Tiny Dogs Can do Dog Agility and Here’s How

Not all tiny dog breed owners know that it is possible for their dogs to play, compete and win in dog agility. They might not be able to compete in organizations that use full size equipment but there is no reason they cannot excel in Teacup Dog Agility. Yorkshire Terriers, Chihuahuas, Toy Poodles and the like, may not even be able to drop the teeter on standard equipment. It is set for three pounds and many toy dogs fall just shy of that weight.

TDAA or Teacup Dog Agility Association is centered on giving these tiny competitors a place where they can play and shine in our great sport of dog agility. Don’t think this is a slow paced and uneventful venue either! The equipment might be cute to see, but this competition is for any and all dogs under 20″ at the shoulder. This means small Shetland Sheepdogs, Cattle Dogs and other high drive dogs can and do compete in TDAA.

They also have their own huge selection of game courses, over 50, that you can take your dog in such as “Chutes and Ladders,” “Tunnel Vision” and “Time Warp” to name a few. TDAA also has their own titles and awards teams can earn, just like any other dog agility venue. Founder, Bud Houston states, “The purpose of the Teacup Dogs Agility Association is to provide a competitive venue for dogs of small stature without regard to breed or pedigree.”

We support the notion that all small dogs need to have a fair shake in dog agility with courses and equipment that will allow them to showcase their skills just like the big dogs. The added benefit of running courses with smaller equipment is that it allows for more challenging courses. With full sized equipment, course designers leave more distance between obstacles and making course times longer both making the courses less challenging. With TDAA courses there’s an element of speed and handlers’ challenges that your teacup won’t find in other venues.

Every dog has their day and thanks to Affordable Agility, every small dog can have suitable equipment to practice and compete on that meet TDAA equipment regulations. And their equipment may look cute, but just like your little agility competitor, it is tough and made to last. We want you to know that when you play in TDAA, you’re doing what’s best for your tiny agility dog. It’s not about daunting obstacles, it’s about fun! Your dog will be safer, more confident on course, and you’ll both enjoy your agility experience more