How do you train your dog to do agility? The first step is to decide whether you are looking for a trainer or planning to do the dog agility training by yourself. You also need to determine whether you’re looking to go into competition or just planning to have some fun on the weekends.
Dog Agility Classes vs Training Yourself
If all you’re looking for is a bit of variety in your play time, you may wish to train your dog by yourself. With a little equipment and an understanding of how it works, you will have many hours of fun training with your dog in the backyard.
However, if you are not very experienced in dog training, or don't know how agility equipment is used, you may prefer to try an introductory class with a local agility trainer. Novice classes will introduce you and your dog to basic agility equipment and give you practical assistance in handling techniques to train your dog.
Dog Agility Equipment and Training
You’ll find a wide variety of agility equipment and various levels of difficulty for each obstacle. There are jumps, tunnels, weaves and contact equipment such as teeter totters. Each type of equipment tests your dog’s skills in different ways.
Weaves will test your dog’s agility by weaving between poles – you may do this by starting with just two poles and adding on, or guiding your dog by the collar through the poles, or spacing the poles far apart and gradually decreasing the distance.
Tunnels will test your dog’s fear of the unknown. Encourage timid dogs to come through by chasing a toy or by showing lots of excitement when they meet you on the other side.
Your dog will also need to learn commands like ‘left’, ‘right’, ‘heel’, ‘sit’ and ‘lay down’ as well as have excellent recall since they will need to perform without a lead at some point.
Make sure your dog is comfortable by using an appropriate lead that is not too heavy. Get his full attention before you start, praise your dog often and keep it fun with rewards and an upbeat attitude.
Buying Agility Equipment
If you are just starting out and want to purchase agility equipment for your dog, dog trainer Brad Carlson from Carlson Agility recommends to initially only purchase what can fit in your yard. He suggests an 8 foot dog-walk instead of a standard 12 foot and four single jumps instead of one single and a triple.
On the Carlson Agility website he says “when considering the dog agility equipment you want to purchase, consider the size and speed of your dog” as your budget will go farther with smaller, lighter dogs.
Dog Agility Competitions
Thinking of showing your dog in competition or for exhibition? The excitement never ends, especially when dogs are up to mischief during the show! The ‘Super Dogs’ showcase their canine talent all over North America and Puerto Rico, but you can also find shows and competitions closer to home.
If you are interested in participating in competitions look for the principle supporters, or dog clubs, that organize the shows. You may also benefit from keeping in touch with local trainers and dog sport enthusiasts as a source of valuable tips and information, even if you train on your own .
Dog Agility Associations
If you are looking for competitions and training you can find information from several Clubs and Associations including the AAC in Canada, the USDAA in the US and Kennel Club in the UK.
