Agility

Agility is a very positive and fast moving sport, and most Salukis respond to it. The basic elements of agility - running, jumping, and climbing - are tailor made for this athletic breed. You will find no "corrections" in this activity; motivation, praise, and short, positive sessions are a must. And the rewards are vast. It's great exercise, demanding a high level of fitness of both Saluki and handler. The directional commands and off lead control taught in agility classes can come in handy in many real life situations.  

If you can get access to the equipment, and have lots of patience and a sense of humour, agility can offer you and your Saluki an incredible experience built on teamwork, trust, and cooperation.

There are several agility organizations in North America, the major players being the American Kennel Club, the United States Dog Agility Association (USDAA) and the North American Dog Agility Council (NADAC).

Titles range from Novice to Masters. Roughly modeled after equestrian competitions, a typical agility course consists of about 15 varied obstacles. The event is timed, and few if any faults are allowed. Obstacles include single jumps, triple jumps, oxers, weave poles, chutes, A-frames, high catwalks and for good measure, a teeter-totter.

Along with open field, and to a lesser degree lure coursing, agility is a sport that requires dogs to do high-octane work off lead and in close quarters with other loose dogs, often in the midst of quite frenzied activity. To go through the training classes and gain an agility title implies that a hound is stable in personality, well-socialized, and not aggressive to other dogs.

Recently introduced to North America from its European origins, agility is the fastest growing of the dog sports. At its pinnacle, it is cutting edge, demanding extremely sharp verbal and body language communication with your Saluki, and because of the mental challenge for both team members, an agility title is considered one of the hardest to acquire. Although classes are springing up everywhere, be careful to take your training under experienced instructors using the latest techniques, who keep safe technique their priority. As breeds are motivated differently, you will want to train with someone who can work with the Saluki's desire to chase. Operant conditioning will play a big part in your routine, as you watch your Saluki fly out of the chute and follow the airborne toy ahead of him. Training techniques are evolving rapidly and you should take advantage of the very best resources.

As you progress in the sport, you will find yourself in your dog's mind, cues from you coming at the time the dog is thinking about the next obstacle, not when he is already on it. You will be surprised at the finesse you will develop. Some experienced enthusiasts say that we have to speed up our thinking to match the dog. A challenge, to be sure.

When you work with a breed as intuitive as the Saluki, agility offers the ultimate team building experience between handler and hound. Most of all, your Saluki will absolutely thrive on the jazz and stimulation that agility offers.

Materials are from: http://www.salukiclub.org/

Copyright © 2003-2011. All rights reserved.