Agility is a canine obstacle race, involving jumps, ramps, tunnels, and the slalom-style weave poles. The fast, exciting pace of Agility makes it a natural game for most dogs. Jumps are adjusted according to a dog’s height so that most sizes and breeds can take part.
 
An Agility course consists of eighteen to twenty five obstacles and no two courses are ever the same. The dog, guided by his handler, negotiates the course by completing each obstacle in the correct order. There are four levels of competition, and with each level the courses become more challenging and complex. Success requires a careful balance of accuracy and speed. Mistakes such as knocked jumps and refusals result in penalty faults. Other mistakes, such as doing the wrong obstacle, result in disqualification. As well as the competitive aspect, there are many opportunities to qualify for Agility awards throughout the levels. 

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To protect growing youngsters, dogs are limited in what they can do until they are eighteen months old, and our training classes reflect that. Fitness and soundness are essential for all Agility dogs – for handlers, this is not so important, but a sense of humour is a must!

 

When: Tuesday evenings

Winter training (April - September) is at Otago Equestrian Centre (indoors)

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Enrolment: Required. Dogs are required to complete the Canine Companion Classes and  need to pass the assessment first. Be at least 12 months old and must not show aggression to others. Good off-lead control is needed to progress.  Please contact us to enquire further.

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Note: Agility is a high-intensity, high-impact sport. To protect growing joints, Agility training is limited

          for dogs under the age of 18 months. Under 12 months - no jumping, weaving or high ramps,

         12 - 18 months these  activities are restricted. OCTC reserves the right to remove any dog

          from classes if its well being is likely to be compromised.