My dog is not purebred. Can I still enter her into agility competitions?

Of course mixed breeds are allowed to participate in agility trials :)

Here is a link that will explain more about the different clubs and how to register a non-purebred dog: http://www.affordableagility.com/learning/the-orga...

I strongly recommend that you take at least 1 "proper" agility class before entering these trials.

All agility organizations accept mixed breeds (AKC, USDAA, NADAC, CPE, DOCNA). My dog is mixed breed (a total mutt) and we compete. Your dog will need to be trained on a real agility course before you can think about competing, though. Look for classes in your area at a dog training center or an agility club that offers classes to non-members. She'll need to get used to competition quality equipment (not to knock yours, but dogs get really uncomfortable with stuff they're not used to), and she'll need to learn to be able to focus on agility in new and unfamiliar environments....so that's why taking classes and training away from home are important. Without doing this first, a trial would be a disaster.

Yes, both AKC, NADAC, and USDAA are open to both pure and mixed breeds.

The same rules apply, all vaccines up to date, no female dogs in heat, dog MUST be physically okay to do agility, etc. so next time you are at the vets office have them make sure your dog is okay-ed to do agility classes.

Also, do not just go and sign up for an agility trail. It isn't safe to take a dog to a trail and just put them on the equipment, though I doubt any club would allow that in the first place. The equipment will be at a height that could cause injury to an inexperienced dog not to mention scare them to death if they have never been on before and trained to handle it (e.g. the teeter, the dog walk, and the a frame is something NO inexperienced dog should EVER be on for the safety of the dog!)

go here for more information:

http://www.usdaa.com/faq.cfm

http://www.akc.org/pdfs/events/GOCET1.pdf

Also there are certain rules that you need to train your dog for and be aware of (contact points, what a refusal is, etc.)

Yes, though I do encourage you to find a class. Go to www.googility.com and enter your zip code to find trainers and clubs near you, then check them out, watch some classes, and talk to the instructors and students to find the best fit for you.

USDAA , NADAC, CPE, DOCNA, etc have always been open to mix breeds, and do not have any additional requirements such as neutering or spaying. USDAA was the first agility organization in the US, and NADAC has also been around for a lot longer than AKC. AKC has recently developed a mixed breed program that does require the dogs to be neutered/spayed, and it is up to the host club as to whether or not they will accept mixed breeds into their shows. Some AKC clubs don't allow the mixed breeds to compete, some have gone out of their way to make them feel welcome, and others treat them as second class citizens, so you might want to find out about your local club, or find a group that promotes one of the non-AKC options.

Have fun with your dog!

Very cool! I've always thought about getting my boxer into agility... mostly to build her confidence and get her more exercise. She's not as naturally brave as your dog though ;) it would take a lot of coaxing to get her to jump over hay bales!

I would check the US Dog Agility Association (USDAA) website, and also google agility training centers near you. I'm sure that there are some of these organizations that allow mixed breed dogs, if not all of them do.

http://usdaa.com/index.cfm

Yes she can, most require that she is spayed beforehand though(at least the ones I have checked into do, different areas might have different requirements) :)

Check with your local agility courses/classes and see if they will accept your dog and it would probably be a good idea to enroll her in the agility courses(or have her take a few classes) before entering her into any competitions.

The AKC has a program for mixed breed dogs to enter agility and other competitions, here is a page that has more information on that: http://www.akc.org/mixedbreeds/ .

Yup! They can! The AKC even accepts mixed breeds now! I DO suggest taking her to an agility class or two just to get her used to the real equipment that is used, and then start signing her up for competitions! Good luck! :)

I've seen lots of mixed breeds in agility, etc. Look up agility training in your area, see if there are any restrictions on breed, or ask your vet who does agility training so you can get a name.

Yes, you can. its not that difficult to get her a registration number to compeate with

http://www.usdaa.com/faq.cfm United states dog agility association

http://www.nadac.com/dogs.htm The North American Dog Agility Council

http://www.akc.org/canine_partners/ the AKC's Mixed breed program..

I'm doing basic obedience right now. My trainer hasn't once handled my dog. He has shown me how to handle my dog by using his own dog but that's about it. The reasoning is that I need to learn how to do these basic corrections and what not myself. Learn more https://tr.im/05juU

I have never considered sending my dog away for training. I guess I haven't found that much of a problem with him to even think about it.

Again, it may also have to do with the level of training you are looking for etc. No idea lol. I'm not a trainer. I think a first time dog owner needs to learn simple commands and how to handle their dog themselves as well.