Find an agility activity suited to your pet
Agility is an activity based on completing a course made up of different obstacles. It combines physical activity, learning and communication between the animal and its handler. Sessions can provide an introduction to the activity, help develop different skills or support regular practice with professional guidance.
What is agility?
An agility course can include different obstacles to complete or navigate in a specific order. The handler guides the animal through the course using cues, movement and skills developed during training sessions.
The activity can be introduced progressively. A beginner may start by becoming familiar with individual exercises before combining several elements into a more complete course.
Which animals can take part in agility?
Agility is best known as a dog activity, but agility-inspired activities may also be offered for other animals. Possibilities depend on the professional, the animal concerned and the type of course or exercises offered.
Before booking a session, tell the professional your animal’s species, age, experience and habits. They can explain whether the activity offered is suitable for your situation and how an introductory session can be organized.
What happens during a first agility session?
The format depends on the professional and the animal’s level. A first session may provide an opportunity to meet, discover the environment and progressively introduce a few exercises or obstacles.
The professional may also explain the cues used, how to guide the animal and the different stages involved in progressing. You can ask whether any particular preparation or equipment is required before the session.
Getting started and progressing in agility
To get started, the animal does not need to know how to complete an entire course. Learning can begin with simple exercises and progress gradually according to experience, understanding and confidence.
Session frequency, exercises and objectives may vary depending on whether you are looking for a recreational activity, a one-off introduction or more regular practice. The professional can explain the different options available.
How to choose an agility professional
Review information about the activities offered, animals accepted, session levels and organization. You can also check whether activities are individual or group-based, where they take place and what type of course is offered.
During the first contact, introduce your animal and explain what you are looking for. Its age, experience, habits and your objective can help the professional suggest the type of session that best matches your situation.
Adapt agility to the animal’s abilities
Exercises and obstacles should be adapted to the animal’s abilities and experience level. The intensity, duration and difficulty of a session may therefore vary from one animal to another.
If your animal has a health problem, pain, an injury or if you are unsure about its ability to take part in physical activity, ask your veterinarian for advice before starting.
Find an agility activity near you
Prousty & Co allows you to search for professionals offering agility activities according to your location. Use the available filters to refine your search by country, region, city or postal code.
Then review the information available about each professional before contacting them to learn about the activities offered, session arrangements and availability.