Dog agility championships happening this weekend in Scottsdale

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (KSAZ) - It takes speed, concentration, and according to Lonny Elson, a lot of training.

"I started out an hour a week, but it's a lot if basic foundation where getting your dog to follow building a team between you and your dog," he said.

The Flagstaff resident started competing to give his dog, Gunner, something to do. Seven years later, they're up against the best of the best in the Cynosport World Games Dog Agility Championships.

"Our competitions work all year long to qualify for this event, so each person you see competitions here has earned qualifiers at competitions around the country," Rachel Evers said.

Ivette White is from Half Moon Bay in California and her and Roxy are made up of the UiFC's work team and will compete in the Netherlands next April.

"It's a lot of fun if you love dogs, it's not just work, it's fun," she said.

The competition includes agility, a master jumping triathlon, and team competition.

Dogs can start competing at 18 months and every breed is eligible and it's not always about winning a big prize.

"Oh, it's just so much fun, I mean there's a euphoria when you're out running your dog," Elson said. "The dogs are happy, you're happy at accomplishing something against the course."

The competition continues at Westworld through Sunday at 3 p.m., and the public is invited to attend for free.