tips on agility please

[alanthedog]

Hi, is there any preference for agility, working or show and does your dog have to be KC registered. Although I am in the process of searching for a new cocker pup, my current cocker is a worker/show cross and isn't KC registered.

Also is there an age limit on when training can start (youngest and oldest), he is 15 months old.

Many thanks.

Lorraine x

[Sarah1985]

I only know the answers to sum of your questions but Im sure others will fill in the gaps.

 It generally isnt recomended take part in agility till the dogs are 1 year old and their joints can take it. However there are exercises you can teach a puppy that will come in useful for agility. For example, tunnels, running along side you (not under you), waits, sit stays, down stays, back end awareness exercises and directions. Just make sure you dont over do it and keep in to 10 mins sessions whilest they're young. You can also put in a bit of work socialising them to the compeition enviroment.

Workers or show cockers can take part. My workers love it. The guy I brought my second dog off said he's had several requests to breed dogs for agility and they are performing very well. There are a good number of show cockers at our agility class as well who are doing well.

I dont belive they have to be KC registered to compete but if its like flyball you do have to register as a competite but you do have to join the activities register

Good luck

[riotous_uk]

f you are going to compete at KC shows, then yes the dog will need to eb kc registered. However, if you didn't buy the dog with kc registrations, then you can put it on the kc activity register, my cross breeds are registered on there as well as hte rescue GSDs that don't have a pedigree (and I don't know the names of their parents). Your show/working cocker could be registered on that register and then be eligible to compete at kc shows.

[alanthedog]

That is a big help, thanks very much.

Do you know how old they have to be to start a training class, or does that depend on each individual class.

Thanks

Lorraine x

[Max X 2]

That is a big help, thanks very much.

Do you know how old they have to be to start a training class, or does that depend on each individual class.

Thanks

Lorraine x

Some clubs won't take dogs on until they are 12 months old, others have nursery type classes so start younger.
Dogs need to be 18 months before they can compete at KC shows, but some unaffilliated shows will have special classes on for younger dogs
If you look on agility net http://agilitynet.co.uk/clutch/clubs.htm they have lists of clubs if you want to start making enquiries