agility?

Question
Hi,Thxs for volunteering on this site.Have a full tri-colored 6mth old border collie. He is absolutely focused on his frisbee--- He is quite intellegent and I am wondering we have a agility course right up the road. Looks like fun & I believe he would love this. Do all the regular training myself but have never done agility. What are the rules? Are papers required,Whats the average cost associated with it. What should I be looking for in behaviors & personality for him to be a match for agility and what should I expect. Thanks, Jan

Answer
Hi Jan

Agility really is the most fun on 4 paws!  All 5 of our dogs just love it!

The rules depend on the venue you are competing with (AKC, NADAC, USDAA,CPE, DOCNA.) Each venue has particular rules about their equipment, how dogs must perform the equipment and what you may or may not do in the ring. But long before you start competing there is a lot to learn about agility (obstacle performance for your dog and handling techniques for you.)  Agility is all about team work and communication between handler and dog.  Oh the costs? Well that would depend on how far you get into it!  Classes aren't that expensive but when you and your dog get hooked, well there are trial expenses ( travel, entrance fees, etc.) as well as trial equipment (crates, shade, etc.) Many agility addicts even buy their next car, van, RV just so that they and their dogs can travel to agility trials in comfort. So you see, both of these questions are very dependent on whether  you decide to trial and then how many trials you decide to do and then how many dogs you decide you want, etc! :)

You should expect that agility should be fun above all else. That means that when your dog is learning how to perform obstacles correctly, that you keep it fun and don't scold when he makes a mistake. That means that while you are learning to handle him, you don't scold him for your mistakes or mistakes you 'think' he's done. That means that when you start trialing your dog, you remember that agility is a game we play with our dogs who didn't write the check or volunteer to play this game.  Always be kind and fair and keep it fun and I 'm betting your border collie will have fun at agility.

The last thing, find an instructor whose training techniques are fun are in line with the advice in this answer.  It'll be worth it!

Have fun!

Jaz