Agility Handling - Planning is Everything!

13 Nov 2026Steve Schwarz

Plans are worthless, but planning is everything

This quote applies to handler plans for dog agility too! The process of planning your handling for your team is everything. You’ll have looked at your team’s skills, evaluated handling options, tested them during the walk, and come up with a plan.

Unfortunately, your imaginary dog and your planned handling may not match the reality of your run! Fortunately, your time spent planning gives you knowledge of the course layout, the handling options, and the spatial awareness you can use to adapt as your run the course!

Sure, when getting started, you are likely best off “working the plan”. But, as your skills as a handler grow, you learn to adjust to what your dog is showing you on course and your plan acts only as a guideline.