Agility is a dog sport that was first developed in 1978 for the half time show at an equestrian show jumping event. The Agility Association of Canada (AAC) was founded in 1988, bringing the sport to Canada.

In a standard course, a dog and its handler negotiate a course consisting of jumps, tunnels, pause table, weave poles, A-Frame, Dog Walk and a Teeter Totter. The course is timed and judged on accuracy and speed. There are also two games in which the dog and handler team seek to accumulate as many points as possible, called "Gamblers" and "Snooker." "Jumpers" is a game which mimics the equestrian show jumping with jumps and tunnels only and is judged on speed and accuracy. "Team Relay" is where two dog/handler teams try to complete a course accurately and quickly, each doing half of the course.

AAC allows all dogs, regardless of pedigree, size and age, to participate in agility, provided they are 18 months of age or older, are physically sound and are not aggressive. Crossbreeds are called "All Canadian" and are eligible for competition and titles. Dogs may achieve titles in Starters, Advanced, Masters and ultimately earn a Championship title.

The heights of the equipment and the course time are determined by the height, build and age of the dog. Dogs over the age of 7 years of age may compete in "Veterans" with jumps at a lower height and a longer course time. "Specials" is for dogs whose physical build necessitates a lower jump height for safety.

At NADA, Inc. we offer a Puppy class to members’ puppies. In this class, puppies are introduced to some foundation skills, including familiarization with some safe pre-agility obstacles, learn how to play, obedience and some socialization. This class is designed to socialize the puppies and give them some basics for agility and flyball in a safe and fun manner for their growing bodies and minds.

At NADA, Inc., we also offer the following classes for adults and their adult dogs (dogs one year or older). The Pre-Agility class, which is the requisite course for Beginners, exposes dogs to pre-agility obstacles (like planks and wobble boards to improve confidence, and other exercises for rear-awareness). Pre-Agility also focuses on some basic obedience and the foundation handling techniques for the dog/handler team. All dogs new to agility must start with our Pre-Agility class, and pass with a skills assessment mark of 75% to pass to Beginners.

In Beginners, dogs learn how to do all of the pieces of equipment in a fun and safe manner, independent of the handler (off-leash and without the handler’s interference). By the end of the 8-week course, beginner dogs should be able to safely perform all agility equipment all four ways (on the handler’s left side, right side, recalling over the equipment and sending away from the handler over the equipment). Some exceptions apply for safety reasons at this point (like sending all the way over the dog-walk), and the dog might not have fully learned the weave poles at this point. Again, the skills are assessed and attainment of 75% or higher is required prior to enrolment in Intermediate 1.

In our Intermediate 1 class, the handlers and dogs learn how to identify lines and start sequencing (putting obstacles together. Handlers learn how to handle straight, curved, 180-degree lines and practice applying the front, rear, static and blind crosses and pivot and push turns. The dogs also become more proficient at doing the equipment and Floors are proofed, and weave pole performance is solidified. Again, the dog and handlings skills are assessed during the last class and attainment of 75% or higher is required prior to enrolment in Intermediate 2.

In our Intermediate 2 class, the handler/dog team refine their handling skills are start running multiple lines. Distance and obstacle discrimination is added. By this point, the dog/handler team should be ready for competition. There are no skills assessment done for this class.

We have an Advanced class once a year, just prior to our AAC-Sanctioned Trial. In this class, handlers and dog teams work together to handle more complex and challenging sequences, and learn the formal rules of AAC for the Standard runs and the Games (Jumpers, Snooker, Gamblers, Team Relay and Steeplechase).



Why Do Agility?

Agility is a fun, safe sport emphasizing the relationship between owner    and dog

You develop a closer bond with your dog

You improve the communication and understanding between human and    dog

You get a more obedient dog

Agility is fun exercise for the dog and you.