Have you ever seen a dog soaring over hurdles, zipping through tunnels, and weaving through poles like a ninja and thought, “How do I get in on that?” Well, you’re in the right place.
We had a chat with Ceri Jones, lifelong dog lover, agility extraordinaire, and now Team Lead for Great Britain in this year’s 2025 IFCS World Agility Championships (yes, that’s as epic as it sounds). As proud sponsors of the GB Team we were lucky enough to join Cerrie at the Championships where she shared her journey and top tips.
From Obedience Queen to Agility Aficionado
“I’ve been doing agility for over 30 years,” Ceri tells us, which she says so casually, we almost missed how impressive it is.
Her journey began at a junior camp run by the Kennel Club (now YKC), where she was already making waves in obedience – even placing in Advanced Obedience at Crufts. But everything changed when a friend introduced her to agility. “She convinced me to give it a go... and so I started competing!” Not long after, she was part of the first-ever junior team to compete at Crufts. That’s some origin story.
Taking the Lead – Literally
Fast forward a few years (okay, a few decades), and Ceri’s now leading Team GB to the international stage.
“My husband David was invited to assist the team manager back in 2017 when I was competing with Taezyr,” she says. “I’ve been helping behind the scenes ever since.” This year, with David unavailable, Ceri stepped up to lead the team herself.
Wait... What Is Dog Agility, Anyway?
According to Ceri, agility is “basically show jumping with dogs.”
The judge sets up a course, the handlers get a few minutes to walk it (no pressure!), and then it's game on. “All obstacles must be completed cleanly for a clear round – and the quickest wins.”
Speed, precision, teamwork – it’s got it all.
What Makes a Great Agility Dog?
“A great agility dog wants to be active, use its brain, and be keen to work with you,” Ceri explains. While Border Collies definitely dominate the scene, Ceri’s quick to point out that breeds like Papillons and even Borderpaps (yes, that's a thing and yes, she has them) can be stars too.
Basically, if your dog’s a high-energy smarty pants, you might have an agility champ on your hands.
How Do You Train a Dog for This?
Most agility hopefuls start by joining a local club or working 1-on-1 with a trainer.
But it’s not all about hours on the field. “It depends on the dog and handler. My Collie, Tuvyr, puts in so much effort that he can only train in short stints. Teaching him something new is a challenge – but also a joy.”
It’s a reminder that training isn’t one-size-fits-all. Know your dog, love the process, and the rest will follow.
Powered by Axel’s Elixir
Of course, we had to ask, how has Axel’s Elixir bone broth helped the team?
“My dogs absolutely love it,” Ceri beams. “They had it leading up to the championships and devoured it after their runs.” We can confirm it’s the hydration and recovery boost every sporty pup deserves.
Thinking About Trying Agility? Here’s Ceri’s Advice:
“Find someone experienced to help you train, ideally someone who's competed at higher levels. But most importantly, enjoy being with your dog, learn new things, and get a bit of physical and mental exercise along the way.”
Whether you’re dreaming of international titles or just want to do something fun with your pup, agility is a brilliant way to bond and burn off some energy (yours and theirs).
Ceri’s Top Agility Moments
- Watching her husband David and their Papillon, Caeyn, become WAO World Pentathlon Champions
- Competing with Taezyr at Crufts
- Representing the UK on the world stage with her dogs at the IFCS World Agility Championships
Honestly, she makes it all sound so effortless but it’s clear that Ceri’s agility journey has been built on love, patience, and a whole lot of dog hair.
So, thinking of giving agility a go? Do it for the joy, the teamwork, and the belly rubs. And don’t forget to pack Axel’s Elixir – your dog’s secret ingredient to recovery, hydration, and tail-wagging goodness. Happy zooming!