Dogs love agility, and it’s certainly easy to understand why. What could be more fun than zooming around an obstacle course? Getting ready for competition can take some time, and you might be unsure whether or not your dog pal is ready to hit the competition circuit.
Obviously your first step is to assess your dog’s overall health and determine whether your pet is physically capable of agility. The good news is that most healthy dogs can enjoy agility and most organizations are open to all breeds and sizes of dogs, including those cuddly mutts. If your dog is in good health and has plenty of energy, then the chances are good the agility course will be a lot of fun. Be sure to talk things over with your veterinarian to determine whether or not your dog is ready for agility training.
Once you have determined whether or not your dog is healthy enough, you actually need to introduce him or her to some agility equipment. Often joining an agility club and taking a class can be a great way to find out if these activities are something your dog will enjoy. It is also a great way to see how well your dog can complete obstacles with the distraction of other dogs and people nearby.
If your dog seems to be having a great time, you probably should begin purchasing some agility equipment for home use. You can purchase agility equipment online from sources such as Carlson Agility. This retailer sells all types and sizes of agility equipment, as well as helpful starter kits to get your going.
You might begin with obstacles such as basic jumps and the pause table. From there, add a dog tunnel or chute. Then teach your dog how to navigate weave poles, tire jumps, agility a-frames, an agility dog walk and other agility equipment. Be sure to teach them using only verbal commands and hand signals, as treats and other incentives will not be allowed during competition.
Once your dog has mastered the equipment, it is time to practice on a full course for speed and accuracy. Decide in which agility organization you wish to compete and practice by setting up a course in your yard that adheres to that organization’s rules. You also can join an agility club and practice at the club as well, which can be a great way to learn about competing and a place where you can ask questions about handling and competition. When your dog can handle the course fairly well, start out in a small local contest and go from there. Dog agility can be a sport that you and your dog will enjoy for many years to come.
Brad Carlson enjoys dog agility training. To find agility equipment or to find more about training equipment for dog agility equipment, please check out the Carlson-Agility.com website today.
