Agility is a sport that dogs and their handlers compete in together as a team. The object is to run the obstacle course in the least amount of time. The obstacles are:

• Jumps - these are like dog hurdles.
• Tunnel - is a flexible tube the dog goes through.
• Teeter-totter - is a see-saw that dogs go up one side and down the other.
• Dog-walk - It is an obstacle like a balance beam for dogs.
• Chute - has an open entrance like the tunnel, but a closed exit made of parachute material.
• Pause Table - is a small square table that the dogs have to lay down on for a count of five
• Tire Jump - is an obstacle like a hoop suspended in the air, and the dog must jump through

I've been working with my dog, Radar, for three years in agility.

by Aaron Heskett, age 12, 1997

*Advisors Note: Several Canine Chaos members have been involved in the Power Paws Agility 4-H Club for the last two years. The club members are Aaron, Ryan, Morgan , Marissa, Franny, Kristie, Debbie and Emily, and they are led by the great team of advisors, Karen and Marilyn. It has been proposed at the State level, but as yet agility has not been officially recognized as a regular 4-H project in Ohio yet. (Please let me know if it is in your state, we would like to hear.) Once again, since we have such a hard working and innovative group of kids here in Clark County, they formed their own agility club, and all Power Paws 4-Hers take this project as a self determined project. This year, they have been working their dogs weekly since February, and given many demonstrations in the area, at events such as the Girl Scout Jamboree, the Humane Society Dogwalk fundraiser, and at 4-H dog events. Several Power Paws also compete in USDAA (US Dog Agility Assn.) both in regular agility and in the Junior Handler program. Both the kids and dogs have greatly enjoyed this program, and it is a real crowd pleaser when they do demonstrations. Keep up the good work, Power Paws!!

***Advisors 2nd note: Hot off the presses on July 7, the news flash is that our county 4-H agent has volunteered our Clark County agility program to serve as a pilot project for Ohio in 1998! Exciting news, and a well earned recognition of this special 4-H club!

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Agility Animation courtesy of Brandy's Website Service and Dog Agility K9 Kartoons!