Dog Agility Training

Does your dog need agility training?

Dog agility training began in the late 1970s as groundwork for a dog sport. It was used at dog competitions to fill time between events. Dog handlers at dog agility competitions are required to direct their dogs through obstacle courses within a specified period of time.

To find out how dog agility training can benefit your dog whether he is competitions or not, I strongly recommend that you take a look at Secrets to Dog Training.

The dogs navigate a variety of courses such as see-saws, jumps, tunnels and weave poles. These tasks are all performed off-leash. Modeled on equestrian competitions, dog agility has come into its own as an event, having been more like half-time entertainment in the past.

If your family is adopting an energetic dog, agility training for dogs is an option you may wish to consider. Although dog agility is considered a sport, your dog doesn't need to be a competitor in order to participate in it. Dog agility training is ideal for dogs that are easily bored or restless.

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It is also a good way to give your dog more discipline and exercise. As agility training for dogs is quite complex, you and your dog will be spending a great deal of time together. For this reason, it is essential that you and your dog have a strong bond.

Dog agility training can be started with puppies of four to five months of age. Puppies may not seem very agile as they are still finding their feet! Training puppies will involve plenty of playing but they will be learning. Puppies will not perform stressful exercises such as jumps or tall obstacle courses. So puppies don't get injured, their obstacles are close to the ground but the same principles are used as for adult dogs.

Tunnels and weave poles are used to train puppies. As an incentive, toys and balls are usually pushed through the tunnels by the trainers. Also, special sticks are carried in the puppies' mouths as they weave in and out of the poles. This teaches them to allow the right amount of space in order for them to clear the poles and complete the course.

Sessions of short duration are vital to dog agility training. Puppies have short concentration spans so long sessions will only set your puppy up for failure. Plenty of rewards are used as well as lots of love, praise and hugs. Once puppies master a course, they are very excited which is great to see! Agility training for dogs is also excellent for shy dogs requiring additional socialization skills.

As your dog matures, he will be given more advanced agility training sessions. He will also undergo additional conditioning and exercise. The more your dog is active, the greater his need will be for nutrients. You will need to make sure that greater attention is paid to his diet.

Your goal may be to have dog compete is a variety of agility events. However, your dog will also enjoy the dog agility training because of the amount of time he gets to spend with you. The bonus will be a more devoted pet and an outstanding family member. In addition, if your dog is a breed that tends to be boisterous, agility training will noticeably reduce his over activity.

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