Sweetbay's Agility Dogs

Sweetbay has long been known for its extraordinary working dogs, dogs who excel in obedience, tracking, carting, and water rescue. And now they are making a name for themselves in agility.

Dog agility was developed in England in 1978 as a bit of entertainment for the crowds who attended the famous Crufts dog shows. Much like commercials break up conventional television episodes, short agility segments separated each of the major judging segments at the end of a dog show. Not surprisingly, dogs flying over high jumps and charging through tunnels and slaloming left/right/left/right through a series of weave poles caught the spectators' fancy. Caught on so quickly that the sport became a full-fledged event in its own right. And it wasn't long before agility spread through Europe, and then to the U.S.

Five primary agencies sponsor agility trials in the United States. Each has its own rules, time limits, and equipment specifications. The American Kennel Club resisted at first, but in the face of such stupendous popularity, it joined the fun in 1994.

Agility most closely resembles an equestrian event, where horses leap various jumps in a set order, and try for a clean run (no faults) in the shortest amount of time. However, unlike horse events, the handler works at a distance from his dog. He cannot cue him physically. The dog is off lead, and the handler may not touch or guide him in any way. He is allowed only verbal commands and hand signals.

A skilled dog needs a good handler to do well at agility. It is an event that requires extraordinary teamwork. In dog agility, a handler directs his dog over a pre-determined course of obstacles, obstacles that are far more varied than horse jumps. You'll see dogs negotiating a teeter totter. Then racing up an A-frame (a steeply slanted sandwich board that the dog must scramble up and then go safely down the other side). The dog walk is a canine version of a balance beam, a long narrow plank high off the ground, and dogs racing across the narrow board draw first gasps and then applause from spectators. Jumps are broad or high, and sometimes both at once. Only one element requires a total lack of speed: a pause table, much like a square coffee table, where the dog jumps up and then sits or lies down and stays for five seconds, before being allowed to resume the racing game.

Not only must a dog negotiate all these elements in the proper order, but there is a time limit, and speed is essential. The day of the trial, the judge determines the order the obstacles will be run. Unlike most dog sports, where the exercises are always performed in the same order, each course is unique. The handler is given only a brief walk-through beforehand to familiarize himself with the course, and to work out his handling strategy. The judge watches the dog and handler work, noting any faults, and determining if they are minor (points off) or major (a disqualification).

A dog who earns a qualifying score gets a "leg" toward his title. A dog must pass at a particular level at three separate shows (i.e. three legs) to be awarded a title.

Agility enthusiasts are obsessed with the sport. They joke that they drive five hours to get to a trial, wait six more hours for their turn, and then have 55 seconds in the ring, and it's all over for the day! This sport would have to be great fun to have so many devotees, and you better believe it is. Spectators whoop and holler during each dog's run, and the dogs are energized by the crowd. At its best, it is awesome.

There are multiple levels to agility. For instance, in the American Kennel Club version, a dog and handler team begins with Novice agility, hoping to earn an NA title. Open agility (OA) is next, following by Agility Excellent (AX), and finally Master Agility Excellent (MX). Each successive level adds more obstacles and at the same time markedly decreases the time the dog is allowed to navigate the course.

In most dog sports, each new level consists of brand new exercises. In agility, the actual obstacles remain the same, and the physical act of running the course is identical. But each successive level adds several more obstacles to the course you must complete - and at the same time markedly decreases the time the dog has to complete it.

This is a top speed sport. Most dogs can move faster than their owners, and truly great agility dogs are blazingly fast. Good handlers learn to direct from afar, and master complex handling skills to guide the dogs using precise body cues. At its best, high level agility is magical, and the best handlers appear to guide their dogs through subliminal mental connections.

It was originally thought that this sport would be out of the question for the giant breeds. But make no mistake, Newfoundlands can and do compete at the highest levels.

Sweetbay is proud to be in the forefront of this new and exciting dog sport.

For an explanation of the title abbreviations, click here.

