The Rainier Agility Team Website

What is Dog Agility?

Rainier Agility TeamJumping Jinks

          Dog agility is a competitive sport loosely based on equestrian jumping events. However, instead of riding on top the human has to run as well!
          The handler directs the dog through a variety of jumps, tunnels, weave poles, bridges, teeter-totters and other equipment laid out in a set course by a judge. The judge watches the dog/handler team for faults -- such as knocking down a jump bar or going off course -- and an offcial timer keeps track of the dog's time. Handlers are aiming for a clean, smooth run and a qualifying leg towards a title.
          Several national organizations sanction the sport. These include the United States Dog Agility Association, the North American Dog Agility Council, the Australian Shepherd Club of America, and the American Kennel Club.
          Jump heights vary depending on the height of the dog at the withers, so a wide variety of breeds compete. Rainier Agility Team (RAT) members participate in agility with Shetland Sheepdogs ("shelties"), Border Collies, Corgis, Whippets, Border Terriers, Australian Shepherds, Samoyeds and many other breeds and mixed breeds of dogs.
          There are some very fast dogs, but although the runs are timed the emphasis is on accuracy. It is fast-paced and exciting, and is hard to beat as a spectator sport. RAT trials are open to the public, and spectators are encouraged to bring their families to these free events. However, only pre-registered dog/handler pairs may compete. (Bringing dogs along just to watch may not be a great idea. It would be a little like taking kids to a playground where they don't get to join in.)
          Opportunities to watch the sport abound. RAT holds four two-day trials each year, in February, April, July and September, at various sites around the Puget Sound region. The action generally gets going by 8 am, then winds down by 5 or 6 pm each day.
          Come see what it's all about!
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