Bedlingtons
are very agile dogs. They were originally bred to hunt and to hunt
they must be fast in the chase. They were definitely built for speed
and are the fastest of all terriers. This is a sport where you and
your dog must be in tune with each other. You no longer are a "DOG"
and a "PERSON"....you are a "TEAM". It also
builds confidence in dogs that otherwise might be shy or standoffish.
This takes training and paitence, but the dogs really love it!
There are different obstacles......teeter-totter,
dog walk, jumps, weaves, tunnels, etc.. Each level has a different degree of difficulty involved
with more turns and traps.
AKC Rules state purpose...........
The purpose of AKC agility trials is afford owners
the oppurtunity to demonstrate a dog's willingness to work with its handler under a variety of
conditions. The program begins with basic entry-level agility, and progresses to more complex levels
that require dogs to demonstrate higher levels of training and interaction with their handlers.
Agility results in a better rounded, better conditioned
dog, provides good basic training for search and rescue dogs, demonstrates good training and citizenship
and has excellent spectator appeal.
Agility trails are sporting events and all participants
should be guided by the principles of good sportsmansip both in and outside the trial course.
If you think you might like to give agility a try go
to AKC and search Performance Events.
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