It's obvious, just by watching, that agility dogs absolutely love the challenge of competition. They love running up and down teeter totters and A-frames, they love scampering through tunnels, leaping through tire jumps and zipping through all of the other obstacles. You probably think that dog agility is something only certain breeds of dogs or personalities of dogs can enjoy, but this is not true at all.
If you have a timid dog, you might think that agility training is something that your furry friend cannot handle. However, this type of training can actually build up the confidence of a dog that is shy around other dogs or people. A happy-go-lucky dog that is full of confidence and vigor might really enjoy dog agility training is a public setting such as at a local agility club. Your shyer dog, however, might feel more comfortable training at home.
One easy way to start training is by using a pause table. If your dog tends to be nervous around anything new, simple leave the pause table out in the yard or even in your living room for a couple of days. Let your dog sniff it and walk around it, and when he or she begins to seem comfortable with the table, place a treat or favorite toy on top and gently coax your dog to climb on the table. You can purchase an adjustable pause table and simply start out low to the ground and when your dog becomes more comfortable, you can add height. For a shy or timid dog, it could take a few days before they are confident enough to climb on the pause table, so just be patient.
Eventually, once your dog has mastered jumping up on the table and sitting, staying and remaining down for an extended period of time, you can add some more equipment. A contact trainer is an excellent option for your second piece of equipment. For instance, Carlson Agility sells a mini three-piece contact training that contains a pause table and a mini A-frame on one side and a mini dog walk on the other side. Using mini obstacles is a great way to start with a shy dog or a younger dog. Carlson Agility sells all the equipment you could ever need for dog agility training, including weaves, tire jumps, dog agility jumps, dog tunnels and chutes and much more.
Once your dog has mastered the contact trainer and pause table, you probably will notice that they definitely have gained some confidence and have a spring their step. You can continue to add pieces of equipment until they have mastered a wide variety of tasks. You can continue with the miniature sized equipment, which can be less intimidating and also fits more easily into your yard, basement or family room. If they are ready for a bigger challenge, you can join a local agility club and see how they handle the mix of dogs and the larger equipment. If your dog still prefers working out at home, keep up with the training and try again when they seem more confident.
Agility training is also great exercise for your dog and helps the two of you create a stronger bond. While this bond is important to build with any dog, a shy or timid dog really needs this extra encouragement, and dog agility can be a fantastic way to boost confidence.
If you have a timid dog, you might think that agility training is something that your furry friend cannot handle. However, this type of training can actually build up the confidence of a dog that is shy around other dogs or people. A happy-go-lucky dog that is full of confidence and vigor might really enjoy dog agility training is a public setting such as at a local agility club. Your shyer dog, however, might feel more comfortable training at home.
One easy way to start training is by using a pause table. If your dog tends to be nervous around anything new, simple leave the pause table out in the yard or even in your living room for a couple of days. Let your dog sniff it and walk around it, and when he or she begins to seem comfortable with the table, place a treat or favorite toy on top and gently coax your dog to climb on the table. You can purchase an adjustable pause table and simply start out low to the ground and when your dog becomes more comfortable, you can add height. For a shy or timid dog, it could take a few days before they are confident enough to climb on the pause table, so just be patient.
Eventually, once your dog has mastered jumping up on the table and sitting, staying and remaining down for an extended period of time, you can add some more equipment. A contact trainer is an excellent option for your second piece of equipment. For instance, Carlson Agility sells a mini three-piece contact training that contains a pause table and a mini A-frame on one side and a mini dog walk on the other side. Using mini obstacles is a great way to start with a shy dog or a younger dog. Carlson Agility sells all the equipment you could ever need for dog agility training, including weaves, tire jumps, dog agility jumps, dog tunnels and chutes and much more.
Once your dog has mastered the contact trainer and pause table, you probably will notice that they definitely have gained some confidence and have a spring their step. You can continue to add pieces of equipment until they have mastered a wide variety of tasks. You can continue with the miniature sized equipment, which can be less intimidating and also fits more easily into your yard, basement or family room. If they are ready for a bigger challenge, you can join a local agility club and see how they handle the mix of dogs and the larger equipment. If your dog still prefers working out at home, keep up with the training and try again when they seem more confident.
Agility training is also great exercise for your dog and helps the two of you create a stronger bond. While this bond is important to build with any dog, a shy or timid dog really needs this extra encouragement, and dog agility can be a fantastic way to boost confidence.
About the Author:
Cheng Bernhardt loves dog agility training. To find a dog agility course, or to find further about training equipment for agility for dogs, please visit the Carlson Agility website now.
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