AKC Novice Standard Agility:

Sweetbay’s Aurora CD MX MXJ AXP AJP OFP NFP WD (NF-7502, EL-1660) (NF-7502, EL-1660) – Anna Lewandowski

Sweetbay's Cutter AmCanCD AmCanTD NA WD AmCanDD (NF-5354) - Gary & Frosti Lange

WA Sweetbay’s Gusto UDT WRDX TDD OA OAJ (VCD2) (NF-7523) – Ann Dunnigan

Sweetbay's Michaela NA - Kim Acton

AKC Novice Standard Agility, Preferred:

Sweetbay’s Aurora CD MX MXJ AXP AJP OFP NFP WD (NF-7502, EL-1660)(NF-7502, EL-1660) – Anna Lewandowski

SpCH Sweetbay’s Lyric CD TDX RE WRD OAP OJP OFP (VCD1) OAC EGC OJC TNE TGO WVO UAG1 CSL3-F CSL3-R CSL3-S CSL3-H (NF-7437, EL-1624) – Lois Apfel

AKC Novice Agility Jumpers With Weaves:

Sweetbay’s Aurora CD MX MXJ AXP AJP OFP NFP WD (NF-7502, EL-1660) (NF-7502, EL-1660) – Anna Lewandowski

WA Sweetbays Caspian CDX BN RE NAP NJP WRD DDX (NF-11317, EL-4881)-Terri Desnica

WA Sweetbay’s Gusto UDT WRDX TDD OA OAJ (VCD2) (NF-7523) – Ann Dunnigan

AKC Novice Agility Jumpers With Weaves, Preferred.

Sweetbay’s Aurora CD MX MXJ AXP AJP OFP NFP WD (NF-7502, EL-1660)(NF-7502, EL-1660) – Anna Lewandowski

WA Sweetbays Caspian CDX BN RE NAP NJP WRD DDX (NF-11317, EL-4881)-Terri Desnica

SpCH Sweetbay’s Lyric CD TDX RE WRD OAP OJP OFP (VCD1) OAC EGC OJC TNE TGO WVO UAG1 CSL3-F CSL3-R CSL3-S CSL3-H (NF-7437, EL-1624) – Lois Apfel

WA Sweetbay’s Ruca CDX RE WRD TDD NAP NJP, (EL-4152)-Sue Raney

AKC Open Agility Standard Dogs:

Sweetbay's Annapolis CDX WRD DD OA NAJ (EL761) - Kathy Robbins

Sweetbay’s Aurora CD MX MXJ AXP AJP OFP NFP WD (NF-7502, EL-1660) (NF-7502, EL-1660) – Anna Lewandowski

Sweetbay's Bosco CDX TDX OA (NF-3881, EL529) - Ann Dunnigan

Sweetbay's Chesapeake CD OA OAJ WD TDD (NF-5127, EL321) - George Brown

WA Sweetbay’s Gusto UDT WRDX TDD OA OAJ (VCD2) (NF-7523) – Ann Dunnigan

AKC Open Standard Preferred Agility:

Sweetbay’s Aurora CD MX MXJ AXP AJP OFP NFP WD (NF-7502, EL-1660)(NF-7502, EL-1660) – Anna Lewandowski

SpCH Sweetbay’s Lyric CD TDX RE WRD OAP OJP OFP (VCD1) OAC EGC OJC TNE TGO WVO UAG1 CSL3-F CSL3-R CSL3-S CSL3-H (NF-7437, EL-1624) – Lois Apfel

AKC Open Agility Jumpers With Weaves Dogs:


Sweetbay's Annapolis CDX WRD DD OA NAJ (EL761) - Kathy Robbins

Sweetbay’s Aurora CD MX MXJ AXP AJP OFP NFP WD (NF-7502, EL-1660)(NF-7502, EL-1660) – Anna Lewandowski

Sweetbay's Chesapeake CD OA OAJ WRD TDD (NF-5127, EL321) - George Brown

WA Sweetbay’s Gusto UDT WRDX TDD OA OAJ (VCD2) (NF-7523) – Ann Dunnigan

AKC Open Jumpers With Weaves Preferred Agility:

Sweetbay’s Aurora CD MX MXJ AXP AJP OFP NFP WD (NF-7502, EL-1660)(NF-7502, EL-1660) – Anna Lewandowski

SpCH Sweetbay’s Lyric CD TDX RE WRD OAP OJP OFP (VCD1) OAC EGC OJC TNE TGO WVO UAG1 CSL3-F CSL3-R CSL3-S CSL3-H (NF-7437, EL-1624) – Lois Apfel

AKC Excellent Agility Standard Dogs:

Sweetbay’s Aurora CD MX MXJ AXP AJP OFP NFP WD (NF-7502, EL-1660) (NF-7502, EL-1660) – Anna Lewandowski

AKC Excellent Agility Jumpers With Weaves Dogs:

Sweetbay’s Aurora CD MX MXJ AXP AJP OFP NFP WD (NF-7502, EL-1660) (NF-7502, EL-1660) – Anna Lewandowski

