Dog agility competitions have become hugely popular since their early days in the late 1970s. The types of obstacles you see on an agility course mimic the instinctive behavior of many dog breeds that once had to hunt for their food rather than enjoy tasty morsels from a dish. If you are interested in getting your dog started in agility training, here is some helpful information.
Certainly some types of dogs tend to shine on an agility course, particularly breeds such as shepherds. However, most dog breeds are sure to enjoy the training and you really just need a dog with a playful and energetic demeanor. Size also is not a factor, as smaller dogs simply just have to use equipment that is adjusted to accommodate the smaller size. In the competitive world of dog agility, dogs are divided up by size and level of expertise.
Of course, there is nothing that requires you to enter your dog into a competition, and agility training is a fantastic form of exercise for dogs. It is also an excellent method of teaching obedience and strengthens the trust and bond between master and pet. It is important to note that very young dogs should not going through agility training as it can be hard on their developing bodies. Once they have fully matured, then the jumping, weaving and tunneling can begin.
Still, a puppy can be taught obedience skills and it is highly recommended that all dog owners begin training as soon as the animal comes home with them. Inexpensive dog obedience classes are available almost everywhere, and taking your pet to class is a great way to promote socialization. Your dog needs to feel comfortable interacting with other dogs and people and also obeying your commands when there are plenty of distractions around them.
After your dog has learned the basics and also reached an appropriate age, the fun of agility training can begin. You can study up and plan out lessons yourself or take lessons with a professional agility trainer. The latter can be the best way to go, particularly at first when you are unfamiliar with how to teach a dog to follow the myriad of commands and hand signals you give as they zip around the course. Once you have established the commands and your dog is able to run through the course, obeying your directives without the use of incentives or treats, then you can probably buy some equipment and train at home.
You can purchase agility equipment from retailers such as Carlson-Agility.com or other similar businesses. They will sell all the different pieces that you need to create a fun, exciting course you're your dog. It's easiest to begin with a starter kit and Carlson-Agility.com sells many different sets to get your going. One set includes only jumps and weaves. Another includes jumps, weaves and a see-saw. There are several other choices, and once you have mastered what comes in the starter kit, you can add a new piece of equipment. Over time, your dog will be in great shape, highly trained and having tons of fun.
Certainly some types of dogs tend to shine on an agility course, particularly breeds such as shepherds. However, most dog breeds are sure to enjoy the training and you really just need a dog with a playful and energetic demeanor. Size also is not a factor, as smaller dogs simply just have to use equipment that is adjusted to accommodate the smaller size. In the competitive world of dog agility, dogs are divided up by size and level of expertise.
Of course, there is nothing that requires you to enter your dog into a competition, and agility training is a fantastic form of exercise for dogs. It is also an excellent method of teaching obedience and strengthens the trust and bond between master and pet. It is important to note that very young dogs should not going through agility training as it can be hard on their developing bodies. Once they have fully matured, then the jumping, weaving and tunneling can begin.
Still, a puppy can be taught obedience skills and it is highly recommended that all dog owners begin training as soon as the animal comes home with them. Inexpensive dog obedience classes are available almost everywhere, and taking your pet to class is a great way to promote socialization. Your dog needs to feel comfortable interacting with other dogs and people and also obeying your commands when there are plenty of distractions around them.
After your dog has learned the basics and also reached an appropriate age, the fun of agility training can begin. You can study up and plan out lessons yourself or take lessons with a professional agility trainer. The latter can be the best way to go, particularly at first when you are unfamiliar with how to teach a dog to follow the myriad of commands and hand signals you give as they zip around the course. Once you have established the commands and your dog is able to run through the course, obeying your directives without the use of incentives or treats, then you can probably buy some equipment and train at home.
You can purchase agility equipment from retailers such as Carlson-Agility.com or other similar businesses. They will sell all the different pieces that you need to create a fun, exciting course you're your dog. It's easiest to begin with a starter kit and Carlson-Agility.com sells many different sets to get your going. One set includes only jumps and weaves. Another includes jumps, weaves and a see-saw. There are several other choices, and once you have mastered what comes in the starter kit, you can add a new piece of equipment. Over time, your dog will be in great shape, highly trained and having tons of fun.
About the Author:
Cheng Bernhardt enjoys dog agility training. To find a dog agility course, or to discover more about starter agility dog supplies, please visit the Carlson-Agility website now.
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