I am starting agility with my dog and we've done it for a few months. I have a few questions though.
1. Can a non-AKC dog still compete in anything?
2. Where can I buy really cheep equiptment/ can I make anything besides the jumps?
3. What types of competition can junior handlers compete in?
4. Is there any water what so ever involved?
2007-11-22 03:51:43 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
1. Yes, there are some organizations (like NADAC http://www.nadac.com/ ) which allow all dogs to compete, including mixed breeds.
2. You can make MOST of the equipment yourself, if you are handy. The tough ones are the tunnel and the chute.
Here are a couple of sites, there are more so do some searching:
http://www.peak.org/~helix/Agility/
http://www.parhelion.us/agility_equipment_links.htm
http://dogplay.com/Activities/Agility/agilitye.html
http://www.bogartsdaddy.com/Bouvier/Work/building-agility-equipment.htm
3. Specifically for juniors, I'm not sure, but they can compete in the regular trials.
4. Only when I dunk my dogs in the wading pool or hose them down to cool them off on a hot day.
2007-11-22 04:05:38 · answer #1 · answered by DaBasset - BYBs kill dogs 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1. Yes. In fact, most non-AKC venues allow any breed or mix to compete. Do a search for agility venues and you'll pull up a half dozen or more options. UKC and NADAC are probably the two biggest non-AKC venues and they both allow mixes to compete.
2. Do a search for home-made agility equipment. If you have moderately decent carpentry skills you can build any of the equipment yourself. You could also check EBay for reasonably priced equipment such as tunnels (they sell tunnels for kids to play in, I'm sure you could find one cheap). Weave poles are super-easy to make too (even easier than jumps). The teeter is probably the trickiest, but I've seen a few plans online.
3. You'll have to check with the individual agility clubs about that.
4. I'm not sure what you mean by this question. Generally, no...I've never seen an agility course that incorporates a water obstacle. You will need to offer your dog water between runs.
2007-11-22 12:07:35 · answer #2 · answered by ainawgsd 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are 4 major agility orgs. in the U.S. and a couple of other less "common" orgs. Only AKC demands dogs must be AKC registered purebreds....others allow mixed breeds too.
There is no "really cheap" equipment. You can search online for "how to make" some of your own. Kid's play tunnels can sometimes be found at places like Toys R Us, made out of cloth, not very durable, but workable. I think some pet shops have, again not very durable, a "agility in a bag" sets. Plastic electric fence posts that stick in the ground can be used as weave poles....found in feed stores. However, you should check with your trainer about what to buy when. I cringe when students run out and buy "stuff" before we have properly trained equipment in class. Had one gal get a teeter totter and within 3 days her dog (who had only been on a baby teeter in class a couple of times) had an "incident" and it took us 1 1/2 years to get the dog to attempt the teeter again!!!!!
Juniors can compete in any regular agility classes...some orgs. offer Jr classes specifically, on rare occasions, as unfortunately there just are not very many Jrs out competing! My daughter started agility when she was 11 years old (she is now 24) and competed against adults...and took blues more often than not!
Water on the course as obstacles? Never seen it in 14 years.
Go to www.cleanrun.com......lots of links for info....search for USDAA, CPE, NADAC, ASCA, DOCNA and you can find yahoo agility groups
Agility is GREAT fun!!!
2007-11-22 12:38:18 · answer #3 · answered by Marna O 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you dont have to be a part of the AKC to participate in agility.
try a local dog agility center and look for used equipment for sale or where you might find some. you can make the tunnles with a hollahoop and fabric, you can make the tedertoder aswell (spelling?)
i have not been to an agility competition where there was water. you enter the competion based on the breed of dog you have.
2007-11-22 12:07:02 · answer #4 · answered by louie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes there are agility competitions that are not AKC sanctioned. Agility equipment is usually not very affordable, but you can find plans on the net to build your own or find equipment on on ebay. I've not seen anything with water, except maybe a samll jump over water.
2007-11-22 12:50:06 · answer #5 · answered by Freckles... 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Congrats on working with your dog in this. You will have lots of fun..
Another website to check out is www.cleanrun.com
Run fast, Run clean
2007-11-22 12:41:41 · answer #6 · answered by berner mom 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