Agility

Dog agility first appeared as a demonstration event at Crufts in the 1970’s. The idea 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.

Any physically fit dog can be taught to do agility, regardless of size. Jump heights are adjusted according to whether the dog is a Corgi or a Labrador or something in between. Nearly all dogs enjoy agility - jumping, scrambling over obstacles and burrowing through tunnels comes naturally to them. Nervous dogs can gain confidence from learning to do something exciting whilst confident and outgoing dogs can have their energy channelled into a harmless activity.

Dogs must be at least one year old to start training on the agility obstacles but there is lots of foundation work that can be taught before this point is reached. Teaching your dog to sit, down and stay will all be invaluable assets and a good recall is a great help.
All sorts of people take part in agility, from age 7 to 70. It is great fun and keeps you active and out in the fresh air plus you can build an enormously satisfying partnership with your dog.

All training is positive and reward based, the emphasis is on making things
enjoyable for dog and handler. No dog is pushed to do anything it is not comfortable with.
Classes are held on a group basis or private lessons can be arranged. All classes are taken by
Sue Smith who is an Approved Agility Club Instructor. Sue has been involved in agility for
many years and currently owns two Jack Russell Terriers and two Border Collies. All four
dogs do agility, some with more success than others!

Sue’s oldest Jack Russell qualified to run at Crufts in 2004 and came fourth in his class. Sue has also qualified to run this year (2007) and will be working another Jack Russell, this one belonging to her friend. Sue has experience with many different breeds having owned a German Shepherd, a Greyhound, a Boxer and even a little Wirehaired Dachshund. She says she has managed to fit all these in because she is very old and has always owned more than one dog at a time!

If you would like to know more about agility ring Sue on 01379 890657 (before 9 pm) or visit

www.dougalandriot.co.uk

Meadow Farm 2008