Agility Benefits for Dogs and Handlers

Handlers share insights on fitness, mental health and more.

This article was originally published in the February 2025 OVERview digital magazine.

Dog agility is a rewarding activity that provides handlers with a wide array of physical, mental and emotional health benefits. One significant benefit for handlers is physical fitness. Agility training involves running, bending, squatting and even jumping. This active engagement helps improve cardiovascular health, enhances muscle strength and promotes overall fitness. Handlers often report better endurance and increased energy levels as they participate in regular agility practice sessions.

Mentally, dog agility offers numerous cognitive benefits. The sport requires handlers to think on their feet, strategizing and adjusting their movements in real time. This sharpens mental acuity, improves focus and strengthens decision-making skills. Handling a dog through a challenging course also requires patience and perseverance, which can reduce stress and boost mood.

Additionally, dog agility fosters a stronger bond between handler and dog, as it encourages teamwork and communication. The sense of accomplishment from successfully completing a course can boost self-esteem and provide a sense of fulfillment.

Finally, participating in dog agility offers social benefits, as handlers often connect with others in the dog agility community. These interactions can lead to new friendships and a sense of belonging, further contributing to improved mental health.

In a recent survey, USDAA agility participants shared how they and their dogs benefit from the sport. Below are some of their responses.

Sarah Jones, DVM (Colorado Springs, Colorado), and her dog, Doon, both benefit from agility through relaxation, skills building (teamwork and problem solving) and having fun. Added social benefits include meeting like-minded people, traveling with her dogs and seeing other parts of the country. (GreatDanePhotos)

 

Shannon Grimes, 69, Boerne, Texas

I can’t think of a better way to bond with your dog than training and competing in something that they absolutely love. I thought it would be fun and great exercise mentally and physically for my dog to give agility a try. I had no idea how much more it really has to offer. Of course, the exercise keeps them in great condition and creates a healthy lifestyle for them. Learning commands in agility has carried over to their overall development in their behavior outside of the ring. I think they are able to focus and learn so much more from the foundations they have received while training for agility. I’m sure that my dog is better behaved and much happier.

Shannon Grimes and Rocky, 2018 Performance Grand Prix Champion

 

Margaret Majua, 77, Lafayette, California
Retail Entrepreneur

One of the pitfalls facing the aging populace is the loss of human connections. In this sport, by and large, meaningful relationships are forged. I didn’t even begin in agility until I was already in my mid-60s. It has really been instrumental in improving my health, both mental and physical. I believe strongly that the memory and mental acuity exercises for the courses and the handling programs keep dementia at bay. And I try to remain healthy for the sake of my partner. My first dog and my current dog both required a job. Agility is a great outlet for them mentally and physically. The games we play to train expand our bond, and I believe they benefit from our wonderful interspecies relationship. That would not exist at this level without this shared sport.

Margaret Majua and Rey (Winter Lioness Studio)

 

Sandra Henderson, 70, Sunriver, Oregon
Retired Environmental Scientist and Educator

We are somewhat newbies to the world of dog agility. It has opened a new avenue for staying fit for both my dog and me. My fast Border Collie (Emmi) requires that this 70-year-old stay in reasonable physical shape to be able to guide her through a course. When we are in sync, the feeling is like no other! The bond I have with Emmi is stronger than any other relationship I have had with a dog (and I have had many). I credit agility for this rewarding relationship.

Coordinating the physical and mental aspects of agility has been enlightening. Remembering the courses and being able to make adjustments on the fly are a super cognitive exercise! The social aspects of agility were an unexpected benefit. I have met so many wonderful dog-focused new friends.

Emmi stays in great physical shape as I watch her weight and make sure she gets lots of exercise. She pushes at the gate when it is time to enter the ring, so I make the assumption that she wants to run. She is exposed to many other dogs, people, noises, venues, etc., that have increased her overall confidence in new settings.

Sandra Henderson and Emmi (Pixpup Photography)

 

Cherie Mathis, 53, Chattanooga, Tennessee

I have rheumatoid arthritis, and my rheumatologist loves that we play and train in agility. It has really helped me get up and move around a lot more. I get much more exercise than I ever did before we started agility. I have much more flexibility, and I can walk quite a bit faster, almost a bit of a run. I hadn’t been able to do that in years before. I also am less depressed as I socialize much more.

Cherie Mathis and Owen

 

Sue Peppes, 53, West Caldwell, New Jersey
Pediatric Physical Therapist

For me, agility is outside my comfort zone as I struggle with straight lines, right and left and sequencing. Yet when I know my dog needs me to step up and give as much as she does, I have had to come up with strategies. I have to focus so hard that I can’t think about other stressors.

Sue Peppes (GreatDanePhotos)

 

Mary Ann Pollitt, 82, Carlinville, Illinois
Retired Educator

The sport keeps me active, and I enjoy the strong connections with my dogs. Planning my attack of the course also helps my brain! It gives me real joy, and the connection with other “dog people” is unique. At my age, I need to keep moving. My dog also remains active as she ages. She LOVES running.

Mary Ann Pollitt and her Sheltie, Sunny (on right), have been working together for 13 years; her more recent partner is Molly, her Border Collie.

 

Monica Gonzalez, 47, Monterrey, Mexico
University Professor

Agility is my hobby and my passion. It is the time where I feel one with my dog and nothing else can be in my head. It is the activity that I enjoy most. My dogs are learning all the time, share quality time with me and it is a great exercise for them.

Monica Gonzalez