Dogs & Agility Training: Will Your Pet Benefit?
While you might think only certain breeds of dogs will enjoy racing around the agility course, dogs of any breed or mixed breed might enjoy these highly engaging activities. This is a fun sport for you and your dog to enjoy, but before you head online and start ordering jumps, weaves and tunnels, it is wise to assess your dog first.
Keep in mind that just because your dog enjoys agility training, it doesn't mean you have to compete. While competition can be a ton of fun, a dog will enjoy many important benefits from simply engaging in these agility activities. The exercise component is especially beneficial, as the dogs are not only running about but they are getting a whole-body workout. In addition, obedience is improved from simply learning to obey the commands and following instructions. Your dog also will enjoy the challenge of the course, which keeps him or her busy and engaged.
The first gauge of whether or not your dog is right for agility is their overall level of health. A dog that is older and weaker or perhaps one prone to neck or hip problems is probably not a great candidate for agility training. Breeds prone to breathing issues also might be poor candidates for agility training. Talk to your vet and ask them whether or not your dog is physically able to handle the strenuous nature of the agility course.
In addition to being healthy, your dog needs to have the right temperament. Agility dogs are full of happy energy and they generally love being around other dogs. If this sounds like your dog, then agility training might be a great match. Just about any dog can compete; in fact, hundreds of different breeds do compete including mixed breed animals. Small dogs, medium-sized dogs and large animals all compete as well, so don't let size or breed determine whether or not to choose this sport for your pet. Your dog simply needs to be conducive to learning new skills, full of energy and able to handle situations where there are other dogs and people present. If your dog has lots of energy, but tends to be shy, agility training can be a fantastic way to build up their courage and self-confidence, it just takes a bit more patience.
A great way to get started would be to take an actual agility class. Most cities and towns have agility clubs, and you can sign up for a simple beginner class. This will allow you to see how your dog enjoys the obstacles as well as how much they enjoy being around the other dogs. It also provides you with an opportunity to ask questions and talk to other dog owners.
When you are ready to start buying some agility equipment, consider a source such as Carlson Agility. They offer all types of obstacles and even have a wide variety of starter kits which are a great choice for a beginner. If you do have a smaller dog or perhaps a puppy or you are just starting out, you might want to start with mini agility equipment. This is easier to navigate, less intimidating for timid dogs and fits more easily into a yard. It's also easy to set up a jump and a few other obstacles in the basement, garage or family room for some fun training on a rainy or snowy day.
Keep in mind that just because your dog enjoys agility training, it doesn't mean you have to compete. While competition can be a ton of fun, a dog will enjoy many important benefits from simply engaging in these agility activities. The exercise component is especially beneficial, as the dogs are not only running about but they are getting a whole-body workout. In addition, obedience is improved from simply learning to obey the commands and following instructions. Your dog also will enjoy the challenge of the course, which keeps him or her busy and engaged.
The first gauge of whether or not your dog is right for agility is their overall level of health. A dog that is older and weaker or perhaps one prone to neck or hip problems is probably not a great candidate for agility training. Breeds prone to breathing issues also might be poor candidates for agility training. Talk to your vet and ask them whether or not your dog is physically able to handle the strenuous nature of the agility course.
In addition to being healthy, your dog needs to have the right temperament. Agility dogs are full of happy energy and they generally love being around other dogs. If this sounds like your dog, then agility training might be a great match. Just about any dog can compete; in fact, hundreds of different breeds do compete including mixed breed animals. Small dogs, medium-sized dogs and large animals all compete as well, so don't let size or breed determine whether or not to choose this sport for your pet. Your dog simply needs to be conducive to learning new skills, full of energy and able to handle situations where there are other dogs and people present. If your dog has lots of energy, but tends to be shy, agility training can be a fantastic way to build up their courage and self-confidence, it just takes a bit more patience.
A great way to get started would be to take an actual agility class. Most cities and towns have agility clubs, and you can sign up for a simple beginner class. This will allow you to see how your dog enjoys the obstacles as well as how much they enjoy being around the other dogs. It also provides you with an opportunity to ask questions and talk to other dog owners.
When you are ready to start buying some agility equipment, consider a source such as Carlson Agility. They offer all types of obstacles and even have a wide variety of starter kits which are a great choice for a beginner. If you do have a smaller dog or perhaps a puppy or you are just starting out, you might want to start with mini agility equipment. This is easier to navigate, less intimidating for timid dogs and fits more easily into a yard. It's also easy to set up a jump and a few other obstacles in the basement, garage or family room for some fun training on a rainy or snowy day.
About the Author:
Cheng Bernhardt enjoys dog agility training. To find an agility equipment, or to find helpful agility dog training equipment such as dog agility kit, please check out the Carlson-Agility site now.
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