Obedience and Agility Trials Competitor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the high-energy world of competitive sports, the focus on Obedience and Agility Trials competitors has never been more intense.

As the competition evolves, so does the demand for skilled competitors who can navigate, excel, and safeguard the integrity of these trials.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an Obedience and Agility Trials competitor?

Whether you are:

• An aspiring competitor trying to understand the demands of this role,
• A trainer or team leader outlining the ideal candidate,
• Or simply intrigued by the thrilling world of obedience and agility trials,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a comprehensive Obedience and Agility Trials competitor job description template, crafted for easy application on job boards or sporting event websites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Obedience and Agility Trials Competitor Duties and Responsibilities

Obedience and Agility Trials Competitors primarily work with their dogs to perform a range of tasks and agility trials.

This role requires expertise in dog training, agility, and obedience, as well as a deep understanding of dog breeds and behavior.

Here are their main duties and responsibilities:

• Train and condition dogs for obedience and agility trials
• Develop training programs suitable for a dog’s specific breed and individual characteristics
• Teach dogs specific skills and commands needed for obedience and agility trials
• Communicate effectively with dogs using voice commands and hand signals
• Ensure dogs’ physical and mental well-being throughout training and competitions
• Travel to and participate in obedience and agility trials
• Monitor dogs during trials and respond appropriately to their behavior
• Maintain a positive, encouraging, and safe environment during training and competitions
• Handle any behavioral issues that arise during training or competitions
• Keep records of dogs’ performance and progress
• Coordinate with veterinarians for routine check-ups and any health issues
• Adhere to competition rules and regulations

 

Obedience and Agility Trials Competitor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a skilled and passionate Obedience and Agility Trials Competitor to participate in various dog obedience and agility trials.

This role involves training and preparing dogs for various obedience and agility competitions, ensuring that the dogs are in peak physical and mental condition, and can perform the required tasks and maneuvers under the pressures of competition.

The ideal candidate should be knowledgeable about different breeds, their abilities, and their individual training needs.

They should also be able to handle dogs in a calm, assertive manner and possess the physical stamina needed for the role.

 

Responsibilities

• Train and prepare dogs for obedience and agility trials
• Ensure dogs are in peak physical and mental condition
• Develop training strategies tailored to individual dogs
• Participate in obedience and agility trials
• Keep track of dogs’ performances and develop strategies to improve
• Comply with all rules and regulations of the trials
• Collaborate with veterinarians to ensure dogs are healthy and fit for competitions
• Handle dogs in a calm and assertive manner

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Obedience and Agility Trials Competitor
• Knowledge of different breeds and their abilities
• Physical stamina and ability to handle dogs of varying sizes
• Strong understanding of dog behavior and training techniques
• Experience with dog agility equipment
• Ability to stay calm and assertive in high-pressure situations
• Excellent communication skills

 

Benefits

• Travel expenses for trials
• Veterinary care support
• Flexible working hours
• Professional development opportunities
• Opportunity to work with a variety of dog breeds

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Obedience and Agility Trials Competitor
• Work Environment: Various locations including dog training facilities, outdoor parks, and competition venues. This job will require travel to different locations for trials.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Team Manager or Trainer.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: Variable, depending on the number and level of competitions entered
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if travel is required)
• Employment Type: Full-time or Part-time, depending on availability and number of competitions.
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Obedience and Agility Trials Competitor Do?

An Obedience and Agility Trials Competitor, often in the context of dog training and sports, works diligently with their canine counterparts to excel in various challenges and competitions related to obedience, agility, and performance.

Their primary responsibility is to train their dogs to follow commands promptly and accurately.

This includes basic commands like sit, stay, come, and advanced ones like agility sequences and tricks.

In agility trials, they train their dogs to navigate through a set of obstacles such as jumps, tunnels, weave poles, and seesaws under a time limit.

The competitor needs to guide their dog through the course without running ahead or physically guiding the dog.

They spend significant time understanding their dog’s temperament, abilities, and limitations to ensure optimal performance during competitions.

They are also responsible for maintaining their dog’s physical health and fitness, as well as mental stimulation to keep them alert and active.

The competitor may also participate in obedience trials, where they showcase their dog’s ability to follow commands and behave well.

Here, their job is to ensure their dog remains focused, follows the commands, and displays good manners.

They usually participate in various local, regional, national, or even international competitions, aiming to win titles and recognition.

Beyond the competition, they are responsible for nurturing a strong bond with their dogs, providing them with love, care, and companionship.

 

Obedience and Agility Trials Competitor Qualifications and Skills

An Obedience and Agility Trials Competitor should have the skills and qualifications that are necessary to excel in this competitive field, which include:

• Profound knowledge and understanding of canine behavior and training methods to enhance the dog’s agility and obedience for competition
• Exceptional training skills to effectively teach and guide dogs through a variety of tasks and obstacles
• Patient and consistent in training sessions, understanding that progress may be slow and intermittent
• Physical fitness and agility to be able to demonstrate and guide dogs through various obstacles during training and competition
• Excellent communication skills to effectively give commands to dogs and to work well with event judges and other competitors
• Resilience and determination to continue training and competing despite setbacks or losses
• Strong bond and relationship with the dog to ensure trust and mutual understanding during training and competition
• Awareness of dog health and safety to prevent injuries during training or competition
• Competitive spirit and sportsmanship to participate in events with a positive and respectful attitude

 

Obedience and Agility Trials Competitor Experience Requirements

Obedience and Agility Trials Competitors generally start off with basic obedience training with their dogs.

