Agility, where a dog demonstrates its versatility in negotiating a variety of obstacles, is simply one of the most enjoyable activities for dogs. It allows them to race as fast as they can, leap through the air with abandon and climb to the highest peak - to exercise many of the activities they love to do - in a competitive atmosphere. Working with its handler, a dog races through an obstacle course designed to showcase these natural attributes. This fast growing sport is fun and exciting for participants and spectators alike.

Success in Agility requires proper training, patience and, most of all, teamwork. Between a course's designated start and finish lines, a dog/handler team races against the clock. The dog is expected to climb an A-Frame, teeter-totter over a seesaw, soar over jumps, leap through tires, scurry through tunnels, weave through poles and pause on a table - all with its handler urging it on, using hand signals while running ahead setting the pace. There are different height categories so each dog is tested fairly on the course.

Below are some obstacles found in a typical Agility course that a dog/handler team must conquer. The sequence and number of obstacles will vary from competitive trial to competitive trial.

Open Tunnel Objective: The dog runs at full speed to the entrance of the tunnel from any angle and exits quickly. Because this is one of the easiest obstacles to master, it's a good place to begin.

Closed Tunnel Objective: The dog runs at full speed to the closed tunnel entrance from any angle, pushes through the chute quickly without veering or jumping upward, and exits straight ahead.

Weave Poles Objective: The dog enters to the right of the first pole at top speed and from any angle. With its head focused straight ahead, the dog weaves through each pole at lightning speed, hugging the center line as closely as possible.

Dog Walk Objective: The dog approaches the dog walk squarely and quickly, touching the upside contact zone. The dog races across the top plank and immediately runs to the bottom, touching the downside contact zone.

Seesaw Objective: The dog squarely approaches the seesaw and touches the upside contact zone. The dog moves swiftly to the end of the plank, hesitating slightly at the pivot point, touches the downside contact zone, and exits after the plank has touched the ground.

Tire Jump Objective: The dog soars quickly and cleanly through the tire opening from any reasonable angle. (This jump is unique in that the dog must jump through, rather than over, the obstacle.)