Think of agility as wellness for your dog

Photo: Megan Quinn.

Agility engages the body and mind  of both dog and handler.  It creates a bond that is unparalleled, and a tired and satisfied dog makes for a much happier dog at home.  And that in turn, makes for a much happier human. At its core, the fundamentals of agility are the fundamentals of a well-mannered companion.

Agility is addictive!

Agility can be enjoyed on so many different levels. 

For aspiring athletes and serious competitors, the highest levels of agility take speed, coordination, quick thinking and a dedication to training. But it’s not just for border collies or Olympic sprinters. Not by any means.  Just ask my students who made it to Westminster finals or my mixed breed shelter dogs on US World teams.

For most people, agility is more about fitness, casual competition and most importantly, fun.  From Poodles to Pomeranians, even if a handler has limited mobility, a dog can be trained to do great things on an agility course.  And the neighbors are always impressed when they see a dog weave through those poles or fly through that tunnel!