Every dog is a little bit different, no matter what size or breed, and most dogs will enjoy learning the skills found on a dog agility course. If agility looks like fun to you, before you go out and purchase a bunch of agility equipment, evaluate as to whether or not your dog will enjoy this exciting dog sport.
Keep in mind that just because your dog enjoys agility training, it doesn't mean you have to compete. While competition can be a ton of fun, a dog will enjoy many important benefits from simply engaging in these agility activities. The exercise component is especially beneficial, as the dogs are not only running about but they are getting a whole-body workout. In addition, obedience is improved from simply learning to obey the commands and following instructions. Your dog also will enjoy the challenge of the course, which keeps him or her busy and engaged.
Before you start training, take your pet to the vet for a thorough check-up and ask your pet's doctor if your dog is physically able to handle agility. If you have an older pet or a pet that often has problems with their hips, legs or neck, you might want to avoid agility training. A dog that has problems with their breathing or tends to tire out easily also probably is not the best candidate for agility.
In addition to being healthy, your dog needs to have the right temperament. Agility dogs are full of happy energy and they generally love being around other dogs. If this sounds like your dog, then agility training might be a great match. Just about any dog can compete; in fact, hundreds of different breeds do compete including mixed breed animals. Small dogs, medium-sized dogs and large animals all compete as well, so don't let size or breed determine whether or not to choose this sport for your pet. Your dog simply needs to be conducive to learning new skills, full of energy and able to handle situations where there are other dogs and people present. If your dog has lots of energy, but tends to be shy, agility training can be a fantastic way to build up their courage and self-confidence, it just takes a bit more patience.
A great way to get started would be to take an actual agility class. Most cities and towns have agility clubs, and you can sign up for a simple beginner class. This will allow you to see how your dog enjoys the obstacles as well as how much they enjoy being around the other dogs. It also provides you with an opportunity to ask questions and talk to other dog owners.
When you are ready to start buying some agility equipment, consider a source such as Carlson Agility. They offer all types of obstacles and even have a wide variety of starter kits which are a great choice for a beginner. If you do have a smaller dog or perhaps a puppy or you are just starting out, you might want to start with mini agility equipment. This is easier to navigate, less intimidating for timid dogs and fits more easily into a yard. It's also easy to set up a jump and a few other obstacles in the basement, garage or family room for some fun training on a rainy or snowy day.
Keep in mind that just because your dog enjoys agility training, it doesn't mean you have to compete. While competition can be a ton of fun, a dog will enjoy many important benefits from simply engaging in these agility activities. The exercise component is especially beneficial, as the dogs are not only running about but they are getting a whole-body workout. In addition, obedience is improved from simply learning to obey the commands and following instructions. Your dog also will enjoy the challenge of the course, which keeps him or her busy and engaged.
Before you start training, take your pet to the vet for a thorough check-up and ask your pet's doctor if your dog is physically able to handle agility. If you have an older pet or a pet that often has problems with their hips, legs or neck, you might want to avoid agility training. A dog that has problems with their breathing or tends to tire out easily also probably is not the best candidate for agility.
In addition to being healthy, your dog needs to have the right temperament. Agility dogs are full of happy energy and they generally love being around other dogs. If this sounds like your dog, then agility training might be a great match. Just about any dog can compete; in fact, hundreds of different breeds do compete including mixed breed animals. Small dogs, medium-sized dogs and large animals all compete as well, so don't let size or breed determine whether or not to choose this sport for your pet. Your dog simply needs to be conducive to learning new skills, full of energy and able to handle situations where there are other dogs and people present. If your dog has lots of energy, but tends to be shy, agility training can be a fantastic way to build up their courage and self-confidence, it just takes a bit more patience.
A great way to get started would be to take an actual agility class. Most cities and towns have agility clubs, and you can sign up for a simple beginner class. This will allow you to see how your dog enjoys the obstacles as well as how much they enjoy being around the other dogs. It also provides you with an opportunity to ask questions and talk to other dog owners.
When you are ready to start buying some agility equipment, consider a source such as Carlson Agility. They offer all types of obstacles and even have a wide variety of starter kits which are a great choice for a beginner. If you do have a smaller dog or perhaps a puppy or you are just starting out, you might want to start with mini agility equipment. This is easier to navigate, less intimidating for timid dogs and fits more easily into a yard. It's also easy to set up a jump and a few other obstacles in the basement, garage or family room for some fun training on a rainy or snowy day.
About the Author:
Cheng Bernhardt loves dog agility training. To discover an agility equipment, or to find helpful agility dog training equipment such as dog agility kit, please visit the Carlson-Agility site today.
This article collected, selected and written by: Author Van Hoc
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