Dog agility world games to take place in Scottsdale

United States Dog Agility Association event to be Nov. 30-Dec. 4

For the first time since 2018, the Cynosport Dog Agility World Games will take place at WestWorld of Scottsdale featuring nearly 500 canines.

The United States Dog Agility Association, Inc. kicked off its 2022 regional championships qualifying calendar in Tucson in January. After 10 qualifiers were held across the nation, nearly 500 winning dogs are heading to Scottsdale this month for the championship Cynosport Dog Agility World Games.

The event returns to the WestWorld event facility, Nov. 30-Dec. 4.

The Cynosport Dog Agility World Games features multiple rings of simultaneous competition, bringing the nation’s best agility competitors together for a variety of events including the Grand Prix of Dog Agility World Championship, $15,000 Dog Agility Steeplechase, Dog Agility Masters Two- and Three-Dog Team Championships, and Masters Challenge BiathlonSM.

During the event, canine athletes will be unleashed individually to race over obstacle courses against the clock while being navigated by their human partner, using only voice and hand signals, according to a press release. Be entertained watching talented dogs performing against the clock over hurdles and A-frames, through tunnels, hanging tires, weave poles and even the see-saw.

Easy for spectators to understand, the objective is to score the fastest time with the least penalties. Dogs of all breeds and sizes compete in various classes where obstacles are set based on the height of the dog.

Gates open daily at 9 a.m. and admission is free. The event rotates each year between Eastern and Western locations and features numerous shopping opportunities and fun, “paws-on” events for pet lovers of all ages.

2022 Cynosport Dog Agility World Games schedule:

• 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30

• • Competitor set-up & check in
  • Morning warm-up class for quarterfinalists
  • Steeplechase and Grand Prix Quarterfinals
  • Afternoon warm-up class for all semifinalists

• 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1

• • Steeplechase semifinals
  • Dog agility masters team and veterans all-around classes
  • Masters challenge biathlon

• 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2

• • Grand prix semifinals
  • Dog agility masters team and veterans all-around classes
  • Masters challenge biathlon

• 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3

• • Dog agility masters team and veterans all-around classes
  • Masters challenge biathlon
  • Junior handler and IDAA showcase
  • Steeplechase finals

• 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4

• • 2-dog and 3-dog team relay
  • Veterans all-around showcase
  • Grand prix finals