Agility

An agility competition is not just run on one course. It can also feature several types of courses of “events”.

A Standard Agility Course-must includes jumps, three contact obstacles, weave poles, the table, the flexible tunnel and chute.

The Gamblers Agility Course requires the dog to successfully complete as many obstacles as possible within a set time allowed in an opening sequence. The obstacles each receive a different point value. Common values are 1 point for jumps, 2 points for navigating tires and tunnels, 3 points for mastering contact obstacles, and 3 to 5 points for navigating weave poles. The opening sequence expires with blow of a whistle, at which point the handler has a shorter set time to complete a closing sequence. This final sequence or “gamble” must be done with the handler remaining outside a prescribed area that is defined with rope or tape. A minimum number of points are required within a minimum amount of time.

A Jumpers Agility Course is composed of jumps, tires, tunnels, and chutes. This game is probably the most popular event by many competitor and spectators alike. This because involves excellent handling skills and real teamwork between the dog and the handler.

The Team Relay Agility Course involves two dogs. It is designed to show off the handler’s control, team spirit, strategy and sportsmanship. Relay involves a course layout similar to the standard agility course. The course is divided in sections and each dog on the team is selected by the team members to run a specified section of the course… Upon completing their respective section, the handler passes a baton in a specified area to allow the next handler to continue on the next section. Failure to pass the baton in the specified area results in the elimination of the team.

The Snooker Relay is based on the British game of Billiards. There are two separate sequences. The opening sequence requires the handler to perform one of 3 or 4 designated (red) jumps followed by an obstacle of choice, and repeat this pattern at least twice more. A third time is an option left to the judges discretion and outlined in the briefing. The closing sequence requires the dog to follow the obstacles numbered 2 to 7. The game is based on points accumulated and as long as the dog has reached or surpassed the required point level, a qualifying score will be earned.

Each course has Starters, Advanced and Master levels. Obviously the level of difficulty of the obstacle course increases substantially with each level.

In the United States, there are several national organizations for agility, which sanction tests or trials held by local dog training clubs. Trials which are based on the original international rules and specifications call for the highest level of agility from the dogs both in terms of speed and the physical ability to perform the obstacles. There are also domestic varieties of the sport that call for less actual agility (by using lower jump heights and smaller obstacles) from the dog and focus more on the handling aspects of the game.

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Becoming A Dog Trainer

The dog training business is just like any other business. Whether you will be successful as a trainer or not only depends a lot on your qualifications but also on your ability to deal with people. One more thing… you need to be able to deal well with dogs as well.

If you are the type that relates better to animals than you do to people, then ironically, the dog training business might not be right for you. Why? Because it is humans that do the hiring, not the dogs. Just like the dogs that you will be training, there will be no reward for you in this career, if you can’t learn to humor the expectations of humans.

Here is a checklist of the expectations that people have when they set out to hire a dog trainer.

They expect you to be part of an accredited training program, have years of experience and knowledge in several areas of expertise.

They expect you to be able to find you through a reputable and reliable organization such as the ASPCA as well as through local and national dog trainer organizations.

They expect you to practice an effective, but humane training method and to be concerned about a dog’s welfare.

They expect you to have extensive knowledge of dog behavior and to be updated on the latest method through your attendance at exhibitions and conferences.

They expect you to have affiliations with reputable organizations, associations and training clubs.

They expect you to display good teaching and communication skills.

They expect your resume to be filled with records of seminars, courses and workshops you have attended on top of your original training

They expect you to have a sense of humor when it comes to dealing with both them and their dogs.

They expect you to put ethics, before the cost of your services.
They expect you to have a genuine love of dogs and to love what you do.

So what about you? Do you have the time, energy and commitment that it takes to become a successful trainer?

Many people fail at becoming trainers simply because they underestimate the scope of the job. Attending a couple of one or two day seminars or workshops with a well known dog trainer is not enough, no matter how talented you think you are with animals. Most animal lovers will go to a great deal of trouble to verify your references, accreditation and experience so make sure that you are prepared to fulfill the expectations before you embark on your own dog training business. And if you do decide to get into this type of business expect that you will be updating yourself for many years afterwards. This makes you look up to date for people who might want to hire your services.

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