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Overview
Currently
the
hottest
canine
sport
being
enjoyed
by
both
purebred
and
mixed
breed
dogs
alike.
Agility
is
like
a
playground
for
dogs. They
are
taught
to:
- Climb
a
6'
leaning
wall
(A-frame).
- Walk
across
a
high,
narrow
plank
(dogwalk).
- Navigate
a
teeter-totter.
- Push
through
a
closed
chute.
- Weave
back
and
forth
through
a
set
of
standing
poles
(weave
poles).
- Dash
through
a
tunnel.
- Pause
for
five
seconds
on
a
table.
- Jump
a
variety
of
jumps,
including
a
tire.
Texas
is
lucky
to
have
many
agility
trials
each
year.
An
agility
trial
is
a
timed
event
where
a
dog
and
handler
attempt
to
successfully
negotiate
an
obstacle
course
(which
is
unique
from
trial
to
trial)
with
the
dog
performing
each
obstacle
at
the
handler's
direction. Dogs
are
judged
on
accuracy
and
speed,
and
the
most
accurate
dog
with
the
fastest
time
wins
the
class.
While
running
an
agility
course,
the
handler
can
give
verbal
commands
and/or
signals
but
cannot
touch
the
dog
or
the
agility
obstacles. "Faults"
are
assessed
by
the
judge
for
mistakes
made,
such
as
knocking
a
jump
bar,
taking
obstacles
out
of
order,
touching
the
dog
or
equipment,
etc.
There
are
several
agility
organizations
that
sanction
agility
trials/tests,
and
these
trials/tests
are
held
by
agility
clubs. The
three
organizations
that
are
predominant
in
the
Texas
area
include:
USDAA
-
United
States
Dog
Agility
Association
AKC
-
American
Kennel
Club
NADAC
-
North
American
Dog
Agility
Council
Each
of
these
organizations
has
their
own
rules
and
regulations
for
agility
trials.
USDAA
and
NADAC
allow
any
breed
of
dog
to
compete
(including
mixed
breeds)
while
AKC
allows
only
those
purebred
dogs
recognized
by
its
organization.
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