All beginner
handlers are asked to participate in
a simple assessment to determine how
much control the handler has over
their dog. Dogs new to agility get
terribly excited and can spend a lot
of time running off to see other
dogs, or trying to engage other dogs
in play, or simply running around in
pure excitement due to what is going
on. All those behaviours are
acceptable and understandable so the
aim of the assessment is to gain an
understanding of the relationship
between the handler and dog and
determine how much control the
handler has and how quickly they can
establish or regain control when the
dog runs off.The assessment
starts with a quick warm up where
the handler is asked to walk forward
and make left, right and about
turns. The assessor is looking for
evidence that there is a connection
between the dog and handler, a dog
intent on sniffing the ground or
pulling in various directions may be
an indication of poor control.
First exercise is a wait in a sit
whilst the handler walks round the
dog in a circle. If the dog ignores
the wait /stay command and takes the
opportunity to explore its’
surroundings not responding to a
recall command then the dog may not
have enough control at this point
for agility.
Second exercise is a wait command
with the dog in a down position, if
the dog is unable to lay down then
the test will be carried out in a
sit position. The handler makes a
wider circle to place the dog under
additional pressure and again to see
if the dog breaks the exercise. The
assessor is again looking for the
handlers’ ability to regain control
of the dog. If the handler fails to
do so then they will be asked to
work on these areas and return for a
further assessment in 6 - 10 weeks
time.
If the dog has passed the wait
exercises they move on to the third
exercise which is a recall exercise
to establish how quickly the dog
will return to the owner.
Fourth exercise is to create some
excitement for the dog by the
assessor engaging the dog in play to
see how quickly the handler can
recall and regain control of their
dogs in an excited situation.
If the handlers are unable to
demonstrate sufficient control they
will be offered advice on techniques
and offered the opportunity to make
contact with the control side of the
club, where further advice and
training can be offered.
Dogs with some experience
Dogs that have previously had
experience of agility will be
assessed within the class. They will
be asked to undertake sequences of
obstacles to look at technique,
control and ability and will be
placed in a class that can meet
whatever needs are identified.
Finally the assessment is also the
opportunity for the handler to see
the class in action, and ask any
questions and determine the
expectations of the trainer and what
is hoped they will achieve during
the course.