AKC Excellent Standard Preferred Agility

Sweetbay’s Aurora CD MX MXJ AXP AJP OFP NFP WD (NF-7502, EL-1660) (NF-7502, EL-1660) – Anna Lewandowski

AKC Excellent Jumpers With Weaves Preferred Agility

Sweetbay’s Aurora CD MX MXJ AXP AJP OFP NFP WD (NF-7502, EL-1660) (NF-7502, EL-1660) – Anna Lewandowski

AKC Masters Agility Standard Dogs:

Sweetbay’s Aurora CD MX MXJ AXP AJP OFP NFP WD (NF-7502, EL-1660)(NF-7502, EL-1660) – Anna Lewandowski


AKC Masters Agility Jumpers With Weaves Dogs:

Sweetbay’s Aurora CD MX MXJ AXP AJP OFP NFP WD (NF-7502, EL-1660)(NF-7502, EL-1660) – Anna Lewandowski

AKC FAST (Fifteen and Send Time) Novice Agility Dogs

Sweetbay’s Aurora CD MX MXJ NA-P NAJ-P FN WD (NF-7502, EL-1660) – Anna Lewandowski

AKC FAST (Fifteen and Send Time) Novice Preferred Agility Dogs:

Sweetbay’s Aurora CD MX MXJ NA-P NAJ-P FN WD (NF-7502, EL-1660) – Anna Lewandowski

SpCH Sweetbay’s Lyric CD TDX RE WRD OAP OJP OFP (VCD1) OAC EGC OJC TNE TGO WVO UAG1 CSL3-F CSL3-R CSL3-S CSL3-H (NF-7437, EL-1624) – Lois Apfel

AKC FAST (Fifteen and Send Time) Open Agility Dogs

SpCH Sweetbay’s Lyric CD TDX RE WRD OAP OJP OFP (VCD1) OAC EGC OJC TNE TGO WVO UAG1 CSL3-F CSL3-R CSL3-S CSL3-H (NF-7437, EL-1624) – Lois Apfel

AKC FAST (Fifteen and Send Time) Open Agility Preferred Dogs

Sweetbay’s Aurora CD MX MXJ NA-P NAJ-P FN WD (NF-7502, EL-1660) – Anna Lewandowski

NADAC Novice Agility Standard:

SpCH Sweetbay’s Lyric CD TDX RE WRD OAP OJP OFP (VCD1) OAC EGC OJC TNE TGO WVO UAG1 CSL3-F CSL3-R CSL3-S CSL3-H (NF-7437, EL-1624) – Lois Apfel

NADAC Novice Jumpers Certificate:

Sweetbay's Lea CD TD NJC (OFA NF-6506, EL-1005) – Barbara Adams

NADAC Novice Jumpers Certificate, Veterans:

SpCH Sweetbay’s Lyric CD TDX RE WRD OAP OJP OFP (VCD1) OAC EGC OJC TNE TGO WVO UAG1 CSL3-F CSL3-R CSL3-S CSL3-H (NF-7437, EL-1624) – Lois Apfel

NADAC Open Jumpers Certificate, Veterans

SpCH Sweetbay’s Lyric CD TDX RE WRD OAP OJP OFP (VCD1) OAC EGC OJC TNE TGO WVO UAG1 CSL3-F CSL3-R CSL3-S CSL3-H (NF-7437, EL-1624) – Lois Apfel

NADAC Open Agility Standard:

SpCH Sweetbay’s Lyric CD TDX RE WRD OAP OJP OFP (VCD1) OAC EGC OJC TNE TGO WVO UAG1 CSL3-F CSL3-R CSL3-S CSL3-H (NF-7437, EL-1624) – Lois Apfel

NADAC Novice Gamblers Certificate:

SpCH Sweetbay’s Lyric CD TDX RE WRD OAP OJP OFP (VCD1) OAC EGC OJC TNE TGO WVO UAG1 CSL3-F CSL3-R CSL3-S CSL3-H (NF-7437, EL-1624) – Lois Apfel

NADAC Open Gamblers Certificate, Veterans.

