| Dog agility is a fun and exciting sport in which dog and handler teams run through courses of obstacles. An early version of agility loosely based on equestrian jumping events first appeard at the 1978 Crufts Dog Show in England. Since then, agility has grown into an international sport.
Agility emphasizes teamwork. The handler directs the dog through a course of obstacles using a strategy that he or she thinks is best suited for his or her dog; the dog performs the obstacles in the order and direction determined by the handler.
Agility is enjoyed by people of all ages and by all kinds of dogs. Many organizations allow mixed-breed as well as pure-breed dogs. Regardless of breed, participating dogs need to be fit and healthy to meet the athletic challenges of agility. Agility organizations also have junior handler programs for kids, as well as programs for veteran dogs and senior handlers.
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