Dogs will have run of the place in Scottsdale at Agility World Games
Nov 28, 2022, 12:34 PM
(Facebook Photo/U.S. Dog Agility Association)
(Facebook Photo/U.S. Dog Agility Association)
PHOENIX – There will be no dogging it this week in Scottsdale when nearly 500 of the most athletic canines in the country will compete to be the best at the Cynosport Dog Agility World Games.
The U.S. Dog Agility Association’s games will run Wednesday through Sunday at Westworld from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free but parking costs $10.
The championships were last held at the Valley event complex at Pima and Bell roads in 2018.
Winners will be crowned in the grand prix, steeplechase, agility masters, two- and three-dog teams and masters challenge biathlon.
Dogs, with guidance from their handlers, will make their way – against a clock – around, over and through obstacles such as tunnels, hanging tires, weave poles and a see-saw.
Coaches can only use voice commands and hand signals to get their animals to maneuver the course.
The competitors advanced from 10 qualifiers held around the country.
The animals are divided into classes and all breeds and sizes compete, the USDAA said. Obstacles are set based on the height of the dogs.
Quarterfinals begin Wednesday, with the steeplechase and the grand prix. Thursday’s schedule includes semifinals in the steeplechase. Grand prix semifinals and masters biathlon challenge are set for Friday, followed by steeplechase finals on Saturday.
The finals of the grand prix are on tap for Sunday.
