Agility - what is it?
What agility is, what obstacles there are and what the rules look like can be read everywhere, which is why I would like to focus on other presentations here.
In short, in agility the dog must overcome obstacles of different types in a set sequence as quickly and as accurately as possible on a course. The dog handler may support him with signs or commands. In the end, only the dog's performance (time and any errors) counts. According to the regulations, due to its size, the Kerry has the lot of having to compete with Border Collies, Malinois, Tervueren, Australian Shepherds, etc. and starts in tournaments in the “large” class = 60 cm jumping height.
The special appeal of agility for me is that the dog and the handler cannot decide which equipment will be used and how the sequence will be prescribed. On the one hand, this depends on the performance class, but is always subject to the imagination and creativity of the performance judge. This means that every course is a new challenge, and that is what makes this dynamic sport so exciting.
Since there are no predictable processes, the dog and the handler have to be extremely concentrated and attentive during training and competition. Over time, they grow into a “well-rehearsed team” in which both partners recognize what the other is striving for. In the competition, the dog handler usually has 5 minutes to memorize the course during an inspection. He must choose the most economical and quick but also “safe” route possible, taking into account his own running ability and the level of training of his dog. You can see: Agility promotes leadership qualities, physical fitness, intellectual and cognitive skills as well as mental strength.
Fun factor
“AGILITY IS FUN” is a motto whose philosophy I only understood and internalized after a long time. Without neglecting the consistency in training, the focus of AGILITY is on fun - and primarily for the dog! If I can convey to our partner that he has done something right or well, he will always enthusiastically fulfill his role with all the dedication of which he is capable. I was always well advised to ignore my dog's mistakes and praise the completed task (correctly carried out exercise) emphatically to effusively. I also had to learn the hard thing about the “honey-sweet voice”…. and it paid off! By the way: It is always the dog handler who makes mistakes, not your dog!
Training
As already stated, the Kerry Blue Terrier's original purpose means it has good abilities for sporting activities. When I decided to start dog sports, my dog and I had no idea how many unsuitable clubs and unqualified “instructors” or “trainers” there were due to a lack of comparison options. My advice at this point: If possible, choose a club that only teaches this sport or where agility is valued the same as other areas of training. Avoid clubs that use coercive means other than praise and positive reinforcement. In this context, I like to quote the “leash jerk” that trainers gloss over!
Since, as mentioned, there is no “course” in agility, the training will initially be limited to getting to know the equipment separately. In contrast to jumping, not every dog immediately runs unconfidently over a footbridge, the A-wall, seesaw or even the slalom. Here the dog is gradually familiarized with the individual devices. Learning different guiding techniques to master the course economically takes time. Be patient with yourself! As your training progresses, you will notice that you have a completely new body feeling.
By the way: The wolfish heritage of perceiving environmental movements extremely sensitively in order to assign a clear meaning to them is used in AGI training. It is less the commands and more the “visual signals” that the dog reacts to. It's always surprising that dogs can see them even when they're running ahead. Body tension and clear body language are the secret of success!
