Intro & History Dog agility training began as a sport in the UK in the 1970s, and involves successful completion of an obstacle course. It’s a great way to develop a strong bond between pet and owner; it can also help build confidence in timid dogs (and owners). It’s also a great form of exercise as it uses not just the dog’s physicality, but the intelligence as well. The human partner may find that their fitness improves as they are required to do as much work as the dog. Whilst agility training can be done to allow participation in competition, there’s no rule to say it’s not just for a fun time with your dog.
Type of suitable dog Whilst in competition working and highly intelligent breeds such as Border Collies and Labradors tend to excel, basically any dog can be trained for agility. All that is required is that Fido is fit and healthy and is able to obey basic commands such as sit and stay. It’s even possible to begin training Fido as a puppy. However, because of the strain on the joints it’s best to wait until Fido is at least 8 months.
Equipment What is required to begin training is a basic set of equipment: a tunnel; cones for weaving through; something to jump over; an “A” frame; and a table to pause on. This may seem daunting and expensive, but you may fine a club that you can join or a class in your area. However, as training for agility is a gradual process you may find that you can start slowly with one piece of equipment and build up the course gradually. Initially a lead and collar will be necessary until your dog is familiar with everything.
Procedure As with most things that are worth while, the training is a slow gradual process. It would be asking a lot of poor old Fido to be able to see an unfamiliar set of equipment, and then just go for it. Start slowly, perhaps with one obstacle, and some very low jumps. Allow Fido to walk around it and become familiar with it. This way it might be a little less intimidating. Be prepared to demonstrated the obstacle yourself, just until Fido gets the idea. Of course when Fido does it correctly give him lots of praise and treats to encourage him. Never punish him: this is supposed to a fun thing to do.
You are certainly not on your own when it comes to training your dog, be it for agility or for anything else. There is a wealth of information available to help you with pretty much any doggy crisis, be it dealing with toilet matters, incessant barking or just jumping and biting, there is a great deal that you can do to help yourself.
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