Internationalization

I have decided to add my two cents about the subject of Internationalization in Agility. This seems to be a topic that is very controversial, especially among people who compete in AKC agility.

Ever since I started learning the sport, I have been training those elememts considered "international," serpentines, threadles, back side jumps, slice jumps, etc. These things are not new, we have seen them in various forms in other venues for years. If they are on a course in competition or not shouldn't upset people all that much. As we are training  so much differently now than we were in the '90s, it is a given that the challenges should become more difficult, and the courses should be more than a bunch of obstacles in a figure eight.

What I am concerned with is the ever increasing need for speed and the expectation that all dogs should be able to make World Team times. More and more dogs are going to chiropractors for "adjustments," massages, or pain meds than ever before. There is much concern about the safety of the equipment. Is it really the equipment or is it the faster speeds, tighter turns, cutting corners, and careless handling that are causing these injuries?  I believe it is the human factor, and the need to win that is contributing to this.

Most of the competitors in the US are not going to compete anywhere else than near their home, maybe traveling to a show occasionally. These are the people that are the bread and butter of the sport. Most just want to have fun with their dogs and friends on the weekend. Let's keep agility user friendly for everyone.