Recreational agility

Agility combines obstacles, direction, speed and communication. In its recreational form, the emphasis can be on confidence, coordination and teamwork rather than on time. Obstacles are introduced one at a time and at a low level of difficulty. The dog learns to pass between the wings, through the tunnel, over low bars or across stable surfaces before it does full sequences.

Jumps and rapid changes of direction put demands on the body. The height, the number of repetitions and the type of obstacle are adapted to age, build, experience and state of health. Puppies must not be rushed into repetitive impact, and dogs with orthopaedic problems need professional advice.

Surfaces have to give grip, and the equipment has to be stable. The dog is not pulled, pushed or frightened over an obstacle. The wish to take part is built up, and stopping at the first signs of tiredness protects both the body and the dog's confidence.

Agility can be a wonderful activity for very different dogs, but it does not suit all of them in the same form. Sometimes basic and coordination exercises are more useful than a fast course.

This subcategory can be relevant in situations such as dogs clinically fit for exercise, teams that want variety and cooperation, and animals motivated by dynamic exercises.

Obstacles should not be set high from the very first session, nor repeated to exhaustion for a video clip or a quick result.

a physical assessment and getting used to the surfaces; teaching the obstacles separately.

short, clear sequences; cool-down and recovery days.

Signs such as hesitation at an obstacle, uncontrolled landings, a loss of speed and avoiding the course after repetitions can show how the animal is experiencing the situation.

A preparation sheet should cover a surface with grip, stable obstacles, rewards and a plan adapted to size and experience.

More useful criteria are technique before speed, low heights, a warm-up, an instructor who can stop the exercise, assessment of the level of training, and a warm-up with gradual progression.

Agility combines training with physical conditioning; directional work and precision have to be built without asking the body for more than it can sustain.

not all obstacles suit all dogs; puppies and dogs with medical conditions need restrictions. Among the risks to be discussed are falls, joint or muscle injuries, fear of the equipment and overheating.