SpCH Sweetbay’s Lyric CD TDX RE WRD OAP OJP OFP (VCD1) OAC EGC OJC TNE TGO WVO UAG1 CSL3-F CSL3-R CSL3-S CSL3-H (NF-7437, EL-1624) – Lois Apfel

NADAC Elite Gamblers Certificate:

SpCH Sweetbay’s Lyric CD TDX RE WRD OAP OJP OFP (VCD1) OAC EGC OJC TNE TGO WVO UAG1 CSL3-F CSL3-R CSL3-S CSL3-H (NF-7437, EL-1624) – Lois Apfel

NADAC Novice Tunnelers Certificate:

SpCH Sweetbay’s Lyric CD TDX RE WRD OAP OJP OFP (VCD1) OAC EGC OJC TNE TGO WVO UAG1 CSL3-F CSL3-R CSL3-S CSL3-H (NF-7437, EL-1624) – Lois Apfel

NADAC Open Tunnelers Certificate:

SpCH Sweetbay’s Lyric CD TDX RE WRD OAP OJP OFP (VCD1) OAC EGC OJC TNE TGO WVO UAG1 CSL3-F CSL3-R CSL3-S CSL3-H (NF-7437, EL-1624) – Lois Apfel

NADAC Excellent Tunnelers Certificate:

SpCH Sweetbay’s Lyric CD TDX RE WRD OAP OJP OFP (VCD1) OAC EGC OJC TNE TGO WVO UAG1 CSL3-F CSL3-R CSL3-S CSL3-H (NF-7437, EL-1624) – Lois Apfel

NADAC Novice Touch-N-Go Certificate:

SpCH Sweetbay’s Lyric CD TDX RE WRD OAP OJP OFP (VCD1) OAC EGC OJC TNE TGO WVO UAG1 CSL3-F CSL3-R CSL3-S CSL3-H (NF-7437, EL-1624) – Lois Apfel

NADAC Novice Weavers Certificate:

SpCH Sweetbay’s Lyric CD TDX RE WRD OAP OJP OFP (VCD1) OAC EGC OJC TNE TGO WVO UAG1 CSL3-F CSL3-R CSL3-S CSL3-H (NF-7437, EL-1624) – Lois Apfel

NADAC Open Weavers Certificate:

SpCH Sweetbay’s Lyric CD TDX RE WRD OAP OJP OFP (VCD1) OAC EGC OJC TNE TGO WVO UAG1 CSL3-F CSL3-R CSL3-S CSL3-H (NF-7437, EL-1624) – Lois Apfel

CPE Specialist Level 1, Fun Games

Sweetbay’s Neela CD RN TD CSL1-F CSL1-R CSL2-S (OFA NF10760, EL4385) – Lois Apfel

CPE Specialist Level 1, Standard

Sweetbay’s Neela CD RN TD CSL1-F CSL1-R CSL2-S (OFA NF10760, EL4385) – Lois Apfel

CPE Specialist Level 2, Stragegy Games

Sweetbay’s Neela CD RN TD CSL1-F CSL1-R CSL2-S (OFA NF10760, EL4385) – Lois Apfel

CPE Specialist Champion:

SpCH Sweetbay’s Lyric CD TDX RE WRD OAP OJP OFP (VCD1) OAC EGC OJC TNE TGO WVO UAG1 CSL3-F CSL3-R CSL3-S CSL3-H (NF-7437, EL-1624) – Lois Apfel

CPE Level 3 Fun Games

SpCH Sweetbay’s Lyric CD TDX RE WRD OAP OJP OFP (VCD1) OAC EGC OJC TNE TGO WVO UAG1 CSL3-F CSL3-R CSL3-S CSL3-H (NF-7437, EL-1624) – Lois Apfel

For more information about Sweetbay dogs:

Sweetbay Newfoundlands
Judi & Ellis Adler
12320 SW Malloy
Sherwood OR 97140
(503) 682-0604
e-mail:
sweetbay@teleport.com

Sweetbay’s Aurora CD MX MXJ AXP AJP OFP NFP WD, OFA NF-7502, EL-1660

Anna Lewandowski and Rory competed in the 2007 AKC Agility Invitationals in Long Beach, California, on December 2. Rory was the only Newfoundland in the country who had the qualifications to be invited to compete, and is the first Newfoundland to ever reach this level.

Sweetbay’s Aurora CD MX MXJ AXP AJP OFP NFP WD, OFA NF-7502, EL-1660

At the Invitational, Rory competed against many breeds in the 24-inch category. She thrilled the crowds with her amazing runs. Rory and Anna did so well, they came in tenth overall in the division, a truly phenomenal feat.

Buckley

Sweetbay's Chesapeake CD OA OAJ WD TDD (NF-5127, EL321)

People refer to Buckley as the 'Jumpin' Black Flash.' Living up to his nickname, Buckley flies over the triple jump at an Oriole Dog Training Club AKC Agility Trial in Arcadia, Maryland.

