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The sport of Dog Agility started in New Zealand in the late 1980’s It has become popular with people of all ages and is a great way to
interact with your dog, have fun, exercise and teach your dog new controlled skills. The
handler and the dog learn to run around a course consisting of jumps, a
tyre, tunnels, long jumps and weave poles in the early stages of
training and then learn to negotiate elevated equipment with ramps and
contact areas as their skills improve.
| Briar Taylor-Silva and Timmy competing at WDTA Championship 6 May 2007Photo Courtesy of e-statics Photography |
Later
if you decide to compete you can go to ribbon trials held by Dog
training clubs around the region and compete against other handlers and
their dogs. The beginner level is called “Starters” which does
not have any elevated equipment in it. Basic
handling skills and control of your dog is necessary if you think this
sport could be for you as training is done amongst other dogs in an
atmosphere which is pretty exiting, especially to a dog who may not
have had a lot of socializing with other dogs. Initial
training will be done with your dog on the lead until it gets used to
having other dogs around and in close proximity. Then
training is done off lead as this is much easier on the handler and the
dog. Whangarei Dog training Association holds Pre-Dog Agility classes every Wednesday night at the Otaika Sportsgrounds.
You can contact our Agility Instructors
to arrange an assessment of you and your dog at a Wednsday night
training session.. There may be reasons why it would be
beneficial for you to attend obedience classes before commencing
pre-agility classes and this can be arranged as well. |
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