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Safety Guidelines for Trialing and Training in Agility
Safety and the risks in agility
Agility is a popular sport and you should read the safety guidelines for safe participation in this exciting activity with your dog.
The information on this page has been taken directly from the Agility Safety Guidelines prepared by the Agility Advisory Committee on behalf of the South Australian Canine Association Inc.
Work your dog according to its experience and ability.
If a course looks too tight, too difficult, too high, etc, do not work that course. It is your choice to continue training or competing. You and your dog's safety should always be the most important consideration.
If your dog is diagnosed with problems such as spinal spondylitis, arthritis, heart problems, etc do not exacerbate the condition by continuing training. Your dog's fitness is important so talk with your vet about your level of participation in agility so you can make an informed decision.
Safety is everyone's concern. Everyone who participates in agility should be vigilant for possible safety hazards and concerns. A diligent approach to safety, and observing these safety guidelines, can reduce the injury and keep agility a fun and healthy sport.
Club and Instructor Responsibility
Agility is a popular sport and you should read the safety guidelines for safe participation in this exciting activity with your dog.
The information on this page has been taken directly from the Agility Safety Guidelines prepared by the Agility Advisory Committee on behalf of the South Australian Canine Association Inc.
Work your dog according to its experience and ability.
If a course looks too tight, too difficult, too high, etc, do not work that course. It is your choice to continue training or competing. You and your dog's safety should always be the most important consideration.
If your dog is diagnosed with problems such as spinal spondylitis, arthritis, heart problems, etc do not exacerbate the condition by continuing training. Your dog's fitness is important so talk with your vet about your level of participation in agility so you can make an informed decision.
Safety is everyone's concern. Everyone who participates in agility should be vigilant for possible safety hazards and concerns. A diligent approach to safety, and observing these safety guidelines, can reduce the injury and keep agility a fun and healthy sport.
Club and Instructor Responsibility
| n |
to keep training grounds in good order; eg. grass mown to avoid unkempt grass becoming slippery or causing a tripping hazard |
| n |
to make sure equipment meets current standards and is maintained at this level |
| n |
to make sure all members training in agility receive a copy and training in these guidelines |
| n |
adopt a hot weather policy for trialing and training |
| n |
instructors are to actively promote safety guidelines as part of their instruction |
| n |
to make sure that instruction given to handlers is up-to-date, and allow handlers and dogs to safely progress to each level in agility |
| n |
to act on any safety concern brought to their attention |
Handler responsibilities
You are responsible for whether you and your dog can safely complete a sequence or course at training or a trial.
You are responsible for whether you and your dog can safely complete a sequence or course at training or a trial.
| n |
to be aware of the Agility Safety Guidelines and report any safety concern to the judge, trial manager or instructor so action can be taken to rectify or alleviate the problem. |
Judge responsibilities
| n |
make sure the course is set to the ANKC agility judge's guidelines. |
| n |
be prepared to adjust the course if the conditions (weather, grounds) warrant it. |
Competitors
Clothing & Sun Protection
Consider the clothing you wear to train and trial in. It should not be restrictive, for freedom of movement when running the course.
Normal sun procedures apply at all times for handlers and dogs; e.g. clothing, sunscreen and adequate shade when not competing or training.
Suitable footwear is essential. Non-slip, soled running shoes or boots should be worn for maximum grip, appropriate to the surface and conditions.
Fluid and Alcohol Consumption
Agility requires split second decisions that require the handler to navigate obstacles quickly when guiding their dog around the course.
No alcohol should be consumed while training or trialing. As a guide, treat running the course as you would driving a car.
Alcohol also contributes to dehydration and should not be consumed in place of water in hot weather. Make sure you drink adequate amounts of water, or approptiate liquids, at all times.
Fitness and Health
A reasonable level of fitness is required to compete or train in agility. If you are not sure if your health allows you to train or compete in agility you should consult your doctor.
Handlers with reduced levels of fitness can learn techniques to reduce physical stress and get your dog through the course safely.