Cutter

Sweetbay's Cutter AmCanCD NA AmCanTD WD AmCanDD (NF-5354)

Gary Lange began doing agility work with Cutter on a lark. It became a passion for them both. Cutter is athletic and fast, and agility was the perfect sport. They quickly earned the three legs needed for their Novice Agility title, finishing up with a third place in an extremely large class. Cutter's run was nearly fifteen seconds under the course time!

Sweetbay's Annapolis CDX WRD DD OA OAJ (EL761)

High flying Higgins speeds his way through an Open Agility course in Maryland. Owner Kathy Robbins has to move quickly to be in the right place at the right time. Luckily, thanks to Kathy's excellent training, Higgins is very responsive to hand signals and commands even when given from a distance. Kathy can direct him to do a series of obstacles, in the correct order, using one command. Open Agility requires great speed and precision, and Higgins has both.

SpCH Sweetbay’s Lyric CD TDX RE WRD OAP OJP OFP (VCD1) OAC EGC OJC TNE TGO WVO UAG1 CSL3-F CSL3-R CSL3-S CSL3-H (NF-7437, EL-1624)

Lyric has blazing speed on the agility course. The weave poles are the most difficult physical obstacle for the giant breeds, and a tough challenge mentally for all dogs. But they pose no problem for Lyric, and she blasts her way through.

Sweetbay's Lea CD TD NJC (OFA NF-6506, EL-1005)

Agility trainers recommend their sport highly, saying it builds confidence. It did just that for Lea, who is happily at home on an agility course. She moves across the high-off-the-ground, very narrow dog walk boards with conviction and a very big smile.

Sweetbay's Lea CD TD NJC (OFA NF-6506, EL-1005)

When it all comes together, it's a sight to behold. Any dog doing agility is fun to watch, but a Newfoundland that's topnotch takes your breath away. Barbara Adams' Lea explodes through agility courses, sailing over two foot high jumps like this double bar with perfect form.

SpCH Sweetbay’s Lyric CD TDX RE WRD OAP OJP OFP (VCD1) OAC EGC OJC TNE TGO WVO UAG1 CSL3-F CSL3-R CSL3-S CSL3-H (NF-7437, EL-1624)

The agility teeter is exactly like a child's seesaw, except there's no one on the other end. The dog runs onto the up-slant, gets to the balance point, and then the “up” end swings down and hits the ground with a bang. All this unexpected shifting (not to mention the noise) can cause an agility dog to proceed with caution, slowing down and taking it very carefully and with trepidation. Not Lyric. She loves the feel of “the earth giving way” and charges up and then down with zest.

Sweetbay Newfoundlands are naturally agile. While many people picture a Newfoundland as sluggish and clumsy, these dogs are more akin to mountain goats. Create an impromptu mountain in the horse pasture and they're in heaven, chasing each other up and then flying off, all at top speed.

One of the agility tasks requires the dog to leap onto a small elevated table, swiftly assume a sitting or downed position, then hold it for five seconds before flying off to continue the run. These log stumps in Judi and Ellis Adler's dog yard form natural “pause tables,” and the dog use them frequently in their games. On rare occasions they'll stop the breakneck chase long enough to pose for a photo.

It isn't just the adult dogs who find tricky footwork intriguing. Three month old Sydney jauntily navigates a slippery felled tree stretching across the Santiam River.

Higgins showed exeptional skill and enthusiasm for agility as a puppy. At three months, he was taking jumps with ease. Not because his owner, Kathy Robbins, asked him to. But just because they were there – and it was fun!

Jim Lonergan’s puppy George loves any obstacle that requires him to go over, under, across, or through. Here, accompanied by a young friend, he navigates a log on a trek through the woods. Everyday experiences like this will serve him well when he learns the specific tasks that comprise an agility course.

Of course, Sweetbay dogs also use their uncanny athleticism and agility for mischief as well as for good. Three year old Richard Freimer pushes a metal folding chair over to the counter to help himself to a snack. Puppy Jazz, instantly taking advantage of the circumstances, gets closer access to the treasure.

Owners with an interest in agility find it's great fun to introduce a new pup to the sport. Barbara Adams shows twelve week old Cassie that the tricky dog walk isn't so tricky after all.

Take two full sheets of plywood. Add horizontal slats for traction. Connect them at an angle. And you have an A-frame. Barbara Pruijn sends Maggie up one side and down the other in their beginner agility class. At agility classes, dogs get the idea very quickly, and have great fun adding prowess to enthusiasm.
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