Why is there an age minimum for the Agility classes?
Most dogs have bones in their legs that are still growing and forming until they are 18 months of age. For this reason, there are organizations in which dogs can’t even compete in agility until they are 18 months. Injuries that occur while the dog’s growth plates are still forming can cause serious and irreparable damage. It is highly recommended that dogs do not jump their full shoulder height until they are 18 months of age. Thus, we ask that dogs be 7 months of age to take the Pre-Agility class (where we do no real jumping) and 1 year of age to take the Novice level class (where dogs jump full height). We structure our Beginner, Intermediate, and Obstacle Proficiency classes so that dogs are not jumping full height if they are under 18 months of age.
