Harrowsmith Goes To The Dogs: Agility Championship Excitement

Jeff Green | Jun 05, 2025

Harrowsmith, became the ultimate playground for speed, skill, and teamwork as the AAC Ontario Regional Dog Agility Championships transformed Centennial Park into an arena of canine excellence last weekend (May 30 to June 1) Spectators gathered in eager anticipation, watching top-tier dogs and their handlers weave, jump, and sprint their way toward a coveted spot in the national finals.

Entering the park felt like stepping into a bustling dog-lover’s dream. It was a vibrant village of tents, dog shelters, vendor stalls, and camper setups, forming a lively, tail-wagging community. Beautiful breeds ambled between runs, some indulging in therapy sessions with local K9 Physio Carolyn McIntyre of McIntyre Canine Rehabilitation (www.mcrehabilitation.com).

When I caught up with Carolyn, she was tending to a speedy competitor named Rush, who had ‘face-planted’ during a run. A few quick adjustments later, he was back on his paws, eagerly awaiting his next turn.

Dog agility debuted at the Crufts Dog Show in the late 1970s. Inspired by equestrian show jumping, this sport challenges dogs to dash through obstacle courses with both precision and speed, relying on seamless teamwork with their handlers. Over time, agility grew into a structured competition, and today, the Agility Association of Canada (AAC) continues to champion the sport across the country. Harrowsmith’s Regional Championships servesas a crucial stepping stone for teams eyeing a spot at Nationals, making every run a breathtaking display of talent and trust.

Throughout the weekend, dogs tackled a variety of agility challenges, each testing different aspects of their training and athleticism. The events included: Standard Agility, where dogs zipped through jumps, tunnels, weave poles, and contact obstacles; Jumpers, a lightning-fast race that rewarded sharp precision and split-second timing; Gamblers, a strategic showdown where handlers directed their dogs through a point-based obstacle sequence before tackling a final gamble challenge; and Steeplechase, a pulse-pounding race featuring long jumps and tight turns that demanded both speed and efficiency.

Handlers relied on verbal commands and body language to steer their pups through the courses, every clean run earning cheers from the enthusiastic crowd.

Harrowsmith’s Centennial Park proved an ideal backdrop, offering plenty of room for competitors, spectators, and the bustling vendor village. The park was alive with visitors, trainers, and passionate dog lovers. Volunteers worked behind the scenes, ensuring the event ran seamlessly, while vendors showcased agility gear, training materials, and delicious specialty treats for the four-legged athletes.

The Frontenac Farmers Market added to the festive flair on Friday, serving up fresh goodies for both human and canine guests. Among the highlights was Lai (forgive me if I got the name wrong), a new booth that served a superb rice noodle stir fry, hearty, gluten-free, and delicious.

As the competition wrapped up on June 1, victorious teams celebrated their hard-earned success, with

Harrowsmith proved itself a top-tier host, leaving competitors eager for the next agility showdown. For those lucky enough to attend, the Ontario Regional Dog Agility Championships showcased not just skill but the heart, perseverance, and pure joy that define Canada’s finest canine athletes.

Good luck at Nationals in Leduc, AB, August 14–17.