This includes familiarising the dog with basic commands like sit, stay, and come, which are essential to both obedience and agility trials.

Most competitors then proceed to more advanced and specific training for agility and obedience trials.

This can include practicing agility equipment, such as jumps, tunnels, and weave poles, or refining obedience skills in a variety of environments.

Experience can also be gained by participating in local or amateur dog shows and competitions.

These provide an opportunity to apply training in a competitive setting and can prepare both the handler and the dog for the pressures of a trial.

Candidates with 1 to 2 years of experience may be ready to compete in novice-level trials, where the difficulty of the course and the level of competition is lower.

Competitors with more than 3 years of experience often have a solid foundation in obedience and agility training, and are typically ready to compete in more advanced trials.

Those with more than 5 years of experience are usually seasoned competitors, often with a number of successes under their belts.

They may be ready to take on a mentoring or coaching role to less experienced competitors, and can compete at the highest levels of obedience and agility trials.

 

Obedience and Agility Trials Competitor Education and Training Requirements

Obedience and Agility Trials Competitor roles typically require a comprehensive understanding and hands-on experience in dog training, particularly in obedience and agility disciplines.

While there are no formal education requirements for this role, a high school diploma or equivalent is often the minimum requirement.

Many competitors have degrees in animal science, veterinary technology, or a related field, which can be beneficial but not mandatory.

Hands-on experience is paramount for this role.

This can be gained through years of owning, breeding, or working with dogs.

Experience in dog obedience and agility classes, whether as a student or instructor, is also highly valuable.

Comprehensive knowledge of dog breeds, their behaviors, and how to handle them is critical.

This can be obtained through self-study, attending seminars, workshops, or enrolling in relevant courses.

Although not required, obtaining certification from recognized dog training institutions such as the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) or the Karen Pryor Academy can be advantageous.

These certifications showcase a competitor’s commitment to the profession and enhance their credibility.

In addition, staying updated with the latest techniques and trends in dog training is crucial, as is gaining knowledge on veterinary health to ensure the dogs’ well-being throughout training and competition.

Physical fitness and the ability to communicate effectively with dogs and their handlers are also important skills for this role.

 

Obedience and Agility Trials Competitor Salary Expectations

The earnings for an Obedience and Agility Trials Competitor can greatly vary since it largely depends on the success rate in competitions, sponsorships, and private training sessions.

On average, they can expect to earn around $30,000 to $40,000 (USD) annually from winnings and sponsorships.

Private coaching can add significantly to the overall earnings.

Experience, reputation, location, and the specific breed of dog trained can affect this figure.

 

Obedience and Agility Trials Competitor Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Obedience and Agility Trials Competitor need?

A competitor in obedience and agility trials should have strong communication and training skills to effectively work with their dog.

They need a solid understanding of dog behaviors and how to motivate and reward their pet.

Physical fitness is also essential as the handler often needs to run alongside the dog during agility competitions.

Patience, consistency, and a positive attitude are crucial qualities as well.

 

Do Obedience and Agility Trials Competitors need any specific qualifications or certifications?

There are no formal qualifications or certifications needed to become an Obedience and Agility Trials Competitor.

However, attending training sessions or workshops could be beneficial.

It’s also important to ensure that the dog competing is registered with a recognized kennel club and meets the specific breed or age requirements for the competition.

 

What should you look for in an Obedience and Agility Trials Competitor’s resume?

A competitor’s resume should highlight their experience in handling dogs, especially in a competitive setting.

It’s beneficial if they have completed dog training courses or workshops.

Achievements from previous competitions, including obedience and agility trials, can also add value.

 

What qualities make a good Obedience and Agility Trials Competitor?

A good competitor should have a strong bond with their dog and a deep understanding of their behavior.

They should be patient, consistent, and able to stay calm under pressure.

Physical fitness is important as agility trials can be demanding.

A good competitor should also have a competitive spirit and a strong dedication to training and preparation.

 

How can one become an Obedience and Agility Trials Competitor?

One can become a competitor by first getting a suitable dog breed that is known for agility and obedience.

The competitor should then undergo obedience training with the dog and gradually advance to agility training.

Joining local clubs or groups for agility competitors can provide valuable exposure and experience.

Finally, registering for and participating in competitions will complete the transition into a competitor.

 

Conclusion

And that concludes our deep dive.

Today, we’ve shed light on the thrilling world of being an Obedience and Agility Trials Competitor.

Surprising, right?

It’s not just about commanding a dog.

It’s about mastering the communication with your furry friend, one command at a time.

With our comprehensive Obedience and Agility Trials Competitor job description guide and real-world examples, you’re ready to leap into action.

But why pause here?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your stepping stone to creating precise listings or honing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every command is a part of the bigger journey.

Let’s conquer those trials. Together.

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