Frequency and risk factors of dogwalk incidents and injuries in agility dogs

Approximately 5-12 % of agility dog injuries occur on the dogwalk, according to survey studies. The rate of falls and injuries related to dogwalk exposure is unknown. Here, a two-part retrospective online survey was conducted to collect data on dogwalk incidents and injuries in 1603 Finnish agility dogs (232 included in both parts) over the six months preceding participation in the study. Data was collected before and after a competition regulation update affecting dogwalk approaches. Risk factors were evaluated with multivariate logistic regression models. Fall(s) from the dogwalk were reported in 15.2 % of responses, close call(s) in 30.1 % and injury secondary to dogwalk incident in 3.7 % during six months. There were estimated 2.6 falls (95 % CI 2.4-2.9) and 0.6 injuries (95 % CI 0.4-0.7) per 1000 dogwalks (n = 1538). Among incidents, 5 % (86/1705) resulted in an injury. Significant risk factors for falls and/or other incidents included higher wither height (OR 1.33-1.74 per 10 cm) and greater exposure to the dogwalk (OR 1.03-1.06 per 10 dogwalks) (n = 452 to n = 1308). Age (OR 0.77-0.87 per year) and dogs' higher competition level were significant protective factors for falls and/or other incidents (n = 452 to n = 1308). Border Collies (OR 2.73, p = 0.004), taller dogs (OR 1.43 per 10 cm, p = 0.033) and dogs of inexperienced handlers (p = 0.003) had an increased odds of injury (n = 1308). Reduction in the incidence after the regulation update was not detected. The current dogwalk poses a risk to agility dogs' welfare, requiring further scientific studies to investigate safety improvements.