Are Agility Competitions in Your Dog's Future?

by Mary Simpson

Published: August 26th, 2025

Think your little buddy has what it takes to compete with the best? Here's how you get started.

(photo credit: Pedro Senso / shutterstock.com)

Agility training for dogs is gaining serious traction in North America. And after watching an old 2023 clip of a Miniature Schnauzer named Sophie absolutely flying through the many leaps, ladders, and obstacles of the Westminster agility course, I looked over at my Mini, snoring on the sofa and thought, “Why not?”

You see, Mimi is also a Mini Schnauzer, and she loves to get out and hit the dog parks at full speed. Not exactly running and leaping, but walking really, really fast. But I wonder to myself, what if she could pick up the pace, break into a run, and have a little more fun while she’s at it?

If you’re intrigued and think your furry speedster may be a contender, know that literally any breed can qualify for agility trials (maybe not at Crufts or Westminster but at local competitions) and that includes both pure and mixed breeds of any size.

Agility 101 - It’s Not All About the Dog

The American Kennel Club (AKC) highly recommends that, before you begin setting up an obstacle course in your backyard and trying to train your pooch, you actually attend an agility trial to understand the flow and expectations of both the dog and the handler (you!).

Further, enrol in a beginner course that provides you with the basics on how to train your pet and compete against others.

In short, do your homework first.

With Agility 101 in hand, let’s take a look at your good buddy and why you consider him to be a serious contender in competitions of agility.

Pet Attitude

Naturally, your dog needs to be responsive to commands, but there’s a lot more to this type of competition than simply a highly obedient dog.

For example, is your dog:

Able to focus and pay attention for long periods. In other words, not easily distracted by nearby sounds or activity… or a squirrel he’s spotted along the sidelines.
Easy to repeatedly motivate with either praise or treats when it comes to taking on typically 14 or more rather daunting obstacles.
Quick to pick up directional cues from you. Meaning you’re on the same wavelength and he looks to you for guidance as to where to go/what to do next.
Fully cognizant of the basic commands of sit, stay, come, down, and leave it.
Loving the chance to learn, run, and work closely with his handler (you!).

Physical Attributes

Of course, any dog that can run quickly enough to compete as well as maneuver themselves through tunnels and over hurdles needs to be in peak physical health.

They should also be:

Physically strong for their size and with a superior level of stamina. Meaning a resilience and determination to not quit.
Aware of their body and capable of controlling it as they move through obstacles and make tight turns seem easy. Gangly yet loveable don’t count in agility!
At least 15 months old and physically mature to prevent bone and joint injury from jumping or bumping into obstacles.
Spayed or neutered.
Up-to-date on all vaccines.

What Next?

In between agility classes, there’s no reason you can’t start working with your pet at home.

From the onset, building a bond with your dog is critical, so consider using high-value treats throughout the process and keep things positive. If you lose his eagerness to participate, you’ve lost a competitive dog.

Once you’ve gained his enthusiasm and you’re both on the same page, introduce obstacles such as collapsible tunnels, hoops, jumps and poles he can zig-zag through. Long term, it makes sense to invest in a portable dog agility training kit that you can use indoors, outdoors, or on the road, just to keep him on his toes. And plan to spend 15 to 20 minutes a day on refresher training.

It’s a great sport that can help keep your pooch physically healthy and mentally stimulated. And when it comes to competing… that’s going to be fun for you too!

Mary Simpson

Sharing space with three seriously judgy Schnoodles and 2 felines who prefers to be left alone. #LivingMyBestLife

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Common choices include tiny pieces of cooked chicken or turkey, a small cube of cheese, a dab of tuna (in water, not oil), or a smear of xylitol-free peanut butter. But don’t overdo it. The goal here is to use only a small amount of the food so you can guarantee that your pet eats the entire medicated portion in one go and doesn’t just eat around the pill. I recommend not hiding pills in your pet’s regular food bowl, especially if they are fighting the pilling process. Otherwise, you may create a negative association with their regular food, leading to them turning their nose up at the usual dinners. One useful trick that helps to leave your pet with a positive feeling about the process is to deliver the medicated food in a “treat sandwich” approach. First, give them a piece of the food entirely unmedicated, then a piece containing the pill, and finally another plain piece as a reward.

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Anyone who wants to bring a pet into their family has a lot of options, from dogs, cats, and reptiles to rodents, horses, birds, and fish. But what are the most popular pets in the United States? Your Service Animal was curious to find out, so they ran a study to analyze data from authoritative sources and get some answers. Here are several of the interesting things they learned.

