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How To Start Training A Dog For Agility

submitted: May 20th 2008 | by: FloellaMcFee | Total views: 6 | Word Count: 450 | |

Introduction and History Owning a dog is undeniably a good thing; but sometimes the routine of exercising can seem a bit of a chore. Agility training can provide just the tonic for active dog and owner, as it challenges not just the need for rigorous physical exercise, but also the need for mental stimulation as well. Agility is about a dog completing an obstacle course in the fastest time possible and is more of the more popular events at dog shows, but it can just be done as a fun bonding activity for you and your dog.

Type of suitable dog Whilst in competition working and highly intelligent breeds such as Border Collies and Labradors tend to excel, basically any dog can be trained for agility. All that is required is that Fido is fit and healthy and is able to obey basic commands such as sit and stay. It's even possible to begin training Fido as a puppy. However, because of the strain on the joints it's best to wait until Fido is at least 8 months.

Equipment Of course the object is to encourage Fido to complete an obstacle course, so to train you need the obstacles, as well as the space to run around in. Requirements are: a tunnel, cones for weaving, jumps, an "A" frame, possibly a see saw and a pause table. It would be best to join a local class or club. However, if money is no object it is possible to buy portable equipment that can be taken to a local park. You might want to have Fido's collar and lead in the initial stages of training.

Procedure As with most things that are worth while, the training is a slow gradual process. It would be asking a lot of poor old Fido to be able to see an unfamiliar set of equipment, and then just go for it. Start slowly, perhaps with one obstacle, and some very low jumps. Allow Fido to walk around it and become familiar with it. This way it might be a little less intimidating. Be prepared to demonstrated the obstacle yourself, just until Fido gets the idea. Of course when Fido does it correctly give him lots of praise and treats to encourage him. Never punish him: this is supposed to a fun thing to do.

You are certainly not on your own when it comes to training your dog, be it for agility or for anything else. There is a wealth of information available to help you with pretty much any doggy crisis, be it dealing with toilet matters, incessant barking or just jumping and biting, there is a great deal that you can do to help yourself.

Tags: dog training, training a dog for agility, agility training, puppy training

About the Author

Some of the basic lessons for dog training for agility, as well as a discovering the real secrets to dog training. Learn how to deal with excessive barking, biting or jumping, without scolding or smacking your dog.

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