TAILS will be a-wagging in Tamworth on the weekend, when the dog agility grand prix will be held.
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More than 250 dogs will take part in the national event, organised by the Agility Dog Association of Australia at the Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre.
"Most people find it addictive and the dogs love it too," competition manager Michelle Kenny said.
"It's a team sport, it's the handler AND the dog that make a good team.
"You need both to succeed, but anyone can do it. It takes some dedication and regular training.
"To compete at an elite level, it is a lot of hard work."
The grand prix will be held over four days from today at the Australian.
The association was formed in 1994 to promote "international standard agility to all dog owners and to encourage the public to involve their pets more in 'fun' activities".
"This is our 10th year holding the National Grand Prix in Tamworth," Michelle says.
"We have events in agility and jumping, as well as games such as snooker, gamblers and steeplechase.
"There is also a 24 weavepole challenge on Monday morning."
Over four days there will be more than 3500 individual runs.
"This year our international judge, from Russia, is Anton Kudrin," Michelle says.
"Most recently Anton was the chief judge at the World Agility Championships in the Netherlands in April."
The next World Agility Championships will be held in Belgium next May.
There are handlers looking to qualify this weekend.
Dog agility is a sport for everyone, irrespective of age or ability; as long as they want to enjoy time with their four-legged best friend.
Dogs are trained to overcome a number of obstacles, such as the hurdle, long jump and "A" frame.
One of the games involves weave poles, usually set apart at 550 to 600 millimetres, where the dogs slalom between the poles.
There are awards for beginner Australian agility dog, team dog master, steeplechase dog and regular snooker dog.
Awards are also given for trainers, including the junior handler award, gold handler award and, for association members, certificates of appreciation.
"The association was formed by agility competitors, is run by agility competitors and is judged by agility competitors," Michelle says.
When competing overseas, due to Australian quarantine regulations members do not take their own dogs.
"We borrow dogs from Europe or the Americas," Michelle says.
The local club is Dog Sports New England. More information at adaa.com.au