Whether you have a perky Australian shepherd or a more sedate Shih Tzu, both of these dogs might enjoy dog agility training. Typically, it isn't the breed or size of a dog that matters, but the personality of an animal that determines whether or not the dog is well suited to the agility course. Here are some ways to determine whether or not your dog might enjoy agility training.
If you are intimidated by the idea of agility competitions, don't be worried about that. Many people teach their dogs agility skills with no intention of ever entering a contest. There are other reasons why agility training is beneficial for pets. These activities provide a high level of exercise, which is very important for your dog. In addition, this is an engaging exercise which keeps dogs from getting bored. Spending so much time together also solidifies the bond between the two of you, which is so important, especially if you are working with a newly acquired dog or puppy. It increases obedience as well because the dogs must learn to obey many commands.
One first step before diving into the world of agility is to talk to your veterinarian about your pet's overall health. This can be a demanding sport, so a dog needs to be in very good health. An older dog or one prone to certain physical problems might not be the best dog for this sport. For instance, some dogs tend to have breathing problems or perhaps they easily can hurt their neck or hips. These dogs might benefit from another, less strenuous style of exercise.
In addition to being healthy, your dog needs to have the right temperament. Agility dogs are full of happy energy and they generally love being around other dogs. If this sounds like your dog, then agility training might be a great match. Just about any dog can compete; in fact, hundreds of different breeds do compete including mixed breed animals. Small dogs, medium-sized dogs and large animals all compete as well, so don't let size or breed determine whether or not to choose this sport for your pet. Your dog simply needs to be conducive to learning new skills, full of energy and able to handle situations where there are other dogs and people present. If your dog has lots of energy, but tends to be shy, agility training can be a fantastic way to build up their courage and self-confidence, it just takes a bit more patience.
A great way to get started would be to take an actual agility class. Most cities and towns have agility clubs, and you can sign up for a simple beginner class. This will allow you to see how your dog enjoys the obstacles as well as how much they enjoy being around the other dogs. It also provides you with an opportunity to ask questions and talk to other dog owners.
When you are ready to start buying some agility equipment, consider a source such as Carlson Agility. They offer all types of obstacles and even have a wide variety of starter kits which are a great choice for a beginner. If you do have a smaller dog or perhaps a puppy or you are just starting out, you might want to start with mini agility equipment. This is easier to navigate, less intimidating for timid dogs and fits more easily into a yard. It's also easy to set up a jump and a few other obstacles in the basement, garage or family room for some fun training on a rainy or snowy day.
If you are intimidated by the idea of agility competitions, don't be worried about that. Many people teach their dogs agility skills with no intention of ever entering a contest. There are other reasons why agility training is beneficial for pets. These activities provide a high level of exercise, which is very important for your dog. In addition, this is an engaging exercise which keeps dogs from getting bored. Spending so much time together also solidifies the bond between the two of you, which is so important, especially if you are working with a newly acquired dog or puppy. It increases obedience as well because the dogs must learn to obey many commands.
One first step before diving into the world of agility is to talk to your veterinarian about your pet's overall health. This can be a demanding sport, so a dog needs to be in very good health. An older dog or one prone to certain physical problems might not be the best dog for this sport. For instance, some dogs tend to have breathing problems or perhaps they easily can hurt their neck or hips. These dogs might benefit from another, less strenuous style of exercise.
In addition to being healthy, your dog needs to have the right temperament. Agility dogs are full of happy energy and they generally love being around other dogs. If this sounds like your dog, then agility training might be a great match. Just about any dog can compete; in fact, hundreds of different breeds do compete including mixed breed animals. Small dogs, medium-sized dogs and large animals all compete as well, so don't let size or breed determine whether or not to choose this sport for your pet. Your dog simply needs to be conducive to learning new skills, full of energy and able to handle situations where there are other dogs and people present. If your dog has lots of energy, but tends to be shy, agility training can be a fantastic way to build up their courage and self-confidence, it just takes a bit more patience.
A great way to get started would be to take an actual agility class. Most cities and towns have agility clubs, and you can sign up for a simple beginner class. This will allow you to see how your dog enjoys the obstacles as well as how much they enjoy being around the other dogs. It also provides you with an opportunity to ask questions and talk to other dog owners.
When you are ready to start buying some agility equipment, consider a source such as Carlson Agility. They offer all types of obstacles and even have a wide variety of starter kits which are a great choice for a beginner. If you do have a smaller dog or perhaps a puppy or you are just starting out, you might want to start with mini agility equipment. This is easier to navigate, less intimidating for timid dogs and fits more easily into a yard. It's also easy to set up a jump and a few other obstacles in the basement, garage or family room for some fun training on a rainy or snowy day.
About the Author:
Cheng Bernhardt loves dog agility training. To find an agility equipment, or to find helpful agility dog training equipment like dog agility kit, please check out the Carlson-Agility website today.
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