AKC Dog Agility Training and Competitions Explained

The American Kennel Club (AKC) offers a fun and challenging way to exercise and engage your dog through its dog agility training and competitions.

Dog agility training is a physically and mentally stimulating activity that helps improve your dog's obedience, agility, and teamwork skills.

The AKC hosts dog agility competitions across the United States, where dogs and their handlers navigate obstacle courses to test their speed, agility, and teamwork.

These competitions are open to dogs of all breeds and sizes, making it an inclusive and exciting experience for dog owners and their pets.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes over 200 dog breeds, each with its unique characteristics and abilities. Some breeds, like the Border Collie, excel in agility due to their high energy levels and strong work ethic.

The Border Collie's intelligence and agility make them a popular choice for agility training, but other breeds like the Australian Shepherd and the Shetland Sheepdog also have a knack for the sport. These breeds are known for their quick reflexes and ability to navigate complex obstacle courses.

The AKC's dog agility program is designed to test a dog's speed, agility, and teamwork with its handler, and certain breeds are naturally better suited for the sport due to their physical and mental abilities.

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The Bluebonnet Poodle Club of Houston is involved in AKC Agility, which means they participate in dog agility competitions.

Entries for their events open on September 4, 2024.

The entry period closes on November 1, 2024.

On-site set up may begin as early as Friday at 7:45 am.

Crating areas are not available on Thursday.

The English Cocker Spaniel is a breed that excels in agility competitions.

Entries for agility events, such as the Lone Star English Cocker Spaniel Club AKC Agility, typically open several months in advance.

English Cocker Spaniels can begin setting up their equipment on site as early as Friday morning at 7:45 am.

The crating area is usually not available for use on the day before the event, so owners should plan accordingly.

The Staffordshire Terrier is a breed that excels in agility. They have a strong presence in the Staffordshire Terrier Club of America AKC Agility, where entries open on November 20, 2024.

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Their agility skills can be honed through practice and training. On-site set up for the event may begin as early as Friday at 7:45 am.

Staffordshire Terriers are known for their energy and athleticism. The crating area for the event is not available on Thursday, so owners should plan accordingly.

If you're interested in AKC dog agility, you should know that entries for some events open as early as November. Entries for the Conroe Agility Training Club AKC Agility, for example, opened on November 6, 2024.

The deadline to enter is January 3, 2025, so be sure to mark your calendars.

On-site set up may begin on Friday at 7:45 am, giving you a head start on preparing for the event.

If you're looking to take your agility skills to the next level, you'll want to consider an Agility Level 1-Level 2 Transition Class. This class is designed to build on the skills you've already learned in Agility Level 1, helping you and your dog make a smooth transition into Agility Level 2.

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The class will be tailored to your individual needs, with a focus on helping you and your dog progress at your own pace. This personalized approach can make a big difference in your training, especially if you're just starting out.

In an Agility Level 1-Level 2 Transition Class, you can expect to learn new skills and build on existing ones, all while receiving individualized attention and guidance from experienced instructors. This is a great opportunity to refine your techniques and get the most out of your agility training.

Whether you're looking to compete or simply have fun with your dog, an Agility Level 1-Level 2 Transition Class can help you achieve your goals. By building on the skills you've already learned, you'll be well on your way to becoming a more confident and capable agility handler.

If you're interested in agility training for your Pembroke Welsh Corgi, the Greater Houston Pembroke Welsh Corgi Fanciers is a great club to consider.

Entries for their AKC agility events open on September 18, 2024, and close on November 15, 2024.

You can start setting up on site as early as Friday at 7:45 am.

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The Houston Obedience Training Dog Club hosts AKC Agility events, and entries open on September 25th, 2024.

If you're planning to participate, be aware that entries close on November 22nd, 2024, so mark your calendars accordingly.

On-site set up may begin as early as Friday at 7:45 am, giving you a head start on preparing for the event.

Conroe Training is a great resource for dog owners who want to challenge their pets and strengthen their bond.

Entries for the Conroe Agility Training Club AKC Agility event open on November 6, 2024, and close on January 3, 2025.

If you're planning to attend, you can start setting up on site as early as Friday at 7:45 am.

The AKC Agility Invitational is a prestigious event that's open to top-performing dogs from over 200 AKC-recognized breeds and All-American Dogs.

The competition takes place annually in December in Orlando, Florida, and invites the top five dogs in each breed based on points earned during the qualification period, which runs from July of the prior year to June.

Dogs compete in five jump height divisions: 8”, 12”, 16”, 20”, and 24”. This allows for a fair competition among dogs of different sizes.

The competition consists of five rounds over two days, featuring a variety of classes, including Standard, Jumpers with Weaves, and Hybrid.

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If you're looking to improve your agility skills and bond with your dog, consider using a daily home challenge calendar like Agility 365. This calendar offers a full year of innovative, home-based agility tasks using everyday items.

Each challenge caters to handlers of all levels, from beginners to seasoned competitors, ensuring continuous learning and enjoyment. You can engage in fun and bonding exercises in any space, even in apartments.

Agility 365 is ideal for handlers in any living situation, as it doesn't require specialized equipment. This makes it accessible to anyone who wants to improve their agility skills and relationship with their dog.

The Dog Agility Training Blueprint can also be a valuable resource in your training journey. It includes checklists and time-saving resources that will help you prepare for agility sequences.

If you're feeling stressed about competing in dog sports, you're not alone. The AKC Agility Invitational is a high-pressure event that can be overwhelming for handlers.

The event welcomes pets from 200+ AKC-recognized breeds and All-American Dogs, the AKC's term for mixed breeds. This means you'll be competing against a diverse range of dogs, each with their unique skills and abilities.

To help you prepare, the AKC offers a written PDF calendar called Agility 365: Daily Home Challenges. This calendar provides a full year of daily home-based agility tasks using everyday items.

Each challenge is designed to develop physical agility skills, mental sharpness, effective handler-dog communication, and overall fitness. You can engage in these fun, bonding exercises in any space, from apartments to houses with yards.

The calendar is suitable for handlers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned competitors. Each written challenge caters to individual needs, ensuring continuous learning and enjoyment.

Here are some key features of the Agility 365 calendar:

If you're struggling with the pressures of dog sport competitions, consider taking a masterclass like "From Stress to Success in Dog Sports". This transformative journey will empower you to overcome mental and emotional challenges, helping you achieve success in dog sports.