Dog agility was first demonstrated in the UK in the late 1970s. The premise of this sport is simple – the dog owner leads their four-legged team mate through an obstacle course. While it sounds easy there are many different courses and classes, ranging from easy and rather straight-forward challenges to very complex obstacles and trials.

Boston Terrier Picture by | El Caganer

The main idea behind the trial is that you have to guide your Boston Terrier through the course using your body language and voice alone. That means no incentives like treats etc. You will usually be running next to your Boston Terrier giving instructions, although more complex obstacles will require different approaches. The obstacles are usually numbered and need to be mastered in the predefined order. To be eligible for placement the dog must complete the course within the standard course time.

The final score is calculated from the speed and accuracy that both you and your dog displayed on the trial.

Faults will lead to a point deduction or possibly disqualification. It is for example a fault for the owner to touch the obstacles or the dog. Canine competitors have to place a foot on the contact zone of contact obstacles. Think of a long jumping competition where you have to leap from the takeoff board. Also your Boston Terrier may not hesitate before approaching the individual obstacles or even run past them. There are many additional rules for specific trials and organizations, so it’s best to try out some in your area and decide what works best for you and your dog.

Many different flavors of dog agility are recognized and offered by the various clubs. Regular agility trials will usually feature contact obstacles, tunnels, jumps and weave poles. The individual agility classes put different emphasis on certain obstacles. The trials known as “Jumpers” for example mainly feature jumps, but may also contain weave poles and tunnels, but normally do not sport contact objects since these courses are made for speed.

Dogs are usually split into several classes that do not compete among each other, meaning there will be a number of winners per competition. These classes are determined by height at the withers and the dog’s experience level. Some organizations also feature special classes for older dogs. Special classes for younger dog owners (age 18 or younger) are partially recognized, too.

Dog agility is a very popular dog sport that is a lot of fun for both you and your dog alike. Because of the class model there is a good chance for dogs of different size and with limited experience to succeed in one of these trials.

Due of its popularity this sport is well organized on an international level, and there are uncountable local clubs for you to join.