Dog Agility Training

Dog Agility Training

In Dog Agility the dog and a handler are running through an obstacle course where both accuracy and time matters. Physical contact between dog and handler is not allowed in dog agility and also the use of food, toys or treats to direct or motivate the dog is prohibited. The handler can only direct the dog with verbal commands and body signals. To master dog agility the dog and the handler has to evolve a close understanding of each other and the dog agility training is said to build a very close relationship between the dog and his owner.

The typical dog agility course is constructed with standard agility jumps, walks, tunnels and seesaws in an approximately 100 x 100 foot / 30 x 30 m square. The complexity has to high enough so the dog cannot complete the agility course without direction of the handler. Before the dog agility competition the dog and handler are usually allowed a walk-through so the handler can develop a strategy for the run.

Dog Agility for all Breeds?

In dog agility all dogs are not equal. The big dog breeds like Mastiff and Great Danes usually don't have the energy to complete the agility course in full speed and they can be difficult to motivate. Short legged breeds like Wiener and Dachshund usually have problems with the agility jumps. Bulldogs, Boxers can have difficulty with their breathing.

Age can also be a factor to consider. Puppies are excluded from trials until they reach 9 months of age, and it's recommended that dogs older than 8 years of age enjoy their retirement - work free.

Some of the best breeds for dog agility training are: Terriers, Spaniels, Pinschers, Schnauzers, Shepherds, Sheepdogs, Poodles, Collies, Cattle Dogs, Corgis, Malinois, Retrievers, and Tervurens.

When to start Dog Agility Training

Dogs are not allowed participating in dog agility before they are 9 months old. But a dog should not participate in dog agility before he has finished growing. Especially jumps and climbing should be avoided as it can be damaging the dogs joints. You can start agility training in an early age if you sticks to agility poles, tunnels, pause tables and slowly introducing small agility jumps below the height of your dogs shoulder.

Dog Agility Training Equipment

Dog Agility tunnels

Rigid agility tunnels are open all way through and supported by a wire frame covered in vinyl. The agility tunnels are so flexible that they can be formed in a curve or even bent in a 90 degrees angle. The agility tunnel is usually 15-20' in length, 24" in diameter.

Collapsed agility tunnels are made with a rigid entrance, where the dog continues into a fabric trailer that the dog pushes his way through.

Dog Agility Seesaw

A seesaw, or teeter-totter, is one of the agility sports most challenging experiences for a young dog. When the dog suddenly feels the ground mowing it requires a good deal of trust between dog and handler.

The seesaw is constructed of a broad plank balanced on a center pole in a way so the plank returns to a starting position