Dog agility is a fantastic source of exercise and fun for your animal companion. Just about every healthy, energetic dog can participate in agility. Some people enjoy agility just for fun while others love to compete. If you wish to have your dog compete in agility competitions, here are some quick facts about the most well-known agility organizations in the U.S.
The United States Dog Agility Association hosts agility events throughout the United States, but despite the name, this group also hosts events in other countries. There are more than 40,000 dogs registered to compete by the USDAA, and every year they host Grand Prix of Dog Agility World Championships. Both purebred dogs and mixed breeds can compete and dogs are separated into height divisions and not grouped by breed. There are USDAA groups in just about every state as well as in Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, Bermuda, Japan and several other countries.
If you own a perfectly pedigreed pet, you might consider competing with the American Kennel Club. Actually, the AKC does allow mixed breeds to participate as well, so your mutt might be able to compete at an AKC event.
The courses are smaller than USDAA courses, which can be tricky, but the obstacles tend to be a bit easier to navigate.
Not to be outdone by the AKC, the United Kennel Club also hosts agility events throughout the year. The UKC courses can be quite difficult and small, but at the same time, the focus at UKC is less about speed and more about the level of teamwork between dog and handler. UKC is open to all breeds of dogs, including mixed breeds and even those rescue dogs of unknown breed.
If you wish to get started with agility, you will need to begin by purchasing some agility equipment. At Carlson Agility, we offer every type of agility equipment that you could possibly need for your agility dog course. We have dog agility jumps, agility a-frames, teeter totters, dog tunnels and chutes, pause tables and many different sizes and styles of jumps. We also offer mini agility equipment for your smaller dog or your agility puppy.
Brad Carlson enjoys dog agility training. To find agility equipment or to find more about training equipment for dog agility equipment, please check out the Carlson-Agility.com website today.
