For those about to begin teaching their dog the tricks of agility, you are probably gathering as much information as possible. Dog agility is a fantastic exercise and sport option for most dogs, and it even improves their overall level of obedience. Here are just a few helpful tips for those new to the sport.
Every dog agility organization varies a bit regarding the required elements and the sizes of each piece of apparatus. However, when you are just starting out, it can be easier to use miniature agility equipment. These are exactly like the full-size versions, just scaled down, and while they are perfect for puppies and smaller dogs, bigger dogs also can get their feet wet using these mini items. You will be able to teach all of the crucial agility skills, and the smaller equipment fits more easily in your yard and even can be toted easily to the park or perhaps inside your home if the weather does not permit outdoor training.
Many dogs are a bit timid about some of the contact equipment, especially the A-frame and teeter. A smaller version of the teeter-totter or dog agility A-frame can be much less intimidating. In addition, a Buja board or wobble board is another great tool to use when training. This simply wobbles a bit but is low to the ground, and it provides a way for dogs to get used to standing or sitting on a moving obstacle.
Some pieces of equipment are easier to learn than others, and weaves can be among the most difficult to master. While dogs have great fun zipping around the poles, they often skip a pole or navigate the poles incorrectly. Snap-on training guides can be a big help. These just snap to the weave poles and help guide your dog through the weaves correctly. After practicing with the guides, take them off and then practice without the guides. It can make this difficult apparatus a bit easier to learn.
Often dogs are having such fun on the agility course that they tend to leap onto or off the A-frame or dog walk. However, rules prohibit this as the dogs are meant to come into contact with the bottom edges of the obstacle and walk or run off the obstacle rather than leaping. Using a training hoop, which is secure near the bottom of the obstacle, can help re-focus your dog and direct them off the A-frame or agility dog walk correctly.
All of these training tools as well as any agility equipment you might need is available for purchase online, from shops such as Carlson Agility. They even have mini versions of all the obstacles. In addition to the typical obstacles such as jumps, weave poles, agility dog walks, tunnels, shoots, tire jumps and other pieces, they have specialty equipment that you might need. This includes interesting items like car door jumps, sway bridges and swing planks.
Every dog agility organization varies a bit regarding the required elements and the sizes of each piece of apparatus. However, when you are just starting out, it can be easier to use miniature agility equipment. These are exactly like the full-size versions, just scaled down, and while they are perfect for puppies and smaller dogs, bigger dogs also can get their feet wet using these mini items. You will be able to teach all of the crucial agility skills, and the smaller equipment fits more easily in your yard and even can be toted easily to the park or perhaps inside your home if the weather does not permit outdoor training.
Many dogs are a bit timid about some of the contact equipment, especially the A-frame and teeter. A smaller version of the teeter-totter or dog agility A-frame can be much less intimidating. In addition, a Buja board or wobble board is another great tool to use when training. This simply wobbles a bit but is low to the ground, and it provides a way for dogs to get used to standing or sitting on a moving obstacle.
Some pieces of equipment are easier to learn than others, and weaves can be among the most difficult to master. While dogs have great fun zipping around the poles, they often skip a pole or navigate the poles incorrectly. Snap-on training guides can be a big help. These just snap to the weave poles and help guide your dog through the weaves correctly. After practicing with the guides, take them off and then practice without the guides. It can make this difficult apparatus a bit easier to learn.
Often dogs are having such fun on the agility course that they tend to leap onto or off the A-frame or dog walk. However, rules prohibit this as the dogs are meant to come into contact with the bottom edges of the obstacle and walk or run off the obstacle rather than leaping. Using a training hoop, which is secure near the bottom of the obstacle, can help re-focus your dog and direct them off the A-frame or agility dog walk correctly.
All of these training tools as well as any agility equipment you might need is available for purchase online, from shops such as Carlson Agility. They even have mini versions of all the obstacles. In addition to the typical obstacles such as jumps, weave poles, agility dog walks, tunnels, shoots, tire jumps and other pieces, they have specialty equipment that you might need. This includes interesting items like car door jumps, sway bridges and swing planks.
About the Author:
Cheng Bernhardt enjoys dog agility training. To find an agility equipment for dogs, or to find more agility dog training equipment such as obedience jumps, please check out the Carlson-Agility site now.
This article collected, selected and written by: Author Van Hoc
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