Study Reveals Some Dog Breeds Are More Likely to Get Diarrhea

Few things are as awful as diarrhea and seeing your pooch in gastrointestinal distress. Unfortunately, most dogs are diagnosed with diarrhea at least once in their lifetime. Like in people, diarrhea in dogs is loose or unformed stool. Dogs suffering from diarrhea usually pass large amounts of loose stool more often than usual. Diarrhea by itself isn’t a disease, but rather a symptom of many different conditions. Loose stool caused by minor health problems is often resolved quickly with a simple treatment and a change of diet. However, diarrhea can also be a sign of serious, life-threatening conditions like organ failure or cancer, so it’s important to take your pooch to be examined by a vet. Even diarrhea caused by a minor illness can get out of hand if not treated in time. A new study, published in the open journal PLOS One, suggests that some breeds may be more prone to diarrhea than others. Researchers from the United Kingdom’s Royal Veterinary College analyzed the health records of more than two million dogs brought to the vet in the U.K. in 2019. Researchers estimate that one in 12, or 8,18%, dogs were diagnosed with diarrhea at some point during the year. The study found six breeds - Maltese, miniature poodle, German shepherd, cavapoo, cockapoo, and Yorkshire terrier - were considerably more likely to be diagnosed with diarrhea. Only two breeds - Jack Russel terrier and Chihuahua - were less likely to be diagnosed with diarrhea. Researchers believe these breeds may have higher and lower susceptibility to diarrhea. However, they can’t rule out the fact that different breeds have different diets, and even owners with different likelihoods of taking their dog to the vet in case the dog gets diarrhea. The study also showed that dogs who were three years and younger, as well as pooches aged nine and over, were more likely to be diagnosed with diarrhea than four or five-year-old dogs. Researchers weren’t surprised by these results, considering that older dogs are more likely to get diarrhea from complications related to aging, and younger dogs are extremely curious and more likely to eat something they shouldn’t, resulting in diarrhea and other digestive issues. Moreover, many dogs with diarrhea were also diagnosed with other issues at the same time. About 44% experienced vomiting, 28% had reduced appetite, and 24% were lethargic. Of all the cases analyzed, 29% were classified as hemorrhagic, meaning those dogs suffered from bloody diarrhea. The good news is that most dogs recover quickly from diarrhea. Over 80% of dogs in the study only needed one visit to the vet. However, researchers also found that 38% of dogs with diarrhea were treated with antibiotics, even though experts advise against using antibiotics in dogs with mild and moderate cases of diarrhea. “Experiencing the dreaded ‘poonami’ with your dog is one of those events any dog owner fears. This new study shows that diarrhea events are very common in dogs but that owners should not panic - no matter how bad the deluge, most dogs will recover in a few days after veterinary treatment,” said Dr. Dan O’Neill, Associate Professor of Companion Animal Epidemiology at RVC and co-author of the study.In most cases, diarrhea isn’t a medical emergency, although it may start to feel like it after you had to take your dog outside to poop for a third time in less than an hour. Even if your dog seems like their usual self, minus the diarrhea, book an appointment with your vet. With a simple treatment, your pup will be back to its usual pooping schedule before you know it. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Don’t Wait and See: When Your Hiding Cat Is a Sign of Trouble

