Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Dog Agility... when, where, and how it first began.
This article returns to the beginning of dog agility training. It also, most importantly, deals with the safety aspects of the sport from the point of view of the dog.
Agility was first used as a 'side-show' [an extra, a time filler] to what were considered the main events. A way to fill in time between the judging of the individual breeds, then the group judging, leading up to the 'biggie', the best in show at Crufts. It was also a way to involve non-pedigree dogs and their owners in the show.
First seen in 1978 in England, interest has mushroomed so that now it is recognised almost worldwide, and has a devoted following of both competitors and spectators.
Improved courses, jumps, and other obstacles, plus better training have resulted in a far higher billing for the sport... rather than a fill in, it is now the main event for many devoted fans.
After all it is just SO exciting to watch - and it is also extremely captivating to watch a perfect partnership of 'man and dog' cover these complex courses with such true collaboration.
It is a way to bond with your dog as well as an enjoyable sport and a perfect way to keep fit.
If you watch the television coverage of the Crufts show you can also consider some of the other alternatives to showing your dog and straight obedience. Look out for the flyball too, an extremely fast team game, also heelwork and dancing to music, and don't forget the totally brilliant Mary Ray and her dancing collies... SO AMAZING. Worth watching again, and again, and again!
Clubs have sprung up all over the country. They are extremely friendly places, you will be made to feel truly welcome.
If you want to become involved in the sport, joining a club is a MUST. Clubs have all the proper equipment which is made and maintained to a high safety standard... this is vital for the safety of your dog.
You do not want your pet to be injured whilst it is supposed to be enjoying itself, therefore first class equipment is a must... but, more than that even, is the need for your pet to be taught to use the equipment properly, to perform the required elements of a dog agility course correctly. This training is vital in order to avoid any chance of an injury to your pet.
Agility was first used as a 'side-show' [an extra, a time filler] to what were considered the main events. A way to fill in time between the judging of the individual breeds, then the group judging, leading up to the 'biggie', the best in show at Crufts. It was also a way to involve non-pedigree dogs and their owners in the show.
First seen in 1978 in England, interest has mushroomed so that now it is recognised almost worldwide, and has a devoted following of both competitors and spectators.
Improved courses, jumps, and other obstacles, plus better training have resulted in a far higher billing for the sport... rather than a fill in, it is now the main event for many devoted fans.
After all it is just SO exciting to watch - and it is also extremely captivating to watch a perfect partnership of 'man and dog' cover these complex courses with such true collaboration.
It is a way to bond with your dog as well as an enjoyable sport and a perfect way to keep fit.
If you watch the television coverage of the Crufts show you can also consider some of the other alternatives to showing your dog and straight obedience. Look out for the flyball too, an extremely fast team game, also heelwork and dancing to music, and don't forget the totally brilliant Mary Ray and her dancing collies... SO AMAZING. Worth watching again, and again, and again!
Clubs have sprung up all over the country. They are extremely friendly places, you will be made to feel truly welcome.
If you want to become involved in the sport, joining a club is a MUST. Clubs have all the proper equipment which is made and maintained to a high safety standard... this is vital for the safety of your dog.
You do not want your pet to be injured whilst it is supposed to be enjoying itself, therefore first class equipment is a must... but, more than that even, is the need for your pet to be taught to use the equipment properly, to perform the required elements of a dog agility course correctly. This training is vital in order to avoid any chance of an injury to your pet.
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