There are many reasons why dog agility contests have become a popular animal sport. For one thing, it's fun to watch and the dogs have a great time zipping around the courses. Agility training provides opportunities for pet owners to increase obedience and cement the bond between you and your pet, as well as providing an excellent source of exercise. If you wish for your pet to start training, here are some quick and helpful facts.
You might think that agility courses are only for certain breeds of dog, such as the Australian shepherd. While there are breeds that do exceptionally well on the agility courses, any breed can compete or train. If your pet is a happy, playful and energetic dog, then agility training will be a fun activity for him or her. Even the tiniest dogs can train and compete. Dog agility organizations arrange the dogs into competitive groups based on height, so small dogs just work on equipment that is not as high and then they adjust the equipment as bigger dogs come onto the course.
While competing is fun, there are many reasons to consider dog agility other than competition. Dogs crave and need plenty of exercise and agility training provides plenty of activity. It is also an excellent way to improve the dog's obedience level as they have to obey a variety of commands while off a lease. Generally, it is best not to begin intensive agility training until your dog is about a year old or once their bodies are fully developed. If you wish to enter a competition, most organizations do not allow dogs less than 14 months of age to compete.
However, before you dog is fully grown and developed, you can work on many obedience skills and it's wise to teach them basic commands such as sit, stay, heel, come and down. These can be taught at home, but it's a good idea to take a training or obedience class so that the dog is comfortable obeying commands when there are other people and other dogs around. This training can begin as soon as you get your dog and the sooner you start, the easier it will be to train and properly socialize your animal.
Once your dog is old enough and has mastered the basic obedience commands, you can begin agility training. You can certainly do some research and do this yourself, but it can be much easier working with a trained professional. There are many excellent instructors for dog agility training and this can get you off to a great start. If you and your dog truly love the activities, you can even purchase some agility equipment and do the activities at home.
There are many companies that sell agility equipment, such as Carlson-Agility.com. You can purchase dog agility tunnels, dog agility jumps, weaves, tire jumps and much more. They even have dog agility kits that are perfect for those starting out. One kit includes weaves and jumps, another includes jumps and a tunnel and still another includes jumps, weaves and a teeter-totter. You also could get a starter kit with a tunnel, two jumps and a pause table. Once you've mastered the obstacles in your starter kit, you can add some new obstacles to increase your pet's skill level.
You might think that agility courses are only for certain breeds of dog, such as the Australian shepherd. While there are breeds that do exceptionally well on the agility courses, any breed can compete or train. If your pet is a happy, playful and energetic dog, then agility training will be a fun activity for him or her. Even the tiniest dogs can train and compete. Dog agility organizations arrange the dogs into competitive groups based on height, so small dogs just work on equipment that is not as high and then they adjust the equipment as bigger dogs come onto the course.
While competing is fun, there are many reasons to consider dog agility other than competition. Dogs crave and need plenty of exercise and agility training provides plenty of activity. It is also an excellent way to improve the dog's obedience level as they have to obey a variety of commands while off a lease. Generally, it is best not to begin intensive agility training until your dog is about a year old or once their bodies are fully developed. If you wish to enter a competition, most organizations do not allow dogs less than 14 months of age to compete.
However, before you dog is fully grown and developed, you can work on many obedience skills and it's wise to teach them basic commands such as sit, stay, heel, come and down. These can be taught at home, but it's a good idea to take a training or obedience class so that the dog is comfortable obeying commands when there are other people and other dogs around. This training can begin as soon as you get your dog and the sooner you start, the easier it will be to train and properly socialize your animal.
Once your dog is old enough and has mastered the basic obedience commands, you can begin agility training. You can certainly do some research and do this yourself, but it can be much easier working with a trained professional. There are many excellent instructors for dog agility training and this can get you off to a great start. If you and your dog truly love the activities, you can even purchase some agility equipment and do the activities at home.
There are many companies that sell agility equipment, such as Carlson-Agility.com. You can purchase dog agility tunnels, dog agility jumps, weaves, tire jumps and much more. They even have dog agility kits that are perfect for those starting out. One kit includes weaves and jumps, another includes jumps and a tunnel and still another includes jumps, weaves and a teeter-totter. You also could get a starter kit with a tunnel, two jumps and a pause table. Once you've mastered the obstacles in your starter kit, you can add some new obstacles to increase your pet's skill level.
About the Author:
Cheng Bernhardt enjoys dog agility training. To find a dog agility course, or to find more regarding starter agility dog supplies, please visit the Carlson-Agility.com site today.
This article collected, selected and written by: Author Van Hoc
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