Comments on: Question about Dog Agility Training/trials?

By: Lisa H

Lisa H — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:34:19 +0000

I’ve never won money in an agility trial and hope never to do so. It would completely take away from the relationship I have built with my dog. In fact, I have paid a lot of money and time training to earn a little green ribbon. It is worth every penny. In Houston, there is a club. They put on a trial for 4 days in Houston every July. I would google them. Get good training and give you and your dog a chance to become more than pet and owner.

By: sharon f

sharon f — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:59:09 +0000

Some AKC trials that have the ISC classes may have a prize of $50.00 depending on the club.

By: Agility Man

Agility Man — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:39:06 +0000

1. No, you don’t win money in AKC trials. Period.

2. Everyone who does agility loses money, in large amounts. A local trial that you don’t need a hotel for, can drive to, with only one dog, for both days plus cheap food and gas will probably run you $150 (some will be much more). And serious handlers go to 2-3 trials a month, about half of which will require hotels.

3. There are a few events in a few trials you can earn money at. It’s usually something like a tournament (like Grand Prix) that involves competing two days, you don’t get the money until the second day, and it’s based upon how many people enter. I’ve been doing agility for 3 years and I won $35 once. I know someone who once won $72.

Basically, you don’t do agility for the money. There are few sponsors, no media coverage, no donations and when trials make money the club either pours it back into the club or it goes in the form of a donation to an animal shelter or rescue.

4. There are tons of good agility trainers in the Houston area. You can go to http://www.cleanrun.com and check there (their list is outdated but it’s a start). Or go to http://www.agilityevents.net and find a trial in Houston. Go to observe and ask competitors: “where do you take classes? Who would you recommend in Houston?”

By: Charlotte K

Charlotte K — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:26:45 +0000

No, there are usually no money prizes, however your dog can earn agility titles to their name.

I would go to AKC.com to get a link for agility clubs in your area.

By: rjn529

rjn529 — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:55:12 +0000

For the prize, it all depends on the show and what the sponsors are offering – some times it’s cash, sometimes is a trophy, it varies from show to show.

As for trainers, I would ask your vet if they have any recommendations. You can also do a zip code search on http://www.apdt.com for local trainers. Also, http://www.akc.org will let you do a search for sanctioned clubs in your area that offer various types of training.

By: Shadow's Melon

Shadow's Melon — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:58:19 +0000

No, there is not a monetary prize with winning in Agility.

I would google “Agility Trainers Houston Tx” to see what you can come up with for local trainers.

By: Bobby Rice :)

Bobby Rice :) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:13:36 +0000

i think you do win money, i would search the web for more info