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THE HISTORY OF DOG AGILITY - BY PETER LEWIS

ADDED TO SITE IN 2004 - Written in 2000

I had been involved in dog training since the early sixties.  This was in obedience competitions which are very big in the UK and require absolute precision, and was also very successful in what we call Working Trials which is similar to Shutzhund.  Such competitions have always included  three jumps but always the dog would jump in a formal manner.

Late in 1977 my very good Working Trial friend, Peter Meanwell , was asked by John Varley , a member of the Crufts Dog Show Committee, to fill a vacant half hour spot in the main ring just before Best in Group breed judging started on the final night of Crufts 1978.  John Varley also had a big interest in show jumping for horses so his idea was a dog jumping competition for dogs.  His problem was that he was not a dog trainer and therefore he could not put it together.  He needed an expert dog trainer to do this and this is where Peter became involved.  He gathered around him a number of working trial friends and the result was the equipment first used for a demonstration of dog jumping Crufts Dog Show 1978.

What was so clever about the agility demonstrations put on at Crufts 1978 was that the rules that were devised and the equipment that was used made it very visible and fun for spectators.  That was what subsequently occurred, for one or two people put on competitions of their own based upon the first Crufts demonstrations. This made some people ask the question of why were illegal dog jumping competitions being held.  This was a complaint that came before the Kennel Club’s Agility Council for which I was the Chairman (President).  We passed the complaint to the main Kennel Club committee and they then instructed us to make rules so that it could become official. I therefore became part of the agility rule making committee.  This sat twice in 1979 and the result was that official rules would commence on January 1^st 1980

Something told me this new dog sport would become big but I did not realise at that time that it would cover the world.   Quickly I was a competitor and lucky enough to be a successful one, but then as a working trials competitor I already had knowledge of how to teach dogs to jump. 

At the first official competitions there were only about 20 competitors.  The rules were minimal and did not include how to judge and organise events so this had to be worked out.  I soon worked out a logical scoring system and subsequently realised that the best way to get the judges decisions to the scorer would be to signal them as we all still do today.  Minis were first scheduled as Midgets and I think it was 1981 when the first two demonstration competitions were held.  In this respect Jackie Read of the county of Surrey was one of the people who were going to ensure that mini dog agility became established.

The skills of judging took a little longer and the basics of good judging were first put together on a return ferry trip from teaching agility in Holland when Angela Chuter , her husband Bill and myself spent many hours asking each other difficult questions about what dogs could do on a course and what the judge should do.  This subsequently enabled me to work out a sensible method of judging and a way of building courses so that the judge could always be in the right place at the right time.  Up until then judging would often be quite funny with the judges running around the course to try and keep up with the handler and dog.  Originally at Crufts the course was always in the shape of the figure eight with the table at the cross over point.  This was where the dog started and finished.  What really made agility was when we made the first rules we allowed the judge to design his own shape of course and where he placed the obstacles.

It was not long before I suggested to fellow agility enthusiasts that we start a national agility club.  This we did in 1983 for we needed consensus on some custom and practise to supplement the minimal rules.  We quickly started to hold judging seminars which of course included course building.  It was my job to put all the paperwork together for the first event, and for the miniature course building on a table we just used small blocks of wood.

So that was how we started in the UK and the growth of the sport was amazing.  Mind you it was very cheap to compete for we only charged £1.00 per run with the dog.  Quickly we had to have additional rings to cope with all the entries and even today the entry fee does not exceed £2.00

I have already mentioned the agility trip to Holland and that was the first time the sport was exported.  We taught at 5 dog clubs on 5 consecutive days teaching 100 dogs and handlers a day and taking our equipment with us.  One of the days I believe we were just inside Belgium so they were also involved early on.  Next I had a phone call from Marie Hansson in Sweden .  She travelled to stay with me and help with an a event I was running that weekend.   Following this I taught the sport in Sweden for the first time.  I had also met Norway ’s Jon Olson at Crufts and explained all about the sport to him.

The real breakthrough internationally was when having just competed at the Olympia Agility finals in London and still puffing and panting from running around the ring, I was approached by a Frenchman who worked for Royal Canin.  He was very keen that the sport should start in France and from this discussion Royal Canin asked me to get the sport started, not only in France but also the other European countries. 

