Dog Agility Training Questions Answered
If you’re thinking about getting into dog agility training with your puppy then you probably have a lot of questions — get your answers here:
- Dog Agility Training — What is it?
Essentially, Dog Agility is a sport for both the owner and the owner’s dog. The owner in this case is referred to as a “Handler” that directs his/her dog through an obstacle course while judges give points based on accuracy and the time it takes to complete the course.
The Handler will usually run his/her dog off-leash with no positive reinforcement such as food or toys. The Handler is not allowed to touch the dog or move obstacles unless it was obviously an accident. The Handler is only allowed to use his/her voice, hand signals/movement and other various body signals.
The course in Dog Agility competitions usually consists of standard obstacles planned out by an Agility Judge on an approximately 100 x 100 foot area. Numbers are set up throughout the course so the Handler knows the order in which the agility course should be completed.
- Dog Agility Training — Does My Dog Need to be a Purebred?
No. Unlike dog show competitions, your dog is not going to be judged on looks or the purity of its breed. Your dog can be any breed or any mix. You can adopt any mutt from the pound as long as it shows intelligence and the willingness to be trained then you will be able to compete.
There are certain breeds and mixes that do better during dog agility training and competitions though. Herding breeds are usually more intelligent, agile and energetic than the average dog, this includes mixes. So, if you have a dog similar to one of the following you may do better with Dog Agility Training: Corgy, Australian Shepherd, Border Collie and Blue Heeler (Australian Cattle Dog). Whippets and Italian Greyhounds are also renowned dog agility champions.
- Dog Agility Training — How Old Should My Dog Be?
Ideally, you need to start training your dog at around 4 weeks, but to compete your dog has to be AT LEAST 1 year old. However, any age over 1 year is fine. But, because puppies and older dogs have joint problems if exercised too vehemently you will need to pay extra attention to joint health. Using an all-in-one dog supplement (preferably my favorite, which is Proud Dog Complete Wellness all-in-one dog supplement for all breeds and ages of dogs) will help keep joints healthy. Also, make sure to buy dog food that is specifically formulated for joints (there is plenty on the market).
Your dog is usually at its finest when it comes to dog ability training and competing between 1 and 3 years old. Before that and after that you need to take extra care.
- Dog Agility Training — Should I Get a Professional Trainer or Should I Do it Myself?
If you’re a beginner then you need to have a professional agility trainer help you out. After a while you’ll be able to train your dog from home.
- Dog Agility Training — Do I Need Equipment?
Yes. There is a lot of equipment involved with dog agility training and, since you’ll want to be top notch when you begin competing, you need to run your dog through your own makeshift agility course at home. There are a lot of places on the Internet where you can find the correct equipment so you should have no trouble.
Dog Agility Training is great for you and your dog. It will give your dog a sense of purpose and make it more obedient and it will give you as the owner lots of exercise as well. Most people say that training their dog for agility has made them a mentally stronger person because they have to be calm and assertive when making that connection with their dog in training or the dog will disobey them.
If you’re thinking about getting into dog agility training make sure to find a trainer in your area and keep your dog’s joints healthy with Proud Dog Complete Wellness all-in-one dog supplement.
Tags: agility, Australian Shepherd, Blue Heeler, Border Collie, breeds, competing, competition, dogs, handler, Italian Greyhound, joint health, older dog, puppy, training, Whippets
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