Warming up
To minimise injury, handlers should warm up before training or trialing. A suitable warm up should consist of jogging or a brisk walk to warm up you and your dog's muscles. Follow this with some stretches.
Pregnancy
Agility puts a high physical and mental demand on handlers, and pregnant women should advise their doctor of their participation in agility. This way, handlers can make an informed decision about what level of participation is suitable throughout hte pregnancy.
Consider the clothing you wear to train and trial in. It should not be restrictive, for freedom of movement when running the course.
Normal sun procedures apply at all times for handlers and dogs; e.g. clothing, sunscreen and adequate shade when not competing or training.
Suitable footwear is essential. Non-slip, soled running shoes or boots should be worn for maximum grip, appropriate to the surface and conditions.
Fluid and Alcohol Consumption
Agility requires split second decisions that require the handler to navigate obstacles quickly when guiding their dog around the course.
No alcohol should be consumed while training or trialing. As a guide, treat running the course as you would driving a car.
Alcohol also contributes to dehydration and should not be consumed in place of water in hot weather. Make sure you drink adequate amounts of water, or approptiate liquids, at all times.
Fitness and Health
A reasonable level of fitness is required to compete or train in agility. If you are not sure if your health allows you to train or compete in agility you should consult your doctor.
Handlers with reduced levels of fitness can learn techniques to reduce physical stress and get your dog through the course safely.
Warming up
To minimise injury, handlers should warm up before training or trialing. A suitable warm up should consist of jogging or a brisk walk to warm up you and your dog's muscles. Follow this with some stretches.
Pregnancy
Agility puts a high physical and mental demand on handlers, and pregnant women should advise their doctor of their participation in agility. This way, handlers can make an informed decision about what level of participation is suitable throughout hte pregnancy.
Dogs
Your Dog's Suitability
Agility requires your dog to be agile, and to run and jump in a high energy environment.
It is the handler's responsibility to make sure their dog is a suitable weight, fitness and age to train and compete without undue stress.
If you are not sure of the suitability of your dog's fitness consult your vet.
When thinking of starting in agility, consider your dog's health and wellbeing, and consider the demands put on your dog in training and trialing.
Start with the beginners class at Para District Obedience Dog Club on Friday nights, and see how you go.
Shade and Water
Dogs are often on the grounds for many hours during trialing and training so it is important to be prepared.
You should provide adequate shade, shelter and water to look afer their wellbeing.
Grooming
Your dog's nails should be kept trimmed, and the feathering between the toes and pads should be clipped so your dog has maximum grip on agility equipment and the ground.
Collars
You can decide whether to run with or without a collare.
If you choose to use a collar, make sure it is suitable and fitted correctly. A good example is a fixed collar with room for two fingers between the collar and the dog.
A slip collar or other tightening type collars are not permitted in competition and should not be used in training. These collars can catch on equipment when negotiating equipment and cause injury.
Agility requires your dog to be agile, and to run and jump in a high energy environment.
It is the handler's responsibility to make sure their dog is a suitable weight, fitness and age to train and compete without undue stress.
If you are not sure of the suitability of your dog's fitness consult your vet.
When thinking of starting in agility, consider your dog's health and wellbeing, and consider the demands put on your dog in training and trialing.
Start with the beginners class at Para District Obedience Dog Club on Friday nights, and see how you go.
Shade and Water
Dogs are often on the grounds for many hours during trialing and training so it is important to be prepared.
You should provide adequate shade, shelter and water to look afer their wellbeing.
Grooming
Your dog's nails should be kept trimmed, and the feathering between the toes and pads should be clipped so your dog has maximum grip on agility equipment and the ground.
Collars
You can decide whether to run with or without a collare.
If you choose to use a collar, make sure it is suitable and fitted correctly. A good example is a fixed collar with room for two fingers between the collar and the dog.
A slip collar or other tightening type collars are not permitted in competition and should not be used in training. These collars can catch on equipment when negotiating equipment and cause injury.