Health benefits of dog agility extend to humans

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Media Contact: Betty Weibel
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 Health benefits of dog agility extend to humans

Survey shows weight loss, memory, stress relief, other advantages

Plano, Texas – February 2019– It’s widely known that owning a dog can be good for one’s health. The benefits are well documented – decreased blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and feelings of loneliness, along with increased opportunities for exercise, outdoor activities and socialization (Centers for Disease Control).

Just walking the dog for the health of it isn’t enough for some dog lovers, however. They – and their canine companions – are taking it a leap further with dog agility, and reaping significant health benefits.

Survey results highlight health benefits of dog agility

In a 2018 survey conducted by the United States Dog Agility Association® (USDAA®), respondents cited numerous advantages to participating in the sport, including “physical/mental exercise,” “socialization/friends,” “bonding with their dogs,” “satisfaction of meeting challenges/goals” and “stress relief.” 

Dog agility requires dynamic physical and mental engagement for dogs and humans alike. Guided only by voice and movement cues from their human partners, the canine athletes compete against the clock, flying over hurdles, weaving between poles, racing through tunnels and bounding onto the see-saw. Obstacles are set according to the dogs’ height and experience level, allowing dogs of all breeds and sizes to compete.

The human partners are critical members of the team, as they train the dogs, learn and memorize courses, strategize to tackle each obstacle, and race alongside, guiding the dogs to success – whether at a local club event, at the world championships of dog agility, or in their own backyard. The sport attracts people of all ages and abilities.

Agility benefits are not just for those who compete, however. Recreational agility can also improve one’s health and well-being. 

Dog agility offers physical and mental advantages

The health benefits of dog agility for humans are many and varied. Anjie Crow, 47, a business intelligence analyst from Nashville, Tenn., summed them up this way: “Agility not only allows me to bond with my dog more, it provides physical exercise and mental stimulation for both of us. It also feeds my competitive nature, has allowed me to make new friends, and gives me a reason to get up in the morning!" Crow is relatively new to the sport, having competed for just 1-1/2 years, but she’s already seeing benefits; she said she has lost 30 pounds by continuing in agility and watching her diet. She spends about 15 to 30 minutes training at least five times a week with her rescue and first agility dog, Zoey, a 5-year-old cattle dog/Jack Russell mix.

While losing weight and staying mentally fit are important to many participants, others said agility helped them recover from serious ailments and injuries, such as high blood pressure, depression and back surgery, to cite just a few. 

Phyllis Brentzel, 69, a psychologist from Trafford, Pa., credited the sport – and her dogs – with saving her life: “I had open heart surgery in November 2017, and thanks to being in good physical condition from participating in agility, I have been able to heal well. Also, getting back to running with my dogs was a huge motivation. These dogs and this sport have saved my life in so very many, many ways.” Brentzel added that agility helped her lose weight and cope with depression as well. She has been involved in agility for eight years and trains for 45 to 60 minutes each day with her three border collies, Molly (9), Ella (8) and Quinn (3-1/2).
Agility became a “healing activity” for Jenna Holst, a writer from Sarasota, Fla., who said it aided her recovery after a car accident with a concussion: “Agility helped me regain physical mobility and maintain flexibility and balance. It helped me regain mental skills by learning new course and handling strategies. It challenged me both physically and mentally and strengthened my bonds with my dogs.” Holst has been competing in dog agility for 12 years and spends 60 minutes training at least three times a week. She has competed with her Welsh terriers, Suzu (14, blind and retired), Taffy (12, semi-retired) and Rhys (9), and her kromfohrlanders, Biju (3-1/2) and Mai Tai (1, just starting agility).

Dog agility hailed as therapeutic, motivational

Alan Tay of Windsor, Colo., has been involved in dog agility for more than 10 years, partly because of the health benefits. He trains at least five times a week, usually for 15 to 30 minutes per session, with his 7-year-old border collie, Singa. He said, “Agility is very therapeutic for me. I have rheumatoid arthritis, but the pain in my joints goes away when I am working with my dog. In addition to keeping my body lean and healthy, agility is great for mental alertness.” 

For some respondents, doing agility didn’t help them get healthy, per se, but agility does motivate them to stay healthy so they can be more competitive. 
Nora Merhar, 52, a technical writer from Columbus, Ohio, said, “I am more aware of my fitness now than I used to be. Agility forced me to address my sciatica, since I couldn’t run! It also forced me to address other health issues that detracted from my performance. And I structure my workouts with agility in mind.” Merhar has been competing in dog agility for more than 20 years. She spends about 45 to 60 minutes training at least three times a week with her dogs Baci, a 12-year-old Sheltie, and Vivi, a 6-year-old Italian greyhound, along with a friend’s dog, S’more, a 9-year-old Sheltie.

Whether or not one wins a ribbon or trophy, the health, social and just-plain-fun aspects of dog agility make it all worthwhile for participants.

The United States Dog Agility Association® is the world’s largest, independent canine sports authority, dedicated to promoting the sport of dog agility as a recreational, family sport that fosters responsible pet ownership. For more information visit USDAA.com.  # # #