Dog Agility In Brief

Dog agility grew out of show jumping events for horses and first appeared as a demonstration at Crufts in the 1970's. The idea was to teach dogs to run around a course consisting of jumps and other obstacles and time their performance. As with show jumping, the winner would be the dog and handler who completed the course in the fastest time with the least number of faults. This format proved so popular that the sport has now grown to involve thousands of dogs and their people countrywide. Shows are held throughout the year with some of those involved taking things very seriously whilst others just want to have fun.

At DRAT we start by helping you to teach your dog to jump, run through tunnels, negotiate the weaves and clamber over the A-frame, dog walk and finally the seesaw. Once your dog is happily able to cope with the equipment, then the fun really starts as we begin to put obstacles together in sequences. Eventually you and your dog will be able to complete a full agility course.

All sorts of people take part in agility, from age 7 to 70. It is great fun, keeps you active and helps to build an enormously satisfying partnership with your dog.