Learn How To Train a Dog For Agility

May 19, 2008 – 11:59 pm
by Floella McFee

Introduction & History If you find that Fido is becoming bored with merely walking or that he is becoming hyperactive, to the ruination of your furniture and slippers. If you, yourself are looking to increase your exercise, but want something more challenging than running on a treadmill at the gym, you should consider training Fido for agility. This is a sport that began in the 1970s and challenges dog and owner to complete an obstacle course in the shortest possible time. You may have watched it as a competition during dog shows, but it can just be done as a fun bonding activity for you and your dog.

Type of suitable dog In the serious, competitive sport, the breeds of dog that excel at agility tend to be those that are generally classed as intelligent, such as Border Collies and Labradors. However, as long as your mutt is fit, healthy and has enough brain cells to cope the basic obedience commands, there is no reason why he or she can’t succeed in agility, even if it’s just for fun. It’s even suitable for puppies a young as 8 months. Some of the obstacles can be strenuous on the joints, so training any earlier than 8 months is not recommended.

Equipment What is required to begin training is a basic set of equipment: a tunnel; cones for weaving through; something to jump over; an “A” frame; and a table to pause on. This may seem daunting and expensive, but you may fine a club that you can join or a class in your area. However, as training for agility is a gradual process you may find that you can start slowly with one piece of equipment and build up the course gradually. Initially a lead and collar will be necessary until your dog is familiar with everything.

Procedure As with most things that are worth while, the training is a slow gradual process. It would be asking a lot of poor old Fido to be able to see an unfamiliar set of equipment, and then just go for it. Start slowly, perhaps with one obstacle, and some very low jumps. Allow Fido to walk around it and become familiar with it. This way it might be a little less intimidating. Be prepared to demonstrated the obstacle yourself, just until Fido gets the idea. Of course when Fido does it correctly give him lots of praise and treats to encourage him. Never punish him: this is supposed to a fun thing to do.

You are certainly not on your own when it comes to training your dog, be it for agility or for anything else. There is a wealth of information available to help you with pretty much any doggy crisis, be it dealing with toilet matters, incessant barking or just jumping and biting, there is a great deal that you can do to help yourself.

About the Author:
Some of the basic requirements for dog training for agility, as well as a discovering the real secrets to dog training. Learn how to deal with excessive barking, biting or jumping, without scolding or smacking your dog.

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