Dog Agility Training
Without agility, the most muscular person in the world
couldn't win a fight against a fifth-grader. But did you
know that for a dog agility is possibly even more important?
With so many of a dog's happiest moments spent running,
jumping, catching, and stretching, dog agility training can
really help dogs age gracefully and happily.
What is dog agility training?
You’ve probably seen dog agility training on television.
The dogs run a course of tire hoops, tunnels, seesaw, dog
walk plank, jumps, hurdles, weaving poles, and a 3-meter
A-frame. Heeling, sitting, down stays, send-aways as well
as walking off leash are also included.
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Who can participate?
Anyone with a dog can do agility training. There
is not age limit for people or dogs. In fact, children
and puppies are encouraged to take part. All breeds
and sizes of dogs without a physical disability can
benefit from agility training. Be sure to check with
your vet before you begin agility training if you
have any doubts about your canine’s fitness.
What equipment is needed?
You as the handler will need comfortable shoes and
clothes that you can run in, because this is not
exercise for the dog alone.
Your dog needs a leather or webbed buckle collar
and a leather, nylon or rope lead of fairly long
length. Do not use a chain lead; it could get caught
in the jumps. |
Agility Training Courses for Dogs
There are two sides of agility training for dogs. They are
the obstacles and the control training. There are also tips
for training your dog.
Obstacles. Although it seems high to many handlers, the
A-frame is the best obstacle to begin training. The dog walk
plank, low jump and the tunnel (dogs love this obstacle)
are also excellent for training the novice dog.
Control training is important to keep your dog disciplined
both on the agility course and off. Everybody knows that
a dog must heel and sit. You must also teach your dog to
know and obey different commands: to go left and right, lay
down, and wait. After those are mastered, the dog must learn
normal recall (returning anytime you call) and recall over
obstacles. Also important is the “send away” command,
making the dog go ahead you.
Tips for Dog Agility Training
Begin training by getting your dog’s attention.
Talk to him and offer a small treat.
Coupled with the love he has for you, he’ll be all
ears.
Be sure you have the correct lead (generally 6 feet) and
a comfortable collar (measure the dog’s neck and add
2 inches) for your dog.
Give praise often.
“Tune in” to your dog to be sure she and you
are ready to train.
Here’s a final tip: make sure that you and your dog
enjoy yourselves. After all, jumping through hoops is supposed
to be fun--at least if you're a dog.
About the author:
You can read more of Joel Walsh's articles on dog issues
such as Dog Agility
Thank you for using 4Dog Info for
information on Dog Agility Training.
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