AGILITY
Competing in Dog Agility is one of the most FUN things you can do with your dog! There are two classes in AKC Agility, one is called Jumpers With Weaves (JWW) the other is called Standard. The JWW class consists of a variety of Jumps and Weaves and it can also include Tunnels.
The Standard class consists of what is called “contact” obstacles. These “Contact” obstacles are the A-Frame, Dog Walk, and the Teeter. All of these have “contact” zones (yellow areas) which the dog has to have be in during the execution of that obstacle. It is a “safety” issue for the dog to make contact with those areas . The Standard class also includes weaves, a chute (a type of tunnel with a fabric “chute” attached to it), tunnels, jumps (including a tire jump), and a table.
When you first arrive, you get a course map and you can start your strategy on how you want to run it. The course is also all numbered and you get to “walk” the course for 10-15 minutes (without the dog), after which you have a “judges briefing,” in which they cover things with you and you can ask any questions you might have. All dogs are measured to see what jump height they are (you will get a permanent jump height card) and running order will be either small to tall or tall to small. Placements are then for EACH height division and level. There is a set amount of faults (run outs, off course, knocked bars, and time faults) for each level you are in (Novice, Open, Excellent). So there are points off for faults and if you are over standard course time (SCT). Of course, the higher the level, the harder the course and the amount of allowed faults change. It is great exercise for both dog and owner for their minds AND bodies!
While you can start agility training at any age,
do not start them jumping high or doing the A-Frame
or weaves until their growth plates have closed.
There is much “ground work” that can be taught
without adding these items. Some of the ground work
includes your basic sit, stay, down (the sits and
downs are used on the table), turns, heel,
right/side (which is a heel on the opposite side),
come, out, and much more!
To start agility training you can start with basic commands and gradually add equipment which can be very simple! You can use a hula hoop for a tire, just a broom stick or PVC pipe on the ground for a jump (in the case of a puppy) and raise that broomstick/pipe up with boxes on each end of it when you eventually need it higher. A board/plank on the ground can be used to start work for the teeter and dog walk. Make your training like a “game.” You will have so much fun, and your dog will think you are just playing ! You can, of course, order equipment as well.
With Agility being so popular, there are also classes. Attending classes helps, as it gets your dog used to working for you around other dogs, people, and different places as well as getting on different equipment. Proofing your dog is extremely important. It is part of setting your dog and yourself up for success. Don’t expect your dog to perform out in public if he/she has only been trained at home. It is a very fast-paced sport, and a dog that is not used to seeing other dogs run or crowds cheering will be highly distracted. Training facilities offer “fun runs” (practice Agility Trials) to get you and your dog prepared.
Having a Borzoi out there performing in the Agility ring is such a thrill! No one expects to see this breed out there on an agility course and they are so amazed! Borzoi really are AWESOME! Give this exciting venue a try, but be warned-- IT IS ADDICTING! You WILL get hooked!