Agility
We have no agility events planned at this time.
Agility is a growing dog sport in the United States, with over 1 million entries to the AKC’s program each year. Dogs race against a clock as they navigate an obstacle course with strong concentration and speed. Whether you just want to have fun exercising with your dog, or want to go further and enter an Agility competition, get ready for a fast-paced, rewarding experience that will get you and your dog in the best shape of your lives!
Learn more at AKC.
Levels of Agility Competition
There are three different levels of competition in agility:
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Novice: For the dog that is just starting in agility. There are 14 to 16 obstacles on this course. The focus of the Novice class is on performing the obstacles with minimal handling technique.
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Open: For the dog that has completed the Novice level. There are 16 to 18 obstacles on this course. The focus of the open class is on more difficult obstacle course performance with more handling skill required.
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Excellent / Master: For the dog that has completed the Open level. There are 18 to 20 obstacles on this course. The focus of the Excellent class is to provide the opportunity for dogs and handlers to demonstrate their superior skills in moving quickly and efficiently with close communication and teamwork through challenging agility courses. The Master level is the class where dog/ handler teams can earn the title, Master Agility Champion (MACH)/Preferred Agility Champion (PACH), from the Regular or Preferred Classes.
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Premier: An optional titling class as of 10/1/15. This class provides an opportunity for agility competitors to demonstrate different handling skills than those required for the Master Level Classes in Standard & Jumpers With Weaves. The Premier class focuses on handling the sequence or sequences of the day. Both Standard and JWW Premier courses will be Master level courses incorporating a number of elements that challenge the dog and handler in ways that are not seen on traditional AKC courses. These elements include sequences like threadles, back-side jumps, pull-throughs, layering, challenging weave pole entries, and longer running passes. One bi-directional jump or tunnel will be allowed to encourage handling strategies. Obstacle spacing on Premier courses may exceed the limits of those on Master courses. Premier courses will use the same obstacles as the corresponding Master course. At the judge’s discretion a viaduct may be used in place of the panel jump, there may be 3 tunnel passes and there will be no table. A Premier course will have 19 to 21 obstacles, 3 side switches, 4 Premier Elements and 5 Challenges. Courses will be judged using AKC Master scoring and hand signals.
Labrador Retrievers love agility, making this sport fun for both handler and dog. If you want to know more about it, email us and we can connect you with a club member who enjoys Agility.