I found this was the best way to describe Agility. This was taken out of "The New Cairn Terrier" by Betty Macrum.

The Sport of Agility began in England in 1978. It was even featured as extra entertainment between events at the world-famous Cruft's. The sport has become very popular and variations on the original form have been developed. The sport now thrives not only in England, but in Europe and the United States as well. Emphasis in this sport is on the athletic ability and conditioning, flexibility and responsiveness of the dog, and a lot of pure fun and teamwork between handler and dog. Agility is one of the most exciting events I have seen in showring. The joy these dogs show in performing for their handlers is nothing short of extraordinary.

In Agility, a dog negotiates an obstacle course composed of open and closed tunnels, weave poles, dog walks, seesaws and tire jumps, A-frame, pause box and variety of different jumps. Dogs' performances are scored on freedom from mistakes, and the amount of time taken to run the course.

Courses vary from event to event, and handlers are advised on the particulars of the course during the judges' briefing, immediately before the event. This is one sport that almost defies decription-it simply must be seen to be aprreciated fully. Happily, Cairns seem to love competing in Agility.

Agility is an off-lead event, so some obedience work is necessary beforehand. Again, positive reinforcement and encouragement through food seems to be the best manner in which to proceed.

Agility is less stressful and structured the Obedience. The handler may talk to, encourage and direct the dog during the "run". This is a fast-paced, up-beat activity. Cairns seem to regard these unusual obstacles as an adventure, adding yet another dimension to their already busy lives. Agility is great exercise, and develops great self confidence in the dog and there handlers!!

Rules from the United States Dog Agility Association (USDAA).

THE TABLE: The dog must jump onto the table and assume the down position for a period of five (5) seconds. The judge will count aloud when the dog is fully down. If the dog should leave the table or not remain in the down position for the full count which is 5-4-3-2-1 and go. The handler must reposition the dog and start over. The dog cannot leave the table until the judge has said the final "0" in go out. In AKC the judge has the option of using a sit or a down for this command.
WEAVE POLES: The dog must weave in and out in a continuous motion down the complete line of poles, beginning with the dog passing on the right side of the first pole, crossing the line of the poles between pole #1 and pole #2 toward the left side of the second pole, then crossing the line of poles between pole #2 and pole #3 toward the right side of the third pole and continuing in sequence down the complete line of poles. This is the most difficult to teach, but is usually fun.
COLLAPSED TUNNEL: The dog must enter the rigid opening to the tunnel and burrow through the collapsed portion of the tunnel. Jumping over any elevated portion of the tunnel or back out of or exiting the tunnel entrance shall constitute a refusal.
PIPE TUNNEL: The dog must enter the opening to the tunnel in the direction designated by the judge and exit the other end of the tunnel. Entering the tunnel from the wrong end shall constitute running the wrong course. Jumping over any portion of the tunnel or backing out of or exiting the tunnel entrance shall constitute a refusal.
TIRE JUMP: The dog must jump through the tire in the direction on designated by the judge. Jumping through the tire or passing through the perimeter of the tire frame in the wrong direction shall constitute running the wrong course. Jumping between the tire and the frame, or jumping over or running under the tire in the proper direction shall constitute a refusal.
HURDLES: The dog must jump over the hurdle in the direction designated by the judge.
SPREAD HURDLES: A spread hurdle must be performed under the same standards as the single hurdle. Entering or exiting the side of a spread hurdle, or failure to jump the front and back elements together as a single hurdle in the proper direction shall constitute a refusal.

Any comments or suggestions

Please feel free to email us.

Click On The Dog House To Go Back To Our Homepage!!

[Home][Jason's Homepage][Father's Day Page][Brecken and Hotsy][Brecken][Hot Toddy]

[Photo Album][Responsible Breeder][Color Change][Health][History][Behavior][Rescue]

[Children and their Cairns][Grooming][Sick Dog][Books and Referrals][Links][Email]

Web Design and maintenance by Jackie Robbins.