Dog agility clubs in Hampshire

Ring before you turn up. Most clubs run waiting lists, most want your dog to have some basic obedience first, and a lot of them do not take beginners mid-course.

Ask what age they will start a dog jumping at full height. A dog's growth plates close anywhere from around six months in a toy breed to two years in a giant one, and later in a dog neutered young, so a good club will keep the bars low until your vet is happy. One that shrugs at the question is telling you something useful.

Nearly all of them will let you watch a session before you commit. Take them up on it, because the difference between clubs is mostly the atmosphere. Our guide to getting started covers the obstacles and what you can sensibly practise at home.

Once your dog is 18 months old and you have both found your feet at a club, a show is the next step. These are the places to find one.

• Royal Kennel Club licensed agility shows within 30 miles of Alton, listed by date and updated daily.
• Agilitynet show diary, which also covers independent and league shows and can sort by distance from your postcode.
• Agility Plaza, where many shows take entries, with a map.
• Canine Hoopers UK show diary for hoopers, the no-jumps version of the sport.

Every show has a closing date for entries, so check it before you plan around one.