Andorra Politician Joao de Melo Finds Passion in Dog Agility

Joao de Melo, a member of the Social Democratic Party's executive committee in Andorra, channels intense passion into dog agility, a team sport where a handler guides their dog through a 200-metre obstacle course.

The activity demands explosive speed and precision, with handlers directing dogs via verbal and non-verbal cues to navigate ever-changing circuits. "It creates a much stronger bond with your dog, more important than the sport itself," De Melo said. Open to any breed and varying difficulty levels, agility even includes adaptations for handlers with reduced mobility. Success requires consistent training to teach movements, interpret commands, and achieve fluid synchronization—like dancing, De Melo noted.

He and his two-and-a-half-year-old border collie, Lys, train at least twice a week, aiming to compete once ready. Their progress has been slow: ideal training starts around 10 months, but De Melo's serious traffic accident delayed it until now. Fresh from knee surgery recovery, he prioritises enjoyment and health for both.

De Melo discovered agility a decade ago after a sedentary period sidelined his active hobbies like skateboarding. Adopting his first dog, Kimba, forced him outdoors and introduced him to the sport at competitive levels. "Kimba saved my life," he said. Now elderly, they enjoy casual practice without competing, as the dog's wellbeing comes first. "If you do this for your ego, you lose—it's for the dog," he emphasised.

He warns against treating dogs as toys or whims, stressing each breed's needs. Border collies, working dogs like Lys, demand dedication; he criticises owners who adopt them without time, leading to poor training, undesirable behaviours, and broader consequences. "We end up paying for the sins of others," De Melo said.