17th Annual National Canine Agility Championship Kicks Off In Tulsa

Some of the most athletic canines in the country gathered in Tulsa for the 17th annual National Agility Championships.

It's hosted by the American Kennel Club and features 10 different classes ranging from Chihuahuas to Great Danes.

From weaving through poll, to chutes, A-frames and balance beams, these dogs and their handlers are navigating a brand new course every time they step in the ring.

"The handler has eight minutes to learn how to run the course, and the dog never sees the course before we go out there," said dog handler, Donna Key.

Key is from Tulsa. She and her pup Addy have been at this for eight years.

"He's been ranked the #1 Rat Terrier in the preferred division for the last two years," said Key, who also serves as the awards chairman.

Key says the *key* is years of practice and constant communication. Because at this level, it's usually the handler's fault if something goes wrong.

"If you turn your shoulder just the wrong way at the wrong time," said Ron, who is also participating in the competition.

Ron and Marley drove in from Stillwater for their first ever national competition. He joins handlers from 48 states, including Alaska and Hawaii.

"Tulsa is great because it's just so centrally located," said Ron.

Ninety different breeds are represented here, each one separated by class according to height.

"For a lot of people it is the pinnacle of their year. It is the chance to say ‘My dog qualified to be at this event,'" said director of agility, Carrie Deyoung.

Deyoung says each duo is judged on speed, and how they execute the run.

"You don't have a whole lot of time as a handler to make a miscue, in fact you have no time to make a miscue," Deyoung said.

"It's just a matter of a lot of patience and a lot of practice," said handler, Barbara Jeleski.

The winners will walk home with gift cards, a ribbon, and a trophy, but more importantly, the pride that their dog stands alone at the top of its class.

"It's just way to much fun, the dogs love it, I love it, and there's always tomorrow," said Jeleski.

The dogs and their handlers have to be nearly perfect to qualify for the finals, that's because out of the more than 1,300 dogs here only the top seven percent will advance to Sunday's competition.

The finals are expected to kick off around 3:30 p.m. and admission is free and open to the general public.