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Dog Agility Courses at AthleticDogs.com

The Agility Course & How It Works

Each agility course is set up differently. Generally, the course judge lays out the course and numbers the obstacles in the order they are to be completed. The path of an agility course is rarely a straight line. Rather, there are various turns, even u-turns and 270° (three-quarter) turns, in order to follow the obstacles in order. The course often crosses back over itself and the same obstacle can be used more than once. Two or more obstacles might be set up very close together or might be arranged so that the handlers must work with obstacles between them and their dog (called layering).

The courses are typically laid out in a 100 by 100 foot area with about 10 to 20 feet between the obstacles. The course judge determines the layout of the course (though NADAC judges also have the option of selecting from previously designed courses). Given the high number of different obstacles and possible faults, there are an infinite number of possible course layouts. Each sanctioning organization sets its own rules for agility course design, trial classes (standard, jumpers, power & speed, juniors, etc.), and how each obstacle must be performed.

The obstacles used in competition vary slightly depending on the governing organization of the agility trial. The differences are usually found in the details - the sizes and dimensions of the obstacle construction. Otherwise, the selection of obstacles is basically the same. Click on any of the following obstacles to learn more! Agility obstacles include:

         A-Frame                    Teeter-Totter                   Tunnel

        Dog Walk                   Colllapsed Tunnel (chute)  Jumps (various)

         Weave Poles               Pause Table                      Miscellaneous Obstacles

At each agility trial (competition), the handler is provided with a course map (example) to help him or her strategize the best course to follow. Also, the handler is typically allowed one run-through of the course (without the dog) prior to competing. Mastering the strategy of agility just requires practice...and lots of it!

Get started working at home with Agility Equipment from AthleticDogs.com!