Dog Agility Training

Agility training is a popular sport where you direct your dog off-leash using only voice and body language commands around an obstacle course. Obstacles include: A-frames, horizontal bar jumps, see-saws, elevated dog walks, tunnels, tires and hurdles, weave poles, pause tables, and more. Many dog owners train their dogs in agility purely for fun, with no intention of competing. Dog agility provides a challenge and excitement, physical conditioning, and increases the bond between your dog and you.

In competition, you run beside your dog and direct him through an obstacle course with precision and speed within a set period of time. Missed obstacles and time are faults. In competition there are several winners, because dogs are grouped into similar size and experience.

Dog Agility Training Tips

Consult with your veterinarian about agility training. Make his safety a top priority. Don't push him too far or too fast.
Be careful with jumps, as landing too hard can damage soft joints.
Use a leash in the beginning to show your dog what you want him to do, and help you maintain control.
Tell your dog what you do want him to do, not what you don't want him to do.
When you introduce your dog for the very first time to an obstacle don't give it a name. When your dog is successful with an obstacle greet him on the other end with treats and ecstatic praise naming the obstacle.
Classes and clubs are popular for learning skills. They give you and your dog a realistic training scenario involving an actual agility course, and the presence of other people and dogs.
Competitions can be great learning tools, even if you and your dog are doing agility mainly for fun and exercise. Consider entering a few competitions in the beginning to gain experience.
15 minute practice sessions are long enough. You might try several sessions a day, but keep the sessions short or your dog will lose focus or lose interest. If you're signing up for classes that last an hour, be sure to ask if there are regular breaks.
Warm up before beginning a practice session to help your dog be physically and mentally prepared to work.
Separate obedience exercises from agility work. They're both necessary, but shouldn't be mixed in the same session.
Keep agility lighthearted and fun. Remember, it's not your dog's fault if he doesn't understand something. It's only an opportunity to try again.

Learning the sport of agility can be a fun and exciting adventure for both you and your dog. No other sport requires such teamwork between dog and owner. You will be amazed at the bond of trust you'll find developing between the two of you as you work and progress together. Although it requires dedication, study, and a lot of hard work, the fun and satisfaction is very rewarding.