If you've ever watched a dog zipping through obstacles on a dog agility course and thought it would be fun for your dog, you are probably correct. Not only do dogs love the challenge of agility courses, this type of training increases their overall level of obedience and also can strengthen the bond between owner and animal. Consider the following information if you are considering starting up a training regime for your dog.
While some breeds excel on the agility course more than others, just about any breed will enjoy training. If your animal has plenty of energy and a playful spirit, agility training is definitely an option. Even small dogs can compete; you simply just adjust the equipment to suit their smaller stature. In competitions, they do separate the dogs by height rather than breed and they also separate dogs by age and level of experience.
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.
Still, a puppy can be taught obedience skills and it is highly recommended that all dog owners begin training as soon as the animal comes home with them. Inexpensive dog obedience classes are available almost everywhere, and taking your pet to class is a great way to promote socialization. Your dog needs to feel comfortable interacting with other dogs and people and also obeying your commands when there are plenty of distractions around them.
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.
While some breeds excel on the agility course more than others, just about any breed will enjoy training. If your animal has plenty of energy and a playful spirit, agility training is definitely an option. Even small dogs can compete; you simply just adjust the equipment to suit their smaller stature. In competitions, they do separate the dogs by height rather than breed and they also separate dogs by age and level of experience.
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.
Still, a puppy can be taught obedience skills and it is highly recommended that all dog owners begin training as soon as the animal comes home with them. Inexpensive dog obedience classes are available almost everywhere, and taking your pet to class is a great way to promote socialization. Your dog needs to feel comfortable interacting with other dogs and people and also obeying your commands when there are plenty of distractions around them.
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 likes writing about dog agility training. To find a dog agility course, or to find more regarding starter agility dog supplies, please check out the Carlson-Agility.com website now.
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