Agility at Crufts: Why Warm-Ups & Cool-Downs Matter

In case you missed it, the world’s greatest dog show, Crufts, took place at the NEC Birmingham from 6 to 9 March 2025, drawing over 18,000 dogs from around the world. The event was widely televised, with thousands of spectators tuning in to watch the very best in the canine world compete across a range of disciplines.

This year’s Best in Show title went to Miuccia, a stunning whippet from Venice, Italy. But for many dog lovers, the real excitement was found in the agility ring. 

Since its introduction in 1978, agility at Crufts has remained one of the most thrilling and popular events. As many as 150 dogs and their handlers compete head-to-head, navigating complex courses at speed and demonstrating incredible athleticism, control and teamwork.

The thrill of agility at Crufts is something every dog owner should experience.

With multiple competitions including the Championship, Crufts Singles and the International Invitation, agility at Crufts showcases dogs of all breeds and abilities. The event's energy and intensity make it a crowd favourite. But beneath the spectacle, agility dogs are true athletes – and like all athletes, they need proper care to perform at their best and avoid injury.

Agility is demanding. Dogs twist, turn, leap and weave at high speeds, placing immense strain on their bodies. Without the right preparation, they risk muscle strains, ligament injuries and long-term joint problems.

Like human athletes, agility dogs need a structured agility warm-up before competing. A good warm-up increases circulation, activates key muscle groups and improves flexibility, reducing the risk of injury. It also helps mentally prepare the dog, allowing them to focus before stepping onto the course.

Equally important is the cool-down. After an intense agility run, muscles need time to recover. A proper cool-down helps flush out lactic acid, reduces stiffness and prevents soreness. Skipping this step can lead to long-term issues that may shorten an agility dog’s career.

If you compete in agility – or just train for fun – you’ll want to give your dog the best chance to stay fit and injury-free. That’s why we’re excited to announce upcoming Agility Prep & Recover Workshops, led by Rosie Rushin. These workshops are designed specifically for you, to help you understand and implement the best practices for your dog's health and performance.

In these hands-on workshops, you’ll learn:

✅ Effective agility warm-up exercises to increase range of motion, flexibility and performance.

✅ How to activate key muscle groups to prevent injuries.

✅ The benefits of a structured cool-down routine for post-run recovery.

✅ Practical demonstrations, including running agility courses before and after warm-up/cool-down routines.

Two dates are available – Tuesday 25 March or Wednesday 2 April 2025. These workshops will help you develop a lasting, healthy routine that enhances your dog’s performance and longevity in the sport.

By attending, you'll learn how to give your agility dog the best care, significantly improve their performance, and prevent potential injuries. Join us on one of our essential workshops and keep your canine athlete in top shape.