On my first agility visit to France I was introduced to Jean-Paul Petitdidier .  In the countries I had previously visited on agility duty there was always one person who was prepared to grab the sport by the neck and get things going.  In modern industrial and financial jargon such people are called movers and shakers.   In Holland it had been Lois van den Bogaard - Belgium Wilfried Claes - Sweden Marie Hanson and when I met Jean-Paul I knew he would be the one to make it work in France .  Although not speaking each others language, with some interpretation, a little French, a little English and a lot of body language we were able to communicate.  Jean-Paul was enthusiastic and soon competitions were started and also I was asked to teach. 

Obviously French rules need to be established so the SCC appointed 10 judges of other disciplines who would travel to England for a weekend seminar with me.  Jean-Paul was their leader and at a hotel near Southampton the first official French judges were taught. Also those first 10 judges put together the French rules based very closely to British rules.  Now everything was in place for success.  Soon I had set up the Royal Canin Masters competition where each country would hold pre-selection events and then a final, with the best four going forward to an International final.  Prior to this we had had an informal international competition in Geneva in which about 6 countries took part and the team event was won by Belgium , and I seem to remember Jean-Paul competing. 

He and I had many discussions and I explained that I had a fear that unless there was an international controlling body every country would write their own rules.  Jean-Paul understood and quickly we were discussing how we could get the FCI involved.  He then arranged a meeting between the two of us and an important FCI official.  This took place in Strasbourg .  My job was to help Jean-Paul persuade the FCI official to support the adoption of the sport internationally.  Well we succeeded.  Meanwhile Jean-Paul had become the president of the SCC Agility commission.  When the FCI started with agility they needed some rules as a basis so they adopted the French rules.  Soon Jean-Paul became the president of the FCI Agility Commission as well.

The Royal Canin international masters was then to become the FCI European championships which went on to become the world championships, and we have all seen the phenomenal success of these events.  For this I take off my hat of to Jean-Paul for he shared my vision and was able to make it work on an international basis. 

When the championships were held in Finland in the year 2000 I had hoped to be able to take Peter Meanwell with me.  It would have been so nice to introduce him to the world and for him to stand together with myself and Jean-Paul in the ring.  Regrettably, because of the cancer which was overtaking Peter, it was not to be. Nevertheless I was still able to make a presentation to Jean-Paul to commemorate his great contribution to the wonderful dog sport that we all know and love as Agility.

CRUFTS DOG SHOW 2007

Crufts Dog Show will take place at the NEC Birmingham from the 8th to the 11th of March 2007.  This will be the biggest Crufts so far and in addition to finding the the best looking dogs there will be many dog training events and displays.  There will be Obedience, Agility, Field Trials and Heelwork to Music competitions on all four days and much more can be found out about these competitions at the Dog Days Out Stand.

In addition there are dedicated rings for The Kennel Club's Good Citizen Dog Scheme and also for the Young Kennel Club and all the activities they are involved with.  If that is not enough every breed recognised by the Kennel Club will be judged for beauty culminating with best in Show on the final evening of the show. 

If you are looking to purchase something related to dogs then be sure you will find what you are looking for at one of the myriad of trade stands that make up the show.  If it is dog training or dog behaviour that interests you then visit Mary Ray's stand in in Hall 1. It is stand number 179. Of course if you are lucky you may be able to catch Mary's Crufts 2007 Heelwork to Music routine in the main ring just before best in show is judged.  Always a stunning curtain raiser for the show's finale it is never to be missed!

OLYMPIA AGILITY HEADLINES - DECEMBER 2006

Toni Dawkins handling her Border Collie Spellcast Made in Heaven wins The Kennel Club Agility Stakes for large dogs again at Olympia December 2006.

The Kennel Club Midi Agility Stakes final – Thursday 14th

1^st AG CH Hooligan Nell – WSD - handled by Fiona Vaughan  - clear in 33.03 seconds

The Kennel Club Mini Agility Stakes Final – Friday 15th

1^st  AG CH Piquant Painted Sunshine – Min Poodle - handled by Dawn Weaver – clear in 32.99 seconds

RESCUED

Two friends who took pity on three starving stray dogs they saw during a holiday in Malta have brought them back to the UK to give them a better life. 

CRUFTS DOG SHOW 2006

Crufts Dog Show was held by the Kennel Club from 9th until the 12th of March 2006 at the NEC Birmingham. 

