Wowed by the agility dogs at the Westminster show? A winning handler explains how it’s done
January 30, 2026
They have to run a convoluted a convoluted obstacle course in front of a convention-hall crowd. They have to have enough focus to avoid wrong turns, enough precision to ensure their feet touch certain spots and enough speed to beat dozens of rivals. So how do the dogs in Saturday’s Westminster Kennel Club agility competition do it? Last year’s winning handler, Emily Klarman, says the key is teamwork between the dogs and the handlers. This year, the agility competition kicks off the Westminster’s storied club’s milestone 150th dog show.