Big Island Dog Agility Competition

What is dog agility?

It is a competitive sport in which each dog and handler team runs an obstacle course together for the fastest, cleanest run. The dog runs the obstacles and the handler guides the dog through the course, a different course each time.

Honey Girl finishing with a clean run and receives a “Q”

A “Q” is a clean run within the time allowed. A dog must “Q” in order to place. So, beside the “Q” ribbon, there is a ribbon for 1st place, 2nd place, and 3rd place.

Check those ribbons out!

The blue rosettes represent a “Q” (clean run), blue ribbon is 1st place, red ribbon is 2nd place, and yellow ribbon is 3rd place. Honey Girl was mostly “Q,” 2nd place that day.

This is a great sport that is gaining popularity across the U.S., and it is also a wonderful way to bond with your dog. I first learned about this sport after completing obedience training at Paws University.

Gail Sansone was our instructor and she encouraged us to pursue the sport. Honey Girl is incredibly smart with a long memory, which is not that usual for animals. She is also so fast that this old gal has a heck of a time keeping up. In fact, for some of our trials (because of a knee injury) I had a junior handler run Honey Girl. It was great to see her listen, follow, and respond to another.

Gale Sansone was one of the founding member of the Big Island Agility (BIA), and played a big part in my desire to become involved not only in sport but in the club as well. I have been on the board of directors for years and also host the Hospitality Table. If you are here locally, our next event is a Fun Run scheduled for February 13, 2011, 8 a.m. to approx. 1 p.m. at Paws University Field.

The courses will be set according to the North American Dog Agility Council (NADAC) standards. BIA usually scheduled Fun Runs prior to trials so the dogs become familiar once again with the competition and the spectators. Our next trial will be a NADAC venue on February 26/27/2011. Amanda Nelson, EGC, CD, of Kingston, ID will be our NADAC judge. I invite all of you to come and experience this wonderful sport…just leave your dogs at home.

You are welcome to contact me, the Big Island Agility, or Paws University for more information. And now that I am blogging, I promise to have better pictures next time!

Run fast and run clean!