Dog Jumping and Agility
The below information is for club training and assessments and may differ slightly from competitive Agility- and Dog Jumping classes at a KUSA level.
What is Dog Jumping and Agility?
Dog jumping and agility are dog sports in which a handler directs a dog through an obstacle course in a race for both time and accuracy. Dogs run off-leash with no food or toys as incentives, unless training in the Beginners class where a closed food container or toy may be used. The handler cannot touch the dog or obstacles, meaning a handler’s controls are limited to voice, movement, and various body signals, requiring exceptional training and coordination.
In its simplest form, an agility or jumping course consists of a set of obstacles which are marked with numbers indicating the order in which they must be completed. The handler must assess the course, decide on handling strategies, and direct the dog through the course, with precision and speed.
What is the difference between Dog Jumping and Agility?What is the difference between Dog Jumping and Agility?
In South Africa, there is Agility which is divided into Contact and Non-contact, and Dog Jumping which is a separate discipline.
Dog jumping is based on horse jumping. Depending on which “table” is run, all dogs that ran clear (no faults and under the time limit), go through to a jump-off round where the fastest dog with the least mistakes is declared the winner.
In Agility, a dog is only given one round and the fastest dog with the least mistakes is declared the winner.
Dog jumping has similar equipment as Non-Contact. The height classification also differs slightly between Agility and Dog jumping, where agility has an extra grade (“level”) which works backwards in dog jumping. Angles and distances between obstacles also differ in the 2 disciplines.
And the difference between Contact and Non-Contact agility?
Contact agility has 3 “contact” apparatus, with a different coloured zone which the dog must touch. If the dog misses the contact zone, a fault is indicated. The contact apparatus consists of a seesaw, A-frame, and dog walk. These are removed from Non-contact agility.
At club level we have a Beginners class for new dogs and handlers – the aim is to lay the foundation and equip everyone to eventually compete at KUSA competitions, should they wish to do so, once the dog has mastered commands and equipment.
At club level, we mostly train dog jumping (or non-contact agility) but the trainers will be more than willing to assist or refer any handler and dog wishing to further their dog jumping or agility career.
New dogs / inexperienced dogs:
Dogs may remain in this class for 3 terms after which they move to Grade 2 or at the discretion of the specialist trainer.
Class / Grade:
Beginners Small Beginners Large
Intermediate (post Beginners class):
Dogs advance to Grade 1 with a clear round and no time faults or at the discretion of the specialist trainer.
Class / Grade:
Grade 2 Small Grade 2 Medium Grade 2 Large
Advanced:
Class / Grade:
Grade 1 Small Grade 1 Medium Grade 1 Large
Veteran dogs:
Dogs older than 7 years may run in the veteran class.
Class / Grade:
Handlers are encouraged to jump their dogs in a lower height class, on the recommendation of the specialist trainer/s.
Class criteria
- Minimum age of the dog: At least 12 months to start training.
- All breeds can participate in Agility – from the smallest to the largest of dogs.
- Dogs must be under control off lead and preferably have passed an obedience class.
- The specialist trainer may conduct a suitability assessment.
If you think Agility and Dog jumping is the sport for you.
- Assess your dog’s temperament to be sure he’s right for the sport;
- Is he highly energetic?
- Does he enjoy running and responding to instruction?
- Does he get along well with other dogs?
- Training doesn’t only involve your dog. You are critical to the process.
- You don’t need to be a world-class athlete to train agility with your dog. Through progress and development of good communication skills, you and your dog can compete, whether recreationally or at a competitive level.
- Dogs prone to injury or joint problems should be assessed by a qualified veterinarian or rehabilitation therapist and given the all clear.