Dog Agility Trials

Someone has rightly said, “Dogs are a man’s best friend”. Indeed, our canine friends have been with us for ages. Man has domesticated and trained dogs to perform a variety of tasks over the centuries. We’ve heard of dog shows and dog contests. These days there is a new kid on the block called “dog agility trials”

Many people may not have heard of this term. Dog agility trial is a game that tests the accuracy and the timing of the dog and its handler. In the dog agility trials, the dog runs without a leash without foods or toys or any such inducement. These dog agility trials have strict rules and regulations such as the handler cannot touch any obstacle or the dog except accidentally. The Dog agility trials are a test of the handlers control over the dog through his voice, actions and signals. So, as you can guess only thoroughly trained dogs can accomplish this feat!

The agility judge decides the obstacles of the agility course. Normally the dimensions are 100 by 100 feet with the obstacles numbered according to the sequence of completion by the dog.

These dog agility trials are a trial for both the dog and its handler. While they test the dog’s skill and agility, they also test the handlers judging capability, dog handling and his sync with his dog. The obstacle courses are complicated to quite a degree. This is to make sure that the dog cannot complete them without some sort of a human direction. The trial requires the handler to judge the course and choose the handling techniques and help the dog through the course keeping in mind both precision and speed.

The handlers are also allowed a short survey of the course by walking through it, before the trial actually begins. Since each course is different, handlers are given some time to study the course and decide on the strategies. There are two paths in the trial. The dog runs on his path and the handler runs on a separate path. In this way the handler can plan ahead and have a total understanding of the dog’s progress. The dog handlers can also access course maps that can help them plan their course strategy and the handling methods. These maps come completed with obstacles direction and the order that needs to be followed.

The dog agility trials use a scoring system called runs. These runs are based on the “fault count”. Fault count includes the course faults like knocking down a bar during a jump or exceeding the standard course time (SCT). The faults are also decided on the basis of competition level and course toughness.

One chance is given to the dog and his handler to complete the course successfully. Dog agility trials are primarily a reflection of the dog’s capabilities and agility. However, since the dog cannot do anything on his own, these trials are a reflection of the chemistry between the dog and the handler and the handler’s ability to direct the dog without physically touching him or leashing him.