A dog agility contest in Cork: a great event for pet and owner!

Yeah, I know. Autumn’s knocking at the door.

The swallows – or what’s left of them, these days – are lining up on the telephone poles in preparation for their exodus to Africa, the apple trees are creaking under the weight of what looks like an excellent crop, and for some of us, our minds are turning to night classes.

But here’s a thought. A few thoughts, actually, on autumn and what we might consider doing with it.

You might have attended the classes on spreadsheets, or baking, or practical philosophy. You may have tried the basic gardening and the Spanish, not to mention the digital photography and even the sewing and whatnot.

But your dog still won’t do a thing you tell it!

Here’s the thing. Driving past my neighbour’s house, I noticed the garden was full of stuff – plastic tunnels, miniature horse-jumps of all kinds, see-saws, hoops, an A-frame, and two rows of long coloured poles, which I discovered afterwards are known as weaving poles or a slalom.

Some of it was professionally produced, some of it was homemade.

I asked her about it. Turns out she and her pet are involved in a dog agility club.

I’d never heard of dog agility, which is a sport in which the owner directs his or her pet through an obstacle course in a race against time. It’s all about time and accuracy.

The dogs run free, there’s no lead, and you don’t get to bribe them with food-treats or toys.

The dog-handler/owner cannot touch either the animal or the various obstacles it must learn to navigate, which means that this is all about control through your voice, movement, and body signals.

For the dog, it requires a high level of training, and good co-ordination skills (not to say the use of plenty of patience and discipline) on the handler’s behalf.

Agility training combines mental simulation and physical exercise. And, as my neighbour explained, that mental stimulation and physical exercise and the benefits that accrue from it don’t apply just for the dog – they apply for the owner too.

You’ll find yourself getting physically fitter, according to my neighbour, who ran alongside her dog through the garden, using only her voice and arm signals to direct the animal.

Despite the fact that the dog has only been training for 18 months or so, she was impressive, leaping jumps in perfect order, whizzing through the tunnel, and jumping through hoops on command.

On the ball, by God.

“It gets you outside in the fresh air. You put on a jacket and get out there and do it with the dog. It’s also very good for your brain because you lay out your own course and plan a specific programme of exercises for your dog to do,” said my neighbour.

“You have to plan it and then remember where the dog has to go next, which can get complicated as you make the courses more difficult.”

Of course, not only does the sport improve the dog’s fitness, but it nurtures an extra bond, a stronger connection, and a greater sense of teamwork between the owner and the animal.

Turns out my neighbour is a member of the WestCork4Agility club, which helps owners train their dogs to do all of this … and most importantly, to follow instructions!

Set up two or three years ago, the club (HQ is in Barryroe) caters for almost every breed from collies and cocker spaniels to lurchers and labradors. It’s the first official club of its kind in West Cork and it’s launching an autumn campaign to increase awareness of the dog agility sport in Munster.

Dog agility is a recognised sport under the Irish Kennel Club, which describes it as a “fast-paced, exciting team sport for you and your dog”.

My neighbour explained: “The dog learns your commands, but also learns to operate independently, while at the same time the bond between you and your pet improves. It’s very good for the dog’s brain because they have to think things through as well.

“Dog agility training is basically like a kind of horse-show for dogs!”

Members have access to courses, classes and competitions – so there’s a good social element as a result of the classes and competitions, which take place regularly throughout the year.

“I work from home and, for me, getting out with my dog and participating in events, means meeting people and making new friends,” said my neighbour.

“On top of all of this, the exercises have also been of noticeable benefit to my dog – she is more obedient and more engaged and is now constantly doing new things.

In a few days’ time, the club will hold a Dog Agility Competition at Clonakilty Showgrounds - on August 23 and 24. Previous events have attracted participants from all over Munster and Ireland.

The Irish Kennel Club recognises the sport, and there’s also another organisation, the Irish Agility and Dog Sports Association, which was specifically founded for the sport in 2007 by a group of competitors.

The training equipment doesn’t have to cost the earth, according to my neighbour – you can knock up some of it yourself and get pieces in discount stores or online to start off.

The cost of club membership and training classes won’t knock you off your feet either.

And imagine, at the end of it all, having an obedient, happy and energetic dog. The sheer wonder and joy of it.

If you’re interested in learning more, wander over to the Showgrounds this weekend and see the fun, or contact WestCorkAgility@gmail.com, or find WestCork4Agility on Facebook.

If you don’t live in West Cork, check out the Irish Kennel Club ( www.ikc.ietarget="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">) or IADSA ( iadsa.ie).