Agility Training For Dogs
Just like people have become more sedentary throughout the last few decades, it seems like our animal companions have had to follow suit. But just like people, dogs need physical activity and they truly enjoy running and jumping and playing. Certainly, we have all seen those cool dogs navigating various obstacles on TV and having a great time, and this type of agility training is actually something your dog can do at home. Here is some information about the importance of agility training for dogs.
One of the best reasons to consider agility training is because it provides a high level of exercise, which is extremely beneficial for any breed of dog. Many breeds truly need to spend some time each day with some intense exercise, and agility training provides interesting and challenging exercises for your animal. Even a more sedentary breed is sure to enjoy some agility training if the training itself is not as intense as it might be with a border collie or an Australian shepherd.
As the owners of many dogs can attest, a bored dog can be quite destructive or noisy. Dogs are totally under our control and rely on us for their exercise opportunities. For some breeds, a lack of exercise leads to extreme unhappiness. They need to run around and fulfill their natural instinct of chasing and hunting. The activities in an obstacle course were created to be similar to what a dog would do while he or she was hunting for food in the woods. Instead of climbing or leaping over fallen logs, they leap over specially created dog agility jumps. Instead of crawling under leaves to locate prey, they wind their way through a manmade dog tunnel.
Another key benefit will be the increase in trust and obedience that comes from taking part in agility activities. Your dog will be learning how to navigate obstacles and also learning specific commands from you, and this level of obedience during agility play time will improve obedience in all other areas. Of course, there's tons of fun and praise involved in agility course training, so your dog also will bask in the warmth of your encouragement and approval. This also strengthens the bond between the two of you, and your dog will work diligently to improve skills and please you.
Of course, the owner gets plenty of exercise as well, which definitely is a solid benefit. Almost all of us need more activity in our life and this can be a fun way to get outside and get moving. Combine agility course workouts with a couple of good long walks during the day, and you and your dog both will be in good shape in no time at all.
Obviously, unless you are going to a training facility with an agility course, you will need to buy some equipment. You can get a great starter kit at Carson-Agility.com. This kit includes 12 weaves for your dog to navigate as well as four snap-on jumps. There is another kit that includes the jumps, weaves and an adjustable teeter. You also could swap this for a package that includes a tire jump, a teeter and 12 weaves. You can continue to add obstacles, such as tunnels and pause tables as your dog builds skills.
One of the best reasons to consider agility training is because it provides a high level of exercise, which is extremely beneficial for any breed of dog. Many breeds truly need to spend some time each day with some intense exercise, and agility training provides interesting and challenging exercises for your animal. Even a more sedentary breed is sure to enjoy some agility training if the training itself is not as intense as it might be with a border collie or an Australian shepherd.
As the owners of many dogs can attest, a bored dog can be quite destructive or noisy. Dogs are totally under our control and rely on us for their exercise opportunities. For some breeds, a lack of exercise leads to extreme unhappiness. They need to run around and fulfill their natural instinct of chasing and hunting. The activities in an obstacle course were created to be similar to what a dog would do while he or she was hunting for food in the woods. Instead of climbing or leaping over fallen logs, they leap over specially created dog agility jumps. Instead of crawling under leaves to locate prey, they wind their way through a manmade dog tunnel.
Another key benefit will be the increase in trust and obedience that comes from taking part in agility activities. Your dog will be learning how to navigate obstacles and also learning specific commands from you, and this level of obedience during agility play time will improve obedience in all other areas. Of course, there's tons of fun and praise involved in agility course training, so your dog also will bask in the warmth of your encouragement and approval. This also strengthens the bond between the two of you, and your dog will work diligently to improve skills and please you.
Of course, the owner gets plenty of exercise as well, which definitely is a solid benefit. Almost all of us need more activity in our life and this can be a fun way to get outside and get moving. Combine agility course workouts with a couple of good long walks during the day, and you and your dog both will be in good shape in no time at all.
Obviously, unless you are going to a training facility with an agility course, you will need to buy some equipment. You can get a great starter kit at Carson-Agility.com. This kit includes 12 weaves for your dog to navigate as well as four snap-on jumps. There is another kit that includes the jumps, weaves and an adjustable teeter. You also could swap this for a package that includes a tire jump, a teeter and 12 weaves. You can continue to add obstacles, such as tunnels and pause tables as your dog builds skills.
About the Author:
Cheng Bernhardt enjoys blogging about dog agility training. To find an agility dog course, or to find more agility dog training equipment such as obedience jumps, please check out the Carlson-Agility website today.
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