ACT Companion Dog Club

Agility Training at CDC

People do agility for a range of reasons and not all aim to compete in trials. No matter what the motivation, the sport requires considerable commitment. Those who continue on are rewarded by the award of titles, improved bonding with their dog and the fun that both get out of the sport.

There are no restrictions on breeds, although some breeds (and cross-breeds) take to the sport more readily. Giant breeds often have difficulty negotiating some of the equipment and this can limit progression through classes. You do require a good degree of control over your dog and it must be able to stay by your side when off-lead and to recall with distractions. You are required to successfully complete basic jumping fitness and control tests before commencing classes. Fitness will include a weight assessment of your dog. As a general guide, you should be able to feel the ribs with your hands without having to press too hard on the rib cage. If you cannot, your dog is probably too heavy to safely do agility.

You need to be prepared to make a commitment to:

• Attend training every week of a session which runs for 2 months. If too many are missed you may have to repeat a level if you do not have the required skills to move up. If trialling is your aim, as a rough guide, most dogs can take 6-12 months of training before commencing competition (and most competing agiliteers continue to attend weekly classes to improve their skills).
• Turn up on time, every time, to assist with putting up equipment and remain afterwards to put it away. Some equipment is quite heavy. Classes are held mostly at night and in winter, it is decidedly chilly!
• Practice some skills, such as weaving, regularly outside of scheduled classes (ideally daily). All that is required for weaving is some PVC pipe and stakes, so the expense is minimal. Dogs who lag behind in weaving skills cannot progress at the same rate as their more proficient classmates.
• Ensure that your dog achieves and remains at a high standard of health and fitness. This generally requires regular off-lead exercise. Agility dogs can suffer from the same kind of minor injuries as human athletes so some expenses may be incurred.
• Help out where possible at working bees and at CDC agility trials. A lot of behind the scenes work is required from members to keep things running smoothly.
• If you aspire to compete, which may involve some weekends travelling and attending trials, purchase some additional gear such as camping equipment, portable shade or awnings and dog crates etc.

So, if you think this is an activity for you and you are prepared to make the committment, your next step is to complete the Agility Intake Form available here and forward it to the Club office in order to be registered on the Agility waiting list.

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