AKC Agility Trials Explained

AKC agility trials are a fun and exciting way to test your dog's physical and mental abilities, and they're a great way to bond with your furry friend.

The trials are divided into three heights: 8", 14", and 22", which determine the course and obstacles your dog will face.

Each trial consists of a timed run through a challenging obstacle course, designed to test speed, agility, and teamwork between you and your dog.

Courses typically include tunnels, jumps, weave poles, and contact obstacles like A-frames and dog walks.

Your dog's performance is scored based on time, accuracy, and teamwork, making it a true test of your partnership.

Getting started in AKC agility trials is an exciting venture, and it all begins with understanding the basics. Intro to Dog Sports is a great place to start, covering the fundamentals of dog sports and what to expect.

You'll need to consider enrolling your dog in a program, and Canine Partners/Mixed Breed enrollment is a great option for those with mixed-breed dogs. Titles & Abbreviations will also come in handy as you learn about the various titles and abbreviations used in agility trials.

Explore further: Dog Agility Titles

To determine which sport is right for you and your dog, Which Sport Should You Do With Your Dog? is a must-read. It'll help you choose the perfect sport for your furry friend.

Before you start, it's essential to Get Started in Dog Training. This will ensure you and your dog are prepared for the demands of agility trials.

If you're interested in virtual events, Virtual Dog Sports & Events offers a great way to get started without leaving your home.

Here's a quick rundown of the steps to get started:

Agility is a growing dog sport in the United States, with over 1 million entries to the AKC's program each year.

Imagine a look of determination on your dog's face as he runs hard, nimbly making each turn. He keeps his eyes on you while scampering through tunnels, jumping over hurdles, and beaming with pride. That's the sport of Agility.

All breeds, including mixed breeds, can participate in Agility – from the smallest to the largest of dogs.

Related reading: Akc Bully Breeds

Dogs in Agility navigate an obstacle course with strong concentration and speed, racing against a clock to complete the course within a certain time limit.

Courses typically have between 14-20 obstacles, which can include tunnels, weave poles, tire jumps, seesaws, and pause tables where the dog must stop for a set amount of time.

Agility is an AKC Companion event that is open to all dogs, whether purebred or mixed breed.

Agility is a great fit for dogs that are highly energetic and enjoy running and responding to instruction.

Your dog's temperament is crucial in determining if agility is the right sport for them. If they get along well with other dogs, agility could be a great choice.

You don't need to be a world-class sprinter to do agility with your dog.

If you're looking for resources to help you navigate AKC agility trials, you're in luck. AKC offers a wealth of information to make your experience smoother.

You can search for events using their Event Search tool, which allows you to find trials near you. Additionally, you can access the Title Application Portal to apply for titles and awards.

AKC also provides a range of downloadable forms to help you prepare for trials, including rules and regulations. To stay organized, you can use their Online Event Management system.

For those interested in judging, AKC offers a Judging Resource Center and a Judges Directory to help you find and connect with judges. The AKC Canine College also provides education for judges through their Judges Education program.

Here are some key resources to keep in mind:

The Del-Bay Herding Club is a great organization for dog enthusiasts. They host AKC Agility Trials, which are exciting events that test a dog's speed, agility, and obedience.

Bella Vista will host an AKC Agility Trial for the Del-Bay Herding Club on February 24 and 25, 2025. This event is a great opportunity for dog owners and their pets to participate and have fun together.

A different take: Akc Herding Breeds

The Del-Bay Herding Club has collaborated with other clubs, such as the National Capitol English Setter Club, to host AKC Agility Trials. This collaboration brings together a diverse group of dog owners and enthusiasts.

Bella Vista will host an AKC Agility Trial for the Del-Bay Herding Club and National Capital English Setter Club on March 20-23, 2025. This event is a great way to meet new people and their dogs while enjoying a fun and competitive atmosphere.

You might like: Akc English Setter

The West Highland White Terrier Club of America and York County Dog Training Club are teaming up to host an AKC Agility Trial at Bella Vista from March 27 to 30, 2025.

Bella Vista will be the venue for this exciting event.

This collaboration between the two clubs is a great opportunity for dog owners and enthusiasts to come together and showcase their dogs' skills.

The AKC Agility Trial will be a fun and challenging experience for dogs and their handlers.

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The Biewer Terrier Fanciers of Maryland is a great club to get involved with if you're passionate about this breed. They host AKC Agility Trials.

Bella Vista will host their AKC Agility Trial on Apr. 21 and 22, 2025.

If you're planning to attend, mark your calendars for those dates.

Practice at home is just as important as attending classes to learn agility skills. Set up your own obstacles, such as collapsible tunnels and tunnel holders, to create a fun and challenging course for your dog.

Weave poles are another great option, and can be spaced evenly to create a challenging run-through for your dog. You can purchase at-home training equipment online or get creative and build it yourself with PVC pipes.

Follow the specifications in the Regulations for Agility if you choose to build your own equipment. Consider spending at least 15-20 minutes a day practicing the moves you learned in class to see improvement.

Use incentives like treats or toys to entice your dog through the course, especially in the beginning when you're both getting used to the sport.

Intriguing read: Do It Yourself Dog Agility Equipment