Anyone show/do agility?

[chessie]

Training my GSP to be the proper bird dog, but I am also considering showing or even doing agility. Anyone do either? Would like to try it out with him, and wasn't sure on the steps. He is fully registered with the AKC, so shouldnt be a problem.

[patches31709]

We do agility and flyball. We've haven't competed at agility trials yet, we've only been taking lessons on and off for a year. Flyball we compete at regularly.
I would look for an agility class in your area and see if you can go watch. Maybe you could even find a trial to watch. If you like the place, sign up for a beginners class and that's all there is to it! And check first, but they'll probably want you to bring a high value, easy to eat treat (small pieces of hot dogs or chicken are what we use). Everything that needs to be will be modified in the beginning - there should be guides on the weave poles, either someone or something to keep the teeter from slamming the ground at first - things like that. It's really a lot of fun and a good workout for you and your dog. Sorry I can't say more than that, we're only up to intermediate classes - although I will brag and say we did weave poles for the first time without any wire guides at all tonight!

[runs4qs]

Yes. Do both. And rally-o. Find a class, find out about their training methods. As for conformation, has your dog been evaluated? Any dog really can do agility. Conformation not so much. I wouldn't waste the money if they were way out of breed standard.

[chessie]

Never had my dog evaluated or anything like that. From what I can see he is in breed standard, I have no idea where to begin. I will have to check out some books, no places nearby offer anything for agility.

[lb2006]

Would love to hear how he does w/agility. We have two GSPs and i think one would be great at agility....just haven't researched into availability for training in our area.