Dog agility is an exciting sport where a handler directs a dog through an obstacle course. The goal is for the dog to take the obstacles in numerical order, in a safe manner and under course time.
Contact Obstacles
A-Frame – To See a Video, Click HERE
2 wide planks create an obstacle that the dog’s climb up and over. The peak can vary between approximately 5′ – 6’3″, depending on the competition venue. This obstacle can be lowered in training.
The a-frame has a ‘contact zone’ at the end of the obstacle that dogs are required to place at least 1-paw in. This is to prevent the dog from leaving the obstacle prematurely and encourages a safe performance.
Dog Walk – To See a Video, Click HERE
3 planks are joined together so there is an up and down ramp that is connected by a flat, raised plank in the middle. This obstacle can be lowered in training.
The dog walk has a ‘contact zone’ on each end of the ramp that dogs are required to place at least 1-paw in. This is to encourage the dog to engage the obstacle safely as well as prevent the dog from leaving the obstacle prematurely, and encourages a safe performance.
Teeter - To See a Video, Click HERE
1 plank with a central pivot point. The dogs engage the obstacle heading up the ramp. Once they have passed the pivot point, the dogs use their weight to push the board toward the ground while they remain on during the movement.
The teeter has a ‘contact zone’ on each end of the ramp that dogs are required to place at least 1-paw in. This is to encourage the dog to engage the obstacle safely as well as prevent the dog from leaving the obstacle prematurely, and encourages a safe performance.
Other Obstacles
Weave Poles – To See a Video, Click HERE
9-12 poles with a set that can range between 20″-24″ depending on the competition venue.
Dogs must enter the poles from right to left (similar to merging on a highway) and ‘weave’ back and forth through all of the poles. If the number of poles is even, the dog will always exit toward the left of the last pole. If the number of poles is odd, the dog will always exit toward the right of the last pole.
Tunnel - To See a Video, Click HERE
Chute - To See a Video, Click HERE
Table – To See a Video, Click HERE
Dogs are required to remain on the table for a 5 second table count which is conducted by the judge.
Tire – To See a Video, Click HERE
Jumps
Under Construction
Winged
Wingless
Double – To See a Video, Click HERE
Triple – To See a Video, Click HERE (under construction)
Panel – To See a Video, Click HERE
Broad – To See a Video, Click HERE
