Agility was born in England in the 1970s, at the initiative of John Varley, a dog breeder. Inspired by equestrian competitions, he imagined an obstacle course adapted to dogs. This sport quickly gained popularity and spread throughout the world.
Agility is a sport that puts dogs and their owners in competition on an obstacle course. Agility rules vary slightly between federations and countries, but they generally share the same basic principles.
An agility course is composed of 15 to 20 obstacles, whose layout and difficulty vary depending on the category of participants. Obstacles can include jumps, tunnels, walkways, walkways, swings, swings, slaloms, tires, and contact zones (specific areas to touch when crossing an obstacle).
Dogs are generally divided into different categories according to their size:
Category A: for small dogs, up to 37 cm at the withers.
Category B: for medium-sized dogs, 37 to 47 cm at the withers.
Category C: for large dogs, 47 cm at the withers and over.
Some competitions also offer a special category for puppies and young dogs.
Agility is based on a close collaboration between the dog and the human. Both need to work together to overcome obstacles and make the journey successful. This teamwork strengthens the bond between the dog and its owner, promoting complicity and mutual trust.
Agility competitions are social events that bring together dog lovers and dog sports enthusiasts. They provide a great opportunity for dogs to meet and interact with other dogs, which promotes their socialization and education.
Agility is a mentally and physically demanding sport. Dogs need to learn to navigate varied and complex paths, which stimulates their intelligence and problem-solving skills. In addition, agility is an intense physical activity that contributes to maintaining good physical condition.
Learn more about sports to practice in pairs with your dog...