Australian Shepherd, AM CH Caitland Isle Take a Chance, pet name 'Chance' wins Best in Show at Crufts 2006. 'Chance' is owned by Ms Nancy Resetar from Royal Oaks, California, USA and was handled by Mr Larry Fenner

Crufts Agility 2006

INTERNATIONAL AGILITY

1st   Toni Dawkins

EUKANUBA MINI CHALLENGE

1st  Angela Sallis
Oliver the Dark One

ABC AGILITY (EXCLUDES COLLIES)

1st  Brian Thorpe - Ben Golden Boy

2nd  Julie Saunders - Minka Island Storm

3rd  Deane Clark - Cwn Maes Gwyn

Heelwork to Music 2006

The original and 11th Heelwork to Music competition was held at Connextions, Leamington Road, Ryton-on Dunsmore, Coventry, on Saturday 18th February 2006. 

For those wondering what this is all about it is the event where handlers teach their dog a routine to perform to music of around 4 minutes duration.  they are marked by a panel of judges for the content of their programme.  the accuracy and execution of that programme and their interpretation of the music.  It is very spectacular as witnessed when Mary Ray brings the house down when she gives a demonstration just before Crufts Dog Show Best in Show event on the last night.  If you love watching dogs enjoy themselves be there!!

Now available see - Dog behaviour books page - 20 February 2006

How to... Change Dog Behaviour by Peter Lewis-

A comprehensive guide to solving dog behavioural problems in three parts

Part 1. Essential theoretical knowledge

Part 2. Solving non aggressive problems

Part 3. Solving aggressive problems

BIG WIN FOR TONI - December 17th 2005

At the end of December the London Olympia Horse show was again held.  this features the renowned dog agility stakes that have previously been sponsored by pedigree but this year for the first time The Kennel Club took them over.  pedigree still support this long standing venture so it seems that its future is secure.

This year the big winner of the The Kennel Club Agility stakes was the Border Collie Spellcast Made in Heaven.    This dog owned and handled by Toni Dawkins put in the almost perfect round to win the coveted award.  Toni has been at the top of the sport for a few years now and has represented the British team at the world Championships for two or three years.  This win under the glaring lights of Olympia's Grand hall and the pressure generated by the watching and roaring thousands should stand them both in good stead for major events in the future.  For me I believe Toni and Spellcast Made in Heaven to be the best partnership of dog and handler in harmony that the sport of agility has ever seen.

WORLD AGILITY CHAMPIONSHIPS - October 2005

The FCI are reported to have changed their minds about non-signatory countries competing in their World Championship events.  It appears that they must have realised that shooting themselves in the foot would lead to a disability!  This was to be from 2007 onwards but to their credit the Agility commission of the FCI seemed to be quite appalled that a decision like this had been taken without consulting them.

The British agility team again competed at the world championships in Spain they decided to travel partly by coach and plane because of problems with the number of dogs that airlines have facilities for on their aeroplanes. That meant a flight to Porto in Portugal and a coach trip from there to Valladolid in Spain.  Even then they had to go on two flights on two different days.  Quite a complication!  However, next year I would expect them to go by coach all the way to Switzerland where the event will be held.

They did quite well at this prestigious event and pulled off a third place in the large dog category where over 100 dogs competed when David Munnings, handling  his Border Collie Billy, put in two clear rounds which, for a first time appearance in the pressure cooker of the arena, showed a fine handler temperament.  Therefore for the third year running we were on the podium.

Standards continue to rise at this annual event and the fortunes of the countries fluctuate.  The USA are going through a poor patch and France, that did so well for several years, are struggling to reach the podium

We were unlucky in the large dog team event for our dogs were among the fastest, but five faults over six rounds can be enough to move your country well down the result list.  These championships are all about consistency of performance and handler temperament rather than the demeanour of the dog.   Our dogs do not feel pressure other than any that might originate from their handler.  To them it is just another agility round.  For the handler the experience can be daunting.

THE FCI SHOOT THEMSELVES IN THE FOOT - June 2005

The FCI (The body governing international competition between national kennels clubs that belong to it) have decided that those country's that are not members may not compete in any of their World Championships.  This becomes effective in either 2006 or 2007 and also covers the international dog sport of agility that was invented in England in 1978.  This effectively means that The British the Americans and the Canadians will not be taking part in the future.  Two of these three country's have the largest Kennel Club's in the world and all three are very strong agility competitors.

I cannot believe that he FCI have thought this through properly.  It would seem that they have opened mouth without engaging brain!  The history of dog agility which follows explains how I felt the FCI could hold the sport together. Now they tear it apart.

Great Britain Dog Agility team win

at the FCI World Agility Championships 2003 held in France

News dated 12-03-02

JUDGES REPORT ON THE CRUFTS 2002 AGILITY CHAMPIONSHIPS

I was pleased and honoured to be selected as the judge of the first agility championships particularly as the winners were going to receive the Peter Meanwell Trophy and Peter founded our sport.

