Whether you’ve got an agile working breed or a rescued mutt with a mind of their own, dog agility is an increasingly inclusive sport, offering a fun way to bond with your pet and other dog lovers

At the pinnacle of the sport, dog agility is incredible to watch, as border collies with lightning reflexes soar over obstacles, zoom through tunnels and weave between poles, while hardly seeming to touch the ground. But away from the world-famous show ring at Crufts, it’s an inclusive activity, with training classes to suit all levels, ages and abilities. At a grassroots level, agility is about having fun with your dog and meeting other like-minded people. So, whether you’ve got a poodle or a pinscher, husky or hound, or maybe even a mixed-breed rescue, you should find something to suit you. And, if you’re not a dog owner, volunteers are often needed, too.

Growing pastime

Agility is a relatively young sport. It was first introduced in the UK in 1978 at Crufts, the international dog show, when a dog trainer was invited to put on an exhibition to entertain the audience and demonstrate what dogs are capable of. The following year, it became a competitive event and, in 1980, the UK Kennel Club adopted the first official rules and held events. The sport spread to the US after an American obedience trainer saw it while attending Crufts in 1985, and it’s now popular with pet owners around the world, with a large following in Australia, Finland, Norway and Canada. There are plenty of clubs that welcome beginners and offer training classes, where the emphasis is on fun.