Agility

Frequently Ask Questions

About the Sport of Agility

By Cindy Boles

1. Do I need to go buy a special dog for agility?

Quite simply, no. Any dog has the potential to be an agility dog, but not all dogs enjoy agility. English Shepherds tend to do quite well in agility because their unique traits and instincts actually work in their favor. Agility is a team sport, and ES are great partners.

2. Can I start my new puppy in agility?

No. Young dogs are still developing, both physically and mentally. You can give your pup some challenges in the play area that will translate to agility skills on down the road. You can make a simple little wobble board, take a 2x8, and nail a small piece of wood on half a hard ball on the underside. This creates a little bit of a wobble effect when they play on it, and gets them accustomed to objects moving under them. You can also place small PVC pipe on the ground for them to walk over.

3. How old should my dog be before I can start training?

It is suggested that you do not start agility training until your dog is at least one year old. If you check the references section at the end of this article, each agility venue has their own rules as to what age a dog can actually start competing.

4. So…what is the first thing I do to prepare for agility training?

The first thing you should do before you enroll in an agility class is to take at least one session of obedience training. Most agility instructors will require this. At a minimum, the dog must be able to sit, down, promptly come when called off-leash, hold a brief stay, maintain control around other dogs, and accept handling by strangers. These basic obedience skills are essential for every ones safety in an agility setting. Your dog will be around a lot of other young dogs, and all will be anxious to play - on the equipment and with each other. You must have good control of your dog to decrease the likelihood of a disagreement between dogs at practice.

5. How do I find an agility instructor?

You can check the yellow pages in your area under Pets or Dog Training, or even the internet. I have found the best way to find an instructor is to attend a trial or two. Watch the dogs complete their runs. Ask the handlers who have successful runs who they train with. You will find that most agility folks love to talk about their dogs, and their trainers. Overall, agility competitors are a friendly, welcoming bunch.

6. Is agility training expensive?

Fees charged by instructors vary according to their credentials, location of classes, etc. You can plan on anywhere from $75.00 to $110.00 per six week group session. Some instructors also offer private lessons, and those prices differ greatly

7. Can I build agility equipment at home, just for fun?

Yes. Each agility venue has a list of equipment utilized in their rings. A lot of the venues use the same equipment. If you just want to build some things to have fun with your dog, you can do some of the equipment relatively cheap. Build jumps out of PVC pipe. A child’s hula hoop can be used to construct both the UKC crawl tunnel, and in a pinch can also be used for a tire jump. You can buy electric fence posts from your local farm supply store (commonly used in electric horse fencing). Drive those posts (about 5/8” diameter) into the ground, slide a PVC pipe sleeve on top of them, and voila weave poles. For the larger pieces, such as the A Frame, Teeter and Dog Walk plans are available on-line so you can construct them at home.

8. OK, I have located a trainer, how soon before I Can compete at a trial?

Each dog progresses differently, so it is almost impossible to give you a time set in stone. Your instructor should be able to give feedback on your progress.

9. Yes! The instructor thinks we’re ready, what do I do now?

You need to decide what agility venue(s) you will compete in. You will need to register your dog with each of those venues. They will send you a temporary height card, and your dog’s registration number. You would then look for a trial you want to attend, fill out the simple paperwork, and submit a copy of the card, along with a check for the entry fees.

Good Luck, and remember to have fun!

Agility Venues that let English Shepherds play!

United Kennel club