Finding the Right Dog Agility Organization
Dog agility competition has been growing in popularity since its introduction in Great Britain in the late 1970s. This non-regimented, fun sport is a spectator favorite with dogs running through a challenging course complete with jumps, tunnels and other obstacles in a timed race. It is a great bonding experience for the dog and handler, but it is very important for beginners to realize that this is not a self taught activity. A tremendous amount of dedication and intense training goes into getting your dog competition ready.
Once you have made the decision to begin agility training with your dog, you will need to familiarize yourself with the major organizations that are largely responsible for policing the sport. Each of these organizations has their own regulations and their own titles, and points and titles cannot be carried from one to another.
USDAA (United States Dog Agility Association)
The largest of the dog agility organizations, the USDAA is mainly responsible for the agility standards that are used in the sport around the world today. While the obstacles used by the USDAA are more difficult compared to other organizations, they do allow both pure breeds and mixed breeds to compete and earn titles.
AKC (American Kennel Club)
The AKC allows only pure breed dogs to compete. As with all organizations, your dog must be registered with the AKC in order to get a competition registration number known as an ILP Number. If you don't have registration papers for your dog, you can still register with the AKC provided it can be proven that your pet is indeed a pure breed. The obstacles have a medium degree of difficulty, making the AKC a good "middle of the road" organization.
NADAC (North American Dog Agility Council)
With about fifty member clubs around the United States, NADAC is known for a lower degree of difficulty with fewer obstacles and less stringent jump requirements. In order to compete, NADAC requires that dogs (both mixed and pure breeds) be at least eighteen months of age.
UKC (United Kennel Club)
Known for a higher degree of precision and control, the UKC tempers those requirements with lower height and speed requirements. It is a great organization for beginners as the philosophy on which it was founded makes dog agility accessible to all dogs regardless of breed or physical abilities. There are fewer UKC events available, and finding them may be a challenge in some areas of the country. Talk to a representative of your local 4-H chapter. In some areas, they use UKC standards for their own competitions.
Regardless of which organization you choose, you will find that the dog agility community is a very close and tight-knit family that you will be a part of for years to come.
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