Agility was first introduced in the UK at Crufts in 1978. It was originally intended to provide entertainment between the standard breed and obedience segments of the show. Dogs navigate an obstacle course under the guidance of their handler, aiming for speed and accuracy. The sport requires teamwork and precision as handlers direct their dogs through a series of obstacles in a specific order. Each course is unique, with the sequence of obstacles designed to test the dog’s agility and the handler’s ability to guide their dog. Agility is open to dogs of all sizes, breeds and skill levels, and strengthens the relationship between a handler and their dog. It’s a great way to keep dogs healthy and mentally stimulated and is an exciting sport for both participants and spectators alike. Would you like to get started in agility? If so read on….
For dogs and Members who are new to agility (and also Hoopers – see https://idtc.co.uk/about-hoopers/), the Island Dog Training Club (the Club) offers Pre-Agility and Hoopers Foundation Classes at 7pm on Thursday evenings. The Classes (badged “A” for Agility and “H” for Hoopers) will be held on alternate Thursdays (A” one week and “H” the next) and are open to dogs from 10 months old. The Classes will be held in the IDTC Clubroom at Collings Road in St Peter Port. The A Classes are designed to introduce dogs and handlers to the skills needed for agility and will introduce the basic equipment in a safe and friendly environment. The Classes will also build on the very basic obedience skills that may have been covered in other classes as experience has shown that without these solid foundations our dogs are going to have little interest in jumps or tunnels! Skills taught will include wait, middle, recall, attention to name, hand touches, collar grab, spins and twist, leg weaves, toy drive and handling skills to navigate a course of agility obstacles at a basic level. Progression may be made from these Classes to those held at the Club’s outdoor venue at the at the Friquet Garden Centre. For further information or to book a place in the Classes (as numbers are limited) please use this link: Book a Course. If no courses are currently listed, please use the form on our Contact page to register interest.