While you might think that dog agility sets are only for owners who want their dog to compete in agility contests, there are several other reasons why it might be a great idea to consider using agility sets for dogs, including the following.
1. The Obesity Factor
In a 2017 survey by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, it was discovered that more than half of all dogs are obese, and many more are at least somewhat overweight. Just an extra couple of pounds can put enormous pressure on a dog’s body, and while changing up a dog’s diet certainly can help, exercise can go a long way to reducing weight and ensuring that your dog is as healthy as possible.
If you have an overweight dog, using dog agility sets can be a great way to fight the fat and get your furry friend into better physical condition. Obviously, it’s always wise to talk with your veterinarian before starting any new exercise program, but most healthy dogs are fit enough for agility.
Keep in mind, you don’t have to rush around the course and push a dog to the limit. Just start out slowly and work on a few pieces of equipment. Spending just 15 minutes a day using agility sets for dogs can make a huge difference in the health of your pet, even if you start out slowly.
Agility provides a great cardiovascular workout for your dog, it also exercises different muscle groups, helping to tighten and tone. Additionally, it’s always a great idea to take a short walk before a training session, to burn off a little steam. This makes it easier for a dog to focus on a training session.
A five-minute walk and 15 minutes of training, provides a solid block of exercise for an overweight pet. Add a second walk later in the day, and perhaps some playtime around the house or a second agility session, and your dog will be in great shape before you know it.
Of course, we all know that it’s not just dogs that have issues with weight. We humans also need plenty of daily exercise, and agility training will benefit the handler just as much as it benefits the dog. Agility can be a great way for both of you to get fit.
2. Bored Dog Syndrome
While some dogs are perfectly happy lazing away on a cushion, dreaming about bunnies and treats, many dogs have a higher level of energy. When this energy isn’t released, a dog can become restless and bored.
A bored dog is an unhappy dog and unhappy dogs often become destructive. If your dog has been chewing on your shoes or furniture or just getting into trouble in general, it might be a boredom issue and your dog might just need to expend some energy.
One of the great things about agility is that it’s not just great exercise; it’s a unique type of exercise. The skills we teach while using dog agility sets are designed to mimic the instinctual behavior of dogs. They zoom through tunnels and leap over jumps just as ancient dogs might have zoomed under a pile of leaves and leaped over fallen trees while chasing prey.
Agility exercises both mind and body, and after a rousing session of agility training, you may find that your bored or destructive dog is perfectly content to rest and relax.
3. Forging The Bond
Some dogs and their human companions seem to bond instantly. If you’ve had many dogs throughout the years, you’ve probably bonded more quickly with certain dogs than with others. If you’ve been having trouble forging a bond with a new dog, particularly with a rescue dog, using agility sets for dogs can be a great way to build trust and improve your relationship.
Working closely together to build agility skills, using a patient approach and showering dog with praise will increase your dog’s trust of you, and increase their loyalty and love. Likewise, you will come to better understand your pooch’s distinct personality, and with this deeper understanding, you’ll enjoy a much better relationship. So, if you’ve been having trouble bonding with your new furry pal, a little agility training can go a long way.
4. Obedience & Behavior Issues
Using agility sets for dogs can be a great way to teach obedience skills. Whether you have a puppy or an older dog, you can teach a dog to sit, stay and lay down using the pause table.
Did you know that one of the main reasons why dogs end up in shelters is due to behavioral issues? Teaching obedience skills and using obedience commands consistently can prevent many behavioral issues and you can combine agility training and obedience training. Dogs enjoy agility, so it can be the perfect place to tackle obedience, because you can make it a bit more interesting and fun for both of you.
Of course, sometimes behavior is more serious than a dog that simply won’t sit and stay. An aggressive dog or very timid dog can be difficult to control, but often, through agility training, you can reduce aggression and reduce anxiety.
When a dog feels bonded to his human companion and very safe with that companion, you tend to encounter fewer behavioral issues. This is particularly true when a dog also understands the rules. Dogs want to please their humans, but just like children, they need limits in order to feel safe. Teaching obedience provides them with these limits, and teaching agility helps them to forge a deeper bond with their owner.
Through patient training, you may be able to greatly reduce aggression in a dog and lesson timidity or anxiety. It is possible, however, that these dogs may never be the perfect candidates for competition and that’s just fine. Agility can simply be a fun backyard activity, and if it cures anxiety or aggression, then you’ve help to create an amazing and loyal companion who will bring great joy to your life, and that’s worth a million competitions.
At Carlson Agility, we sell all types of agility sets for dogs. You can grab one of our handy agility starter kits or just buy a few items a la carte to create your own dog agility sets. We sell both full-size and mini dog agility equipment. The mini equipment is great for smaller backyards, indoor training, puppy training, small dog training and for training timid dogs that might be a bit wary of higher elevations.
