4 minute read
Who let the dogs out?
from DQ Magazine Issue 1C
by hqmagazine
TEXT: JANDI DU TOIT
PHOTOGRAPHY: BRAAM GOUWS
A VIEW INTO THE OBSESSION KNOWN AS AGILITY
You might have seen them on television or perhaps you have noticed them at your local dog park… Maybe you heard them on the field across from your house, or perhaps when waking at the crack of dawn one Sunday morning you saw a unique team that caught your eye… Who am I referring to? Quite simply: Agili-junkies. What is an Agili-junkie you might ask?
Agili-junkie (noun) – A person who is obsessed and/or addicted to watching and/or doing dog agility.
AGILITY
Agility is the fast paced and super exciting sport where dogs are expected to navigate a variety of obstacles. Sounds easy enough, right? Here comes the curveball - the dogs must run at a specific speed and tackle the obstacles in the correct numerical order and from the right direction!
One of the main dog sport affiliations in the country is SADAA, the South African Dog Agility Association. SADAA is a national affiliation where dogs of all breeds and sizes (yes, truly, from a Yorkie to a Great Dane) can compete. SADAA has clubs in five provinces across the country and each province has a Regional Trial once a year where handlers and dogs from all over come to compete against each other.
INTERESTING, BUT HOW DO YOU GET STARTED?
It is best to start your dog’s agility training as soon as possible, but they can only compete when they are 18 months old.
Agility consists of two sections - Contact Agility, where dogs are required to jump, move through tunnels and run up and down the three contact equipment pieces, namely a dog-walk, A-frame and seesaw.
The second competition section is Jumping. This is also referred to as Non-contact Agility. The same principles of Agility apply to this section except the contact equipment does not form part of a jumping course. Courses usually contain around 15 or so obstacles, including tunnels, jumps, and weave poles, which the dog must complete in a predetermined pattern. You can teach a lot of these skills to your dog at home or you can join a club where you will further develop your skills with assistance from others.
WHEN CAN I COMPETE?
Preparing your dog to compete successfully will take a little longer than the just learning to do the obstacles. It is essential for Agility that your dog is fully socialised and that you have effective control at all times, especially as your dog will be competing off lead.
Once you start competing in agility it can become addictive. Shows are held almost every weekend, giving you the opportunity to compete regularly and meet like-minded people. Agility training is an excellent way to build the bond between you and your dog; you have to develop a clear line of communication with your dog in order to successfully navigate a course. You and your dog learn how to be in sync. This feeling, once experienced, is something you can’t get enough of!
READY TO GIVE IT A GO?
Take a look at the SADAA Facebook and Instagram page or get in touch with the Regional Director in your province. They will be able to provide you with information about clubs, trainers and importantly, shows!
Whether you compete with the goal of making the national team, or you simply run for the fun, follow the words of Kathleen Highfill:
And just like that, before you know it, you may also be proud to call yourself an Agili-junkie!
REMEMBER
Agility is a team sport. Without guidance from his handler, a dog doesn’t know which obstacle to take next while running around the course. Your agility dog must learn to focus on you despite distractions and exciting surroundings.