Have you ever returned home from a long day at work only to find your cat squeezed into a dusty corner of the closet or peeking out from under the couch, refusing even to come out when they’re called? It’s easy to laugh it off and think, “My cat’s just being a cat.” But is that all that’s happening? While it’s true that cats love a good hiding spot, a cat who is suddenly or persistently hiding is often trying to tell you something important. Their disappearance is more than just enjoying some “me time,” it can be a vital clue that there is something “off” in terms of their physical or emotional well-being. In this post, we’ll explore the different reasons your cat may be hiding, from stress in their home environment to a serious medical issue, so you can determine if your cat’s newest behavior quirk is a normal response to things in their life or a cry for help. Why Cats HideHiding is an instinctual behavior for cats, rooted in their evolutionary history as both predators and prey. A cat might be in a playful mood, hiding to pounce on a toy or an unsuspecting household member. Our cats love sneaking up on our playful pup, Lucifer. They may also seek out a hiding spot for a quiet nap away from the hustle and bustle of a busy family household. This is the normal side of hiding, and it’s a sign that a cat feels secure and comfortable enough to relax in their environment. However, there are also times when your cat’s hiding may be a warning sign of an underlying problem. In these cases, the only way to help your cat feel more comfortable in their home is to first address the cause. Emotional and Behavioral Reasons for Hiding A cat’s hiding can be a coping mechanism or a response to stress, anxiety, or fear. Changes in the home, such as the arrival of a new baby, the introduction of a new pet, or even just the presence of guests visiting, can feel overwhelming. Loud noises, such as fireworks, thunderstorms, or home renovations, can also send a cat running for cover. In these cases, hiding is their way of managing their sensory overload and reclaiming a sense of control over their environment. Hiding as a Medical Red FlagA sudden change in a cat’s behavior, such as hiding when they are usually social, is often a significant red flag. This can signal a serious medical problem requiring a visit to your veterinarian. A cat in pain or discomfort will often retreat to a secluded spot to avoid being touched or to protect a sensitive area. This could be due to anything from a painful tooth to arthritis or an internal injury. Similarly, a sick cat will instinctively hide, a behavior that dates back to their wild ancestors hiding any signs of vulnerability from predators. Contact your veterinarian if your cat is hiding and also showing other symptoms, like: Loss of appetite Changes in litter box habits Lethargy Uncharacteristic aggression when approachedAs cats age, they may also start to hide more due to a decline in their senses or because of conditions like feline cognitive dysfunction ( dementia in cats), which can cause disorientation and confusion. It’s critical to remember that cats are masters of hiding their illnesses, which means you must closely monitor any changes in their behavior. If you are concerned about your cat’s well-being or suspect there could be a medical issue at play, get help as soon as possible. Waiting to see if they “snap out of it” can be dangerous. When to Reach Out to Your Veterinarian It can be hard to know when hiding crosses the line from a simple behavioral quirk to a serious or potentially life-threatening medical concern. While it’s always best to follow your gut, here is a checklist of warning signs that can help you recognize when it’s time to call the vet and put an end to the “wait and see” approach: Duration: If your cat is hiding for more than 24 to 48 hours and won’t even come out for food, water, or to use the litter box, something is wrong. Accompanying Symptoms: Pay close attention if hiding is paired with any other signs of illness or distress. As I already mentioned, this may include changes in appetite or thirst, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or a noticeable change in their usual behavior. Unusual Hiding Spots: A cat who normally hides under the bed but is now found cowering in the back corner of the closet may be trying to tell you something significant. Additional Behavioral Changes: Does your usually friendly, social cat hiss, growl, or swat at you when you approach their hiding spot? This is a serious sign of pain or fear. Physical Signs: Any visible signs of injury, such as limping, a visible wound, or difficulty breathing, coupled with hiding, should be considered an immediate emergency. When you bring your cat to the vet, be prepared to discuss any warning signs or changes in detail. Keeping a journal of your cat’s behavior can help ensure you don’t forget anything important. The vet will likely perform a careful physical exam and ask questions about your cat’s history and any changes you’ve observed. They may recommend diagnostic tests, such as blood work, urinalysis, or X-rays, to get a full picture of what may be happening internally. Ultimately, a vet visit is the only way to get a definitive diagnosis and identify the proper treatment for your cat. Remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to the health and well-being of your best friend!

A Guide to Cat Coat Colors and Patterns

Cats are beautiful in so many ways, including their coat colors and patterns, of which there are many. And it isn’t just longhaired and shorthaired cats who boast a range of looks, as even hairless kitties come in various colors and patterns.

Ready for Spring? The Right Poop Clean-Up Tools Can Help!

(photo credit: Dainis Zvingulis / shutterstock.com)T’is the season. Nope, not that one. We’re talking Spring and as the snow melts in many regions of North America, we discover something popping up that doesn’t look or smell like all those pretty little crocus and daffodils planted last year.Yes, the winter’s worth of dog poop your little buddy has been depositing in the far reaches of your yard has kept nicely due to frosty temperatures. But with warmer weather lurking just around the corner, it’s time to get out there and begin the cleanup. Because let’s face it, it’s much easier to do when said poop is partially frozen and easy to collect than when it melts into a smelly sludge.Now, if you’re thinking of just letting nature take care of those mini piles, think again. There are many reasons why you should get on top of this seasonal chore sooner rather than later. One is that beyond the cumulative smell, it can attract vermin to your backyard. Another is that some dogs (mine included) like to chow down on feces and in the Springtime, your back patio has just become his buffet. And finally, when you let your pooch out into the yard for his early morning piddle, he may start to track in more than just mud.But enough ick talk! If you live with a dog – particularly a larger dog or in a multi-pet household - you’ll want the type of tool that can make this malodorous chore as quick and painless as possible, right?

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