Evaluation of surface type and time of day on agility course performance

Canine agility competitions are performed on a variety of surfaces. In the equine and human literature, surface type has been associated with speed, performance, and injury risk. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of general surface type and time of day on calculated speed (yards per second over a measured course distance) and course performance during the UKI Agility International (UKI) U.S. Open. We hypothesized that surface type would affect calculated speed, with sand being the slowest.

Data on course performance from the 2021 and 2022 events were obtained directly from UKI. The officiating judge measured course length, automatic timers recorded dogs' course times, and speeds were calculated from these values. Three surfaces (dirt, grass, and sand) were compared across three categories of courses (jumpers, standard, and speedstakes). Differences in calculated speeds and qualifying rates were estimated using generalized estimating equations (GEE) to account for multiple runs by the same handler.

Among jumpers courses, those run on sand in 2021 were markedly slower than those run on dirt. Grass and dirt were more similar in terms of average calculated speed, though some courses run on grass were significantly faster than courses run on dirt and vice versa. Time of day effects observed were inconsistent, with more variability observed for dirt and sand than for grass.

There was a notable variation in calculate speed based on surface with sand being slowest, likely due to the increased energy cost required to run on sand due to its high compliance. Calculated speeds on grass and dirt appeared generally similar, but there was substantial variability of calculated speed among various courses, making comparison of surface effects challenging. Variables within the surface itself (such as compaction level and moisture content) likely play a role in the effects of surface on speed and performance. This study provides insight into the complexity of surface effects on performance in agility dogs and highlights the need for canine-specific surface studies on the effect of surface variables and how these relate to risk of development of musculoskeletal injuries.