I knew that at this early stage of the event there would only be a few competitors and that it would be easy to finish up with no dogs within qualifying marks so that the Mini and Standard dog certificate could not be awarded. Added to this was the carpet factor for, over the years, I have seen many dogs slip and slide on Crufts carpeting. These factors tend to direct judges at this event to try and use sweeping turns rather than turn-backs. However I felt it that I should ensure that the dogs and handlers were adequately tested for ability and control. Therefore without sharp turns it would be difficult to provide sufficient degree of difficulty without resorting to blatant traps. For me using traps is not a sophisticated method of agility judging.

As my courses came together I decided on a logical progression of starting with Jumping as the toughest course. Thereafter the courses were designed to have a progressively lesser degree of difficulty yet still require control and speed.

The following is what occurred:

A steady round, controlled yet had a wide sweep into the weaves. Her sheltie had good tight turns around hurdles 15 and 18. A good start for Louise.

This dog slipped a little on the turn from hurdle 2 to 3. Made a nice entry into the weaves shortly followed by a tight turn into the first tunnel. Almost a disaster after hurdle 15 as the dog approached the long jump at an angle but just made the correct path. Living dangerously continued as the dog swept wide between hurdles 17 & 18 and then finished well.

Made a good tight turn from hurdle 3 to4. The turn from hurdle 8 into the collapsible tunnel was well worked. Also turned well after hurdle 15 for the long jump approach. Had to contend with what sounded like gunfire but the dog was not phased. It was a good round for both handler and judge.

Chris Smith & Teasel Aslacton, Border Terrier.

Eliminated at hurdle 5 with control problems

Jayne Bray & Harvest Geld for Aprika, Min Poodle.

Eliminated when her body language told the dog to enter the wrong end of the flexible tunnel.

1^st. Stuart Carter & Kapia Konquest, BC - Clear in 45.48

Showed good control at the start by recalling over the first two hurdles. Went quickly up to the point where he felt the need to line the dog up for the long jump. Dog and handler showed much class that boded well for the final.

Dog went wide around jumps 3 and 5then a nice turn around 15. Stopped the dog before 17 and slowed the dog before 18. Dog was well handled but Lesley was clearly worried about her dogs grip on the carpet. Qualified for final.

Pat’s usual quite handling but effected by the carpet with slips which probably caused the panic before hurdle 18. Nevertheless well handled while qualifying under trying circumstances.

Jack was wide around 2 and 3 with grip not helping. Slipped into weaves but kept going. Subsequently a qualifying steady round.

Greg played cagey and went for safety to be sure of a place in the final, hence the time faults.

Had much grip problem on the carpet and this caused most of the dog’s mistakes, Yet they achieved qualification for the final.

Jumping from wrong side was the fault.

Good contacts and tight turns made this dog the winner. Handler was more relaxed after the Jumping elimination.

Went well with good contacts but dog slipped into the weaves. Nevertheless a clear round.

Showed good control throughout with a quick down at the table. Qualified for the final.

This was a good round but a little too steady to be placed higher, but qualified for the final.

Dog was phased at the wall and had three refusals to jump it.

Had a good draw running 6^th. Dog almost ran past the ‘A’ ramp but got on from the side just in time. This partnership executed the difficult turn onto hurdle 14 in a very professional manner. This round was well handled and proved to be a worthy qualifying winner.

Looby made a wide sweep around hurdle 8 and Lesley was clearly having trouble controlling her dog on the carpet. This caused a panic with the turn onto hurdle 18 but she managed it. Usual excellent contacts but had a brick out of the wall. Qualified for final.

3^rd Pat Brown & Ladbrook Izit Dodgy, WS - 5 faults in 52.49

Nicely handled by Pat in her usual smooth style but her dog left the table before "Go" and I penalised them 5 faults. However, they lived to take part in the final.

Mostly nice tight turns but a bit wide around hurdle 8 to approach the long jump. Surprisingly missed entry to weave but this was caused by handler’s approaching position. Wide sweep at hurdle 18 and the pole down of the last hurdle.

Faulty I am afraid. For a run past at the barrel jump meant 5 against them, then a knock down at 14 made up 10 of the faults, the other .55 were caused putting right the first problem. Unfortunately their Jumping elimination meant no further progress in this competition.

6^th Stuart Carter & Kapia Konquest, BC - 16.63 time faults

Took advantage of rules to slow and at times stop the dog to ensure progress to the final.

