Top Dog Agility Club

serves the

Olympia, Washington area with 3 CPE events a year

Here is the Round up for the Wild West Trial from the trail boss.

To the small but mighty TOP Dog Crew! Going around the ring: Sherry, Jodi, Carrie, The Heathers, Jean, David, Laura, Kathy, Mary, and William, your rocked it as always.

Thanks to the fantastic group of volunteers. The board for workers was always full. Score keeping, building and packing up would be a chore without you.

Loved having JUDGE Judy Greco. She saved our A$$. Loved her course challenging and fun. Can't wait to see you for New Years at the RAT trial.

Glad to see that so many people WANTED the photo booth. Please post your pictures here for all to see. Thanks to Janice, Carrie and David for contributing props and to William for the construction of the booth.

Laura the double digit dog display was amazing.

Thanks to Kathy for the amazing raffle!

Congratulations to All the competitors earning their Championships:

Christie Woolsey & Ellie C-ATCH

Linda Larson & Kody CT-ATCH 4 I have your bar.

Sherry Bodin & Token C-ATCH

Kathy Swan & Missy C-ATCH 8

Susan Perry & Natty C-ATCH

Congratulations on 51's - Sherry, Cheryl and Chris.

Thanks to the Flying M. We love your facility and your friendly faces.

See you in the Spring for the March trial 3-5th. Theme to be announced. Ideas welcome message me.

Sincerely,

Chris, Trial Chair, but don't sit on me.

The Sport of Dog Agility

Dog agility is a fun, fast moving sport in which the handler must direct their dog through and over a series of obstacles as per the judge's rules.

It is modeled after equestrian jumping wherein faults are given to teams for refusing obstacles, knocking bars, and exceeding the set course time. Some courses encourage strategy and creativity in running the course for competitive points. The dogs’ flexibility and athleticism have allowed the sport to grow and include more challenging and diverse obstacles: tunnels, teeter-totter, dog walk, and A-frame.

There are several competitions in western Washington every month.

Getting Started

Safety of dogs and handlers is of primary importance. Wear comfortable shoes with good soles. Follow what your trainer says and practice at home.

Dogs should be healthy, sound, free of internal and external parasites, and able to see and hear well.

Dogs need some basic obedience training, such as: sit, stay, down, come when called, maintain control around other dogs, and accept handling by strangers.

Off-leash heel work is a big plus, but not required.

Agility work begins by starting the dogs on low jumps and obstacles. The height or width of the obstacle is increased slowly as training progresses until they are finally at competition level.Dogs start their training on leash with positive rewards of praise, treats and toys.

There are several providers of classes for beginning, novice, and advanced agility teams. Check our "Resources" for links.

TOP DOG currently holds at least two Canine Performance Events (CPE) trials a year. The club also holds periodic agility and other canine-related seminars. They have regular meetings and include group practice in the club's activities.