Agility

Agility is a fast-paced companion event where dogs race against the clock through an obstacle course that includes jumps, tunnels, an A-frame, weave poles, and other obstacles. The dog works off-lead in this event and must correctly complete each obstacle in the order predetermined for that day. The owner must quickly communicate accurate instructions to the dog as they move from one obstacle to the next until crossing the finish line. Jump heights are determined by a dog's height, making it possible for dogs of any size to compete fairly in agility.  The AKC offers three types of agility titling classes:  (1) the Standard class includes obstacles such as the dog walk, the A-frame, and seesaw, (2) the Jumpers with Weaves class only has jumps, tunnels and weave poles, and (3) the Fifteen and Send Time class (FAST) has a variety of all obstacles. All agility classes offer increasing levels of difficulty to earn Novice, Open, and Excellent titles, and dogs exhibiting superior performance can go on to earn a Master Agility Champion (MACH) title. For more information on agility, visit the AKC website at http://www.akc.org/events/agility/index.cfm. to Westie Activities Page