Dog Agility: A Fun Family Activity

By Cheng Bernhardt


Most healthy, energetic pets will enjoy dog agility training. Dogs who love to run and play and pounce on toys will love the challenge of leaping over jumps and scurrying through tunnels and around weave poles. Dog agility can be a sport that involves your entire family, and there are many ways to get everyone involved.

While everyone can certainly help with training, it is important that everyone who handles the dog is consistent with commands and training. Everyone needs to be focused on the same commands and rules or the dog will become confused. This is especially true if you plan on entering a competition. Keep in mind that even with obedience training, it is important that the whole family uses the same command signals and words.

For children and teen-agers, consider looking around for a junior handler's class or program. Many organizations offer classes that help kids become good dog agility trainers and handlers. The United States Dog Agility Association, for instance, works in conjunction with 4-H clubs around the country to provide training for those under 18. The American Kennel Club also has its own program, and several other organizations also have junior programs.

Dog agility clubs are quite common these days, and sometimes it definitely pays to join a local group. You can take classes, use the club's equipment, socialize with other dog agility enthusiasts and even learn how to set up your own dog agility course at home. This can be a great way to gauge whether or not your dog will truly enjoy dog agility.

Once you have seen whether or not this is an activity you will all enjoy, it's time to start buying your own equipment. It's sometimes a good idea to purchase mini agility obstacles at first. This mini equipment is easier for dogs to master and because it is smaller, it's easier to set up coursework in your yard. Some smaller pieces even fit in your garage, basement or family room for those times when your dog needs exercise and it's rainy or stormy outside. Small dogs also need to use mini equipment and even in dog agility courses, smaller equipment is used for these animals.

You can find all the agility equipment you need at Carlson Agility. This includes agility jumps, weaves, pause tables, A-frames, see-saws, dog walks and many other items. There are great starter kits to consider, and they offer a full line of mini equipment. Many pieces of equipment can be shipped at no charge, which definitely can reduce your costs.




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