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by Adam Fulford

Agility competitions at dog shows are becoming more and more commonplace, and there are currently six internationally recognized associations which help to grow the sport. While there are some rules and regulations surrounding the sport of agility competitions, the sport still remains remarkably wide-open for such a sport.

Any kind of dog may participate in these competitions, regardless of breed or size, although generally smaller breeds which are not built well for mobility will struggle with some obstacles. In general, only the most athletic of the smaller species will participate in major competitions, and even then, most will struggle to win. However, there are some competitions specifically for these smaller dogs, where they are competing against similarly sized dogs and have some of the more difficult jumps lowered.

The very best dogs for agility training are neither too large nor too small. Agility is not necessarily about size or speed, but the ability of the animal to get around the obstacles in a timely manner. While taller dogs may have an advantage with some obstacles, they must also find a way to get their larger bodies around weave poles and through collapsed tunnels, which is generally something that a smaller or average sized dog would excel at.

One of the aspects of agility training that makes it so popular is that there is no single dominant species or breed which outperforms another consistently. It is truly a test of owner-pet relations, and your performance will depend entirely on the quality of training you give your pet.

You can begin training your dog at any age, although it is generally recommended that you wait until they are at least one year old before beginning full-time training on all of the obstacles. Younger dogs may not have developed the coordination and balance necessary to navigate dog-walks or see-saw obstacles. However, if you are interested in beginning training early in your dog’s life, you can begin entering them in competitions once they are a full 12 months old (some associations will allow them to enter as early as 6 months old).

In general, trainers have found that the best dogs begin dog agility training later in their life, between the ages of four and six. These dogs have already developed a lot of coordination naturally, and can easily apply their life skills to the obstacles at hand. They are also much more responsive to the trainer and easier to teach. Older dogs generally do not do as well in agility competitions, and rarely compete on a high level after the age of ten.

Do not let the age recommendations stop you from getting involved in this sport, however. The primary purpose of agility training is to have fun, not to be bogged down with winning every competition. Dogs and spectators enjoy these events because they really are quite fun, and too often trainers miss this simple fact.

Even if you don’t plan on competing with your dog, you can still enjoy the benefits of agility training. Learning how to traverse obstacles and going through agility training is a great workout for your animal, and it can be an excellent workout for the trainer as well, if wished. Some trainers are very passive in their approach, while others really get into it, running and jumping to get their dogs enthused. Whichever approach you choose, give this sport a chance.