Learn How To Train a Dog For Agility
Introduction and History Owning a dog is undeniably a good thing; but sometimes the routine of exercising can seem a bit of a chore. Agility training can provide just the tonic for active dog and owner, as it challenges not just the need for rigorous physical exercise, but also the need for mental stimulation as well. Agility is about a dog completing an obstacle course in the fastest time possible and is more of the more popular events at 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 As this is an activity based around completing an obstacle course, it is essential that Fido is trained with the obstacles. The equipment generally consists of a tunnel, cones for weaving, an “A” frame, some jumps, possibly a see-saw and a table for the dog to pause on. Oh, and some space to set all the equipment out. If it’s too expensive or space is a problem there may be a club or classes in you neighbourhood. Failing that, obstacles can be improvised, for instance a sheet over a table can be a makeshift tunnel, and any table can be used as a pause table.
Procedure It’s best to start slowly: allowing your dog to become familiar with the obstacles. Walk your dog around the course, learning that there is no threat. You may find that you will have to demonstrate the obstacles to your dog so that he or she gets the idea of what he/or she is supposed to do. Start the jumps low and gradually increase the height. You may want to concentrate on one obstacle and then add more. Always, always praise and reward with treats when something, no matter how small, is done well. Never punish: the idea is for you to enjoy your time with your dog.
If you are really interested in training your dog, then you need to find some qualified help. There is some great information available on the Internet specifically written to allow you to train your dog to do pretty much anything. And this is not restricted to agility training either. If your dog jumps, nips or just cries, then there is something that you can do.
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