Agility is the fastest-growing dog sport in North America. It appeals to lots of dog lovers and there are agility trials open to mixed breed and purebred dogs. Dogs of all sizes can compete. Most people try to find a club or team that does agility training and then train in their off time at home.
With agility training you will be simulating parts of a regular agility course, such as jumps, the A-frame, the dog walk, see-saws, tunnels and the weave pole set. You will most likely only be working on one or two kinds of obstacles at a time. When you and your class have mastered an obstacle you’ll go on to the next set. You will eventually put practice courses together so you can prepare for agility trials.
If you’re going to train your dog for agility here are some things to do to prepare for a beginner’s course:
1. Look for classes and trainers that teach with methods that appeal to you. Most trainers these days use positive reinforcement. Check out trainers and classes before signing up.
2. It helps if your dog already knows some basic obedience before beginning your agility training.
3. You should usually plan to get to your class a few minutes before the class begins. Give your dog time to relieve himself and let the excitement of being at the class wear off a little. If your dog likes to play with the other dogs, allow time for it.
4. Keep in mind that agility classes have two aims: To teach the handler how to train their dog; and to teach the dog how to go over the obstacles. You are being trained as much as your dog is being trained so during the class think how you will work with your dog at home.
5. Classes usually begin with low obstacles and gradually raise their height.
6. Remember that accuracy with all of the exercises comes before speed. You shouldn’t let your dog go too fast, especially before he has learned how to do an exercise correctly. You can always build up speed later.
7. If you’re training a puppy take special care. Keep the obstacles low and go slow. Don’t demand too much too soon.
8. Its fine to use whatever motivational tools work for your dog during training — food, a toy, hugs.
Remember that although agility is a sport it’s also about having fun with your dog. Agility competitors can be very competitive but unless it’s fun for you and your dog, what’s the point?
There are different levels to agility so after you have mastered the beginning level and competed successfully you’ll be able to train at increasingly more difficult levels.
Agility is a great sport for dogs and their owners. It’s very addictive. If you think you may be interested in getting involved with agility check with your local kennel club and dog training center to find agility clubs in your area.