To be successful in agility, you must train your dog to leap over jumps, power through tunnels, navigate a slalom of weave poles and cross over ramps of different sizes and lengths. Scoring is similar to equestrian events in that you can be assessed "faults" for flaws in your performance. Complete the course without faults in less than a specified time and you have earn a "clean run". Your dog earns various titles by accumulating clean runs at various levels.
The GCOC holds two AKC-sponsored agility trials each year as do clubs in Charleston, Beaufort, Clemson, Charlotte and many other communities. If you become addicted and are willing to drive 3-4 hours to a trial, you can compete just about every weekend of the year! But wait ... before you start planning your calendar, you need to train your dog!
Training your dog to do agility is just as much fun as competing in trials. It will take around two years for most people to train their dog to safely, accurately, and quickly perform all agility obstacles. GCOC holds classes in the Fall and Spring months to help you get going and "facility-using" GCOC members have access to our agility field year round. Most agility enthusiasts do agility in their backyards. Although a standard agility ring is 100x100ft, you can do a lot in even small back yards with some homemade equipment.
Diana and Miley
For more information regarding the Greater Columbia Obedience Club's Agility program, please send us an email here.
