Agility is where a handler directs a dog around an obstacle course in a race for time and accuracy. The course is set out in an arena approximately 100 x 100 feet square and consists of hurdles, tunnels and feature obstacles such as weave poles, dog walk, A-frame and see-saw. There are two types of basic course, Agility (that includes the feature obstacles) and Jumping (only hurdles, with option of tunnels and weaves). Competitions are graded depending upon the experience of the dog and/or handler. In recent years, many Agility clubs have begun to run leagues and shows independently of Kennel Club Rules. This has helped to increase the accessibility of the sport to many more people.

To find out more go to:

Agilitynet

Kennel Club Agility

Flyball is a race between two teams of four dogs running up a lane 51 feet in length.The dog goes over four jumps, presses a 'flyball box' which ejects a tennis ball and runs back over the jumps to the start/finish line. Then the second dog takes its turn, and so on until all 4 dogs have finished. Each race consists of up to five legs. Best of five wins the race. Most competitions are held with teams competing in round-robin divisions. Dogs of all sizes can take part as jump heights are set between 7 - 14 inches high. Whilst most dogs will complete their run in around 5 - 6 seconds, many of the top division dogs will run between 3.5 and 4.5 seconds. Yes that’s 102 feet in 3.5 seconds!

To find out more go to:

British Flyball Association

UK Flyball League