Agility races are a growing sport for dogs in the US. Have you heard of them?

Dogs race around an obstacle course of jumps, tunnels, A-frames, weave poles, and a dog walk.

They are tested for their ability to complete the race with concentration and speed.

The keywords here are speed and focus.

Every race follows its own set of rules but most of them have the same rules when it comes to point deductions.

Some of these include missing the contact zone, knocking off a bar when they jump, when the dog refuses to try an obstacle, when they skip weave poles, or enter them the wrong way, when the dog goes off course, and when the handler touches the dog or the obstacle.

It’s a pretty tough race.

That’s why handlers spend time training their dogs.

Depending on your dog, it can take time to properly train your dog to join these agility races.

You can sign up for a dog agility class at the start to help you and your dog with the training.

But eventually, it’ll be good to do it on your own so that your dog recognizes you and your commands.

Even when you sign up for the best agility classes and trainers though, sometimes, the result is not what you expect.

Take, Zeus for example.

He’s a 120-pound Bullmastiff.

Zeus participated in the Rocky Mountain Cluster Dog Show in Denver, Colorado.

Although his handler looks like a great and patient trainer, Zeus has his own plans.

And speed is not one of them.

Maybe this is Zeus’ first time participating or maybe that’s really his personality.

Zeus completed the race on his own time.

The objective of the race is to finish and that’s what he focused on. Speed? What is speed?

Zeus is wise beyond his years. He knows he doesn’t need to hustle to win, the important thing is to finish.

The other important part is the lessons he’s learned while racing.

Kidding aside, it’s still true.

Zeus doesn’t really care about being fast, he just wants to finish the race.

Maybe he’s doing it for his mom who really wants him to succeed. Or maybe he just wants to spend more time with his human family.

Who knows, right?

Zeus knows what to do because he completed every part of the obstacle.

He just doesn’t want to concern himself with finishing with the fastest time.

According to the American Kennel Club, Mastiffs are easy to train but easily bored.

The fact that Zeus’ handler was able to train and convince him to go around the obstacle course is a feat in itself.

Mastiffs do what they want.

If your goal is to win a dog agility race, then it’s better to train with a Border Collie, Jack Russell, Australian Shepherd, Shetland Sheepdogs, Australian Kelpie, and German Shepherd.

But if your goal is to learn and get to know your dog better with a race, then train with a Mastiff.

Just remember to be patient and gentle.

Want to see how Zeus did in the race? Watch the video below!

Please SHARE this with your friends and family.

Source: YouTube – Hans Watson, American Kennel Club, Dog Slim, American Kennel Club