Search:

How To Start Training A Dog For Agility

Introduction and History Owning a dog is undeniably a good thing; but sometimes the routine of exercising can seem a bit of a chore. Agility training can provide just the tonic for active dog and owner, as it challenges not just the need for rigorous physical exercise, but also the need for mental stimulation as well. Agility is about a dog completing an obstacle course in the fastest time possible and is more of the more popular events at dog shows, but it can just be done as a fun bonding activity for you and your dog.

Type of suitable dog Any dog can be trained for agility, although competitively, working breeds such as Border Collies tend to excel (to the point where they can have their own separate category when competing). It's possible to start when the pooch is a puppy, but as some of the activities are quite strenuous on the joints, it's recommended that the puppy should be at least 8 months old, and can obey basic commands, such as sit and stay. Both owner and dog also need to be fairly fit.

Equipment As this is an activity based around completing an obstacle course, it is essential that Fido is trained with the obstacles. The equipment generally consists of a tunnel, cones for weaving, an "A" frame, some jumps, possibly a see-saw and a table for the dog to pause on. Oh, and some space to set all the equipment out. If it's too expensive or space is a problem there may be a club or classes in you neighbourhood. Failing that, obstacles can be improvised, for instance a sheet over a table can be a makeshift tunnel, and any table can be used as a pause table.

Procedure As with most things that are worth while, the training is a slow gradual process. It would be asking a lot of poor old Fido to be able to see an unfamiliar set of equipment, and then just go for it. Start slowly, perhaps with one obstacle, and some very low jumps. Allow Fido to walk around it and become familiar with it. This way it might be a little less intimidating. Be prepared to demonstrated the obstacle yourself, just until Fido gets the idea. Of course when Fido does it correctly give him lots of praise and treats to encourage him. Never punish him: this is supposed to a fun thing to do.

You are certainly not on your own when it comes to training your dog, be it for agility or for anything else. There is a wealth of information available to help you with pretty much any doggy crisis, be it dealing with toilet matters, incessant barking or just jumping and biting, there is a great deal that you can do to help yourself.

Article Source: http://www.particlearticles.com

Some of the main lessons for dog training for agility, as well as a discovering the real secrets to dog training. Learn how to deal with excessive barking, biting or jumping, without scolding or smacking your dog.

Please Rate this Article

Not yet Rated

Click the XML Icon Above to Receive Pets & Animals Articles Via RSS!

Additional Articles From - Home | Pets & Animals

Got A Reef Aquarium Consider These 4 Tropical Reef Fish - By : Frank Froggatt
Unlock The Secrets Of Dog Training - By : Eddy Edwards
Discover Horse Clicker Training - By : Heidi Edris
Pet Safety Tips for Halloween - By : Phil Sikes
GPS Dog Collars Vs Radio Tracking Collars - By : David EL Williams
Learning about Dog Training - By : Timothy Peck143 Timothy Peck143
Small Tropical Fish: Teaching Your Kid How To Take Care Of Pets - By : Frank Froggatt
Choosing A Dog Breed - By : Scribbler
Advantages of Pet Friendly Products - By : Alison Addy
Make Life Easier, GPS Collar Tracking - By : David EL Williams

Join Helium Now. Earn Cash When You Post. Try It!

	Print This Article
	Post Comment
	Add To Favorites
	Email to Friends
	Ezine Ready

Submit Articles
Member Login
Top Authors
Most Popular Articles
Submission Guidelines
Ezine Notifications
Article RSS Feeds

About Us
Site Blog
Forum
Link to Us
Contact Us
Privacy Policy
Terms of Service

Articles 4 Me And U.com
Credit Mend.net
K.A.G.E.D. Band Website
Article Pyramid.com