The dog sport agility is inspired by other sports such as Agility or Mobility but does not require any pressure to perform. The exercises promote concentration, body control, muscle building in the dog, and the bond between humans and animals.
Would you like to keep your dog busy and have fun with him, but your four-legged friend is not precisely a sportsman or is physically handicapped? Then it would help if you gave debility a try – this dog sport is not about performance or winning. You can find out what Degility is all about here.
Debility: What is it?
Debility is a dog sport based on Agility and Mobility in terms of exercises and obstacles but places no value on performance pressure and perfection. In Agility, a particular course is set up that your four-legged friend has to go through as quickly as possible without making any mistakes. With Mobility, your dog has to overcome similar hurdles as with Agility, but he has as much time as he needs – the main thing is that the task is carried out as precisely and correctly as possible.
With agility, however, it is not only of secondary importance how long your four-legged friend needs to overcome the obstacles but also whether he has overcome them without making any mistakes. You and your dog must have fun and strengthen communication with each other.
Why dog sport is suitable for everyone
The various stations of the agility course are designed to correspond to the individual physical capabilities of the four-legged friend. This means that if your dog, for example, because of its breed, cannot run as fast as the English Bulldog or has to watch its joints like a St. Bernard, Degility is an excellent “slower” alternative to Agility. Dog sport is also ideal for old dogs, as this allows the four-legged seniors to stay in training without overexerting themselves. This also applies to dogs that have a physical handicap.
The physical weaknesses of the four-legged friend are taken into account, while the mental strengths are encouraged. It is essential that you always pay attention to your cold nose and whether he has difficulties with exercise. In return, your fur nose has to listen to you during the course so that there is an interplay. The communication between you and your dog and thus your bond and friendship will be strengthened – and that’s fun.
How is a debility course composed?
There are no fixed guidelines for the Degility Parcours; anything that pleases meets the physical requirements of the dog and challenges its brains is allowed. Some elements train your four-legged friend’s sense of balance or skill without overexerting him.
In addition to tunnels, catwalks, and suspension bridges, dogs can balance on wobble boards, walk over different surfaces or have to find their way through a labyrinth. Possible tasks include slalom running at a leisurely pace, light tire jumps or sitting quietly on a podium, and recall training.
Advantages of debility for dog and owner
Since the dog sport, Degility, does not require any pressure to perform and can be individually tailored to each dog, every four-legged friend can use it to improve their condition. Motor skills, Mobility, and concentration are optimized, and the trust and bond between dog and owner are strengthened.
On the one hand, your four-legged friend can relax with debility because he is not under stress, but on the other hand, he can also be occupied and have fun so that boredom does not arise. In addition, your darling gains self-confidence and security, so dog sport also helps animals struggling with behavioral problems and psychological difficulties – for example, hyperactivity, anxiety disorders, aggressiveness, or depression.
