety of other jumps. Also, their is a table, which the dog must jump and stay on in a position for 5 seconds, before being released by the judge. The judge moves around the course with the dog and its handler, checking for faults. The dog is timed on each round, and penalties are imposed for failure to clear obstacles, deviating from the course, missing the 'contact points' which are painted on some of the obstacles, and for exceeding the time limit.
Every breed can compete in Agility. Border Collies are the stars but other breeds are often capable of putting in equally good performances.
In the advanced group at the local training centres, which had around seven dogs in it, there were no less than four Retrievers, two of them Goldens. And did they run! It was delightful to watch. And, amazingly, there was a tiny little Lhasa Apso, which zoomed round the course like the wind, and wagging his tail all along! It's getting to be a huge sport and millions of people take part in it.
For many working breeds, too, it offers an opportunity to focus those instincts on a job at hand. It's a game which requires a great deal of concentration from dog and handler.
A quick look in the phone book is all you need to do to find a club near you.
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