Somewhat messy round as Greg used the same tactics as Stuart

Carol handled this round well. There was a little carpet slipping and a wide turn at 15, otherwise it was smooth. I congratulate her on making her dog up to become the first Mini Agility Champion. Throughout the three rounds Carol’s handling and control displayed the qualities an Agility Champion should have. Well done both of you!

Two clear rounds to get to the final and then 10 faults. If it had been the other way round the result would have been different. Down side dog walk contact was missed and a refusal at the tunnel were the problems.

1^st Stuart Carter & Kapia Konquest, BC - Clear in 47.09

Stuart saved this excellent round for the time it really mattered. A little wide into the weaves, otherwise fast and well handled. The control elements were taken smoothly. This quality justified the title of Agility Champion which can be placed in front of the dog’s name with pride. Congratulations.

Finally thanks to Tony Griffin, Kay Faiers and Bev Dale for the practise afternoon when we tested the courses.

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News dated 27-01-02

GOOD CITIZEN DOG SCHEME

Every year the Kennel Club holds an annual awards presentation for the clubs putting most into the scheme during the previous year.  In the breed club category the Staffordshire Bull terrier Club were awarded first prize.  This is particularly noteworthy as breeds such as this are often incorrectly spoken about as aggressive.  

The Good Citizen Dog Scheme is all about responsible dog ownership and in view of the breed specific legislation recently undertaken by the German Kennel Club it has to be congratulations to the club members who, with this award have for a change, been able to blow the trumpet for the non aggressive nature of their breed.  

News dated December 01

AGILITY HEADLINES

IT'S LESLEY AGAIN!

Lesley Olden does it again by winning the Pedigree Agility Stakes with her Working Sheepdog Waggerland Whoosh of Nedlo just prior to Christmas at the Olympia Horse Show.  This is Lesley's fourth win at this famous and prestigious final and the second for her bitch she calls Loobie.  I am very proud of Lesley's achievements over he years and particularly the last 12 months for during that time her results prove that she is the currently the best Agility handler in the U.K.

News dated 01-09-01

THE FIRST AGILITY CHAMPION

The British have their first Agility Champion. On August bank holiday Monday, at the Wilton agility event in the north of England, Lesley Olden from the Romsey area in the south won her third Agility certificate with Waggerland Whoosh of Nedlo under the judging eye of John Tallentire. Answering to the name of Loobie, this excellent Working sheepdog showed her class by beating a strong field as she has done on two previous occasions this year. The other two Agility certificates were won at the Agility Club event in June under Gerry Eckersley, and Rugby DTC under Steve Croxford. Lesley had already had a good weekend when she won one of the semi finals to send Loobie to the Olympia Chum finals in December. Together they won that event in 1999 which was Lesley’s third Olympia win. I salute this latest achievement and I am proud to have been able to help her.

I have always said that an over simplification of how to succeed in a dog training discipline at the top level only requires three factors. They are the right handler with the right information with the right dog. Lesley certainly was the right handler and I believe she has that natural gift to train dogs which could lead her to succeed at any dog training discipline she sets her mind to. Therefore as the right handler perhaps I gave Lesley the right information when she started for it was not long before she was able to work things out for herself. Certainly she had the right dog for the pedigree is that of winning dogs. However is it just coincidence that so many of Lesley’s dogs seem to be the right one?

Although Britain started the sport this is the first year it has been possible to have an Agility Champion and such dogs need to be eligible for the Advanced class.

We have six official classes, with Advanced being the top class. A dog must win its way through classes, and to reach the Advanced class they must have won four times in total with two of these wins being from the level below Advanced. This allows them to enter the Advanced class at a Championship Agility event. Under FCI rules Advanced would be the equivalent of Agility 4 but the FCI only have three official classes.

A Championship Advanced Agility class then consists of one Jumping and one Agility round with points awarded in each part on the basis of one point for first two for second etc. The twenty dogs with the lowest accumulated total are then eligible to compete in a final Agility round. If the winner has a clear round in this final they are awarded one Agility certificate. Three agility certificates won at three different events under three different judges make the dog an Agility Champion.

A Working Sheepdog is a Border Collie where perhaps one piece of paper is missing yet most have full pedigrees going back may generations. WSDs are not recognised as a pedigree breed in the UK so therefore they are not eligible for the FCI World Agility Championships. Therefore along with others of high quality Loobie could not be considered for the British team in Portugal this year. What a shame for they have to be one of the best combinations in the sport and Lesley has proved she can handle pressure.

Lesley is also active administratively as she is one of the two representatives from the Agility Council to the Working Trials Obedience and Agility sub committee of the Kennel Club.