When you watch a dog agility competition, the dogs are having a fantastic time, zooming around the course. They love the challenge of navigating all of those obstacles and also enjoy all of the admiration and praise that comes along with a job well done. Most people probably mistakenly think that only certain breeds, sizes and temperaments of dogs will excel at dog agility, but this is definitely not the case.
If you have a timid dog, you might think that agility training is something that your furry friend cannot handle. However, this type of training can actually build up the confidence of a dog that is shy around other dogs or people. A happy-go-lucky dog that is full of confidence and vigor might really enjoy dog agility training is a public setting such as at a local agility club. Your shyer dog, however, might feel more comfortable training at home.
Even if you have a smaller yard, you probably can fit at least one piece of dog agility equipment and a great piece to start with is the pause table. Begin by simply leaving the table in your yard or even your living room and just let your dog get used to the obstacle and sniff it. Purchase the adjustable type of pause table and keep it low to the ground at first so that it is less intimidating. Place a favorite treat or perhaps a beloved toy in the middle of the table and gently encourage your dog to get on top of the table. Be patient, as this could take time and you might have to try for several days before you have your first success.
Eventually, once your dog has mastered jumping up on the table and sitting, staying and remaining down for an extended period of time, you can add some more equipment. A contact trainer is an excellent option for your second piece of equipment. For instance, Carlson Agility sells a mini three-piece contact training that contains a pause table and a mini A-frame on one side and a mini dog walk on the other side. Using mini obstacles is a great way to start with a shy dog or a younger dog. Carlson Agility sells all the equipment you could ever need for dog agility training, including weaves, tire jumps, dog agility jumps, dog tunnels and chutes and much more.
Once your dog has mastered the contact trainer and pause table, you probably will notice that they definitely have gained some confidence and have a spring their step. You can continue to add pieces of equipment until they have mastered a wide variety of tasks. You can continue with the miniature sized equipment, which can be less intimidating and also fits more easily into your yard, basement or family room. If they are ready for a bigger challenge, you can join a local agility club and see how they handle the mix of dogs and the larger equipment. If your dog still prefers working out at home, keep up with the training and try again when they seem more confident.
Not only does this type of training boost confidence, it's also a great form of exercise for your furry friend, who needs to get outside and run around every day. Working closely together to learn these new skills also strengthens your bond, and the two of you will become even closer through agility training.
If you have a timid dog, you might think that agility training is something that your furry friend cannot handle. However, this type of training can actually build up the confidence of a dog that is shy around other dogs or people. A happy-go-lucky dog that is full of confidence and vigor might really enjoy dog agility training is a public setting such as at a local agility club. Your shyer dog, however, might feel more comfortable training at home.
Even if you have a smaller yard, you probably can fit at least one piece of dog agility equipment and a great piece to start with is the pause table. Begin by simply leaving the table in your yard or even your living room and just let your dog get used to the obstacle and sniff it. Purchase the adjustable type of pause table and keep it low to the ground at first so that it is less intimidating. Place a favorite treat or perhaps a beloved toy in the middle of the table and gently encourage your dog to get on top of the table. Be patient, as this could take time and you might have to try for several days before you have your first success.
Eventually, once your dog has mastered jumping up on the table and sitting, staying and remaining down for an extended period of time, you can add some more equipment. A contact trainer is an excellent option for your second piece of equipment. For instance, Carlson Agility sells a mini three-piece contact training that contains a pause table and a mini A-frame on one side and a mini dog walk on the other side. Using mini obstacles is a great way to start with a shy dog or a younger dog. Carlson Agility sells all the equipment you could ever need for dog agility training, including weaves, tire jumps, dog agility jumps, dog tunnels and chutes and much more.
Once your dog has mastered the contact trainer and pause table, you probably will notice that they definitely have gained some confidence and have a spring their step. You can continue to add pieces of equipment until they have mastered a wide variety of tasks. You can continue with the miniature sized equipment, which can be less intimidating and also fits more easily into your yard, basement or family room. If they are ready for a bigger challenge, you can join a local agility club and see how they handle the mix of dogs and the larger equipment. If your dog still prefers working out at home, keep up with the training and try again when they seem more confident.
Not only does this type of training boost confidence, it's also a great form of exercise for your furry friend, who needs to get outside and run around every day. Working closely together to learn these new skills also strengthens your bond, and the two of you will become even closer through agility training.
About the Author:
Cheng Bernhardt loves dog agility training. To discover a dog agility course, or to find further about training equipment for agility for dogs, please check out the Carlson Agility site now.
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