There are many reasons why dog agility contests have become a popular animal sport. For one thing, it's fun to watch and the dogs have a great time zipping around the courses. Agility training provides opportunities for pet owners to increase obedience and cement the bond between you and your pet, as well as providing an excellent source of exercise. If you wish for your pet to start training, here are some quick and helpful facts.
You might think that agility courses are only for certain breeds of dog, such as the Australian shepherd. While there are breeds that do exceptionally well on the agility courses, any breed can compete or train. If your pet is a happy, playful and energetic dog, then agility training will be a fun activity for him or her. Even the tiniest dogs can train and compete. Dog agility organizations arrange the dogs into competitive groups based on height, so small dogs just work on equipment that is not as high and then they adjust the equipment as bigger dogs come onto the course.
While competing is fun, there are many reasons to consider dog agility other than competition. Dogs crave and need plenty of exercise and agility training provides plenty of activity. It is also an excellent way to improve the dog's obedience level as they have to obey a variety of commands while off a lease. Generally, it is best not to begin intensive agility training until your dog is about a year old or once their bodies are fully developed. If you wish to enter a competition, most organizations do not allow dogs less than 14 months of age to compete.
Still, a puppy can be taught obedience skills and it is highly recommended that all dog owners begin training as soon as the animal comes home with them. Inexpensive dog obedience classes are available almost everywhere, and taking your pet to class is a great way to promote socialization. Your dog needs to feel comfortable interacting with other dogs and people and also obeying your commands when there are plenty of distractions around them.
After your dog has reached full development and mastered the basics of sitting, staying and heeling, agility training can commence. You can research this type of training and purchase some equipment and get going, but it might be a better idea to find a good instructor and take some classes. After all, they already have the knowledge and the equipment. Once you have established that your dog and you both love the sport, you can then purchase your own equipment and continue training at home.
There are many companies that sell agility equipment, such as Carlson-Agility.com. You can purchase dog agility tunnels, dog agility jumps, weaves, tire jumps and much more. They even have dog agility kits that are perfect for those starting out. One kit includes weaves and jumps, another includes jumps and a tunnel and still another includes jumps, weaves and a teeter-totter. You also could get a starter kit with a tunnel, two jumps and a pause table. Once you've mastered the obstacles in your starter kit, you can add some new obstacles to increase your pet's skill level.
You might think that agility courses are only for certain breeds of dog, such as the Australian shepherd. While there are breeds that do exceptionally well on the agility courses, any breed can compete or train. If your pet is a happy, playful and energetic dog, then agility training will be a fun activity for him or her. Even the tiniest dogs can train and compete. Dog agility organizations arrange the dogs into competitive groups based on height, so small dogs just work on equipment that is not as high and then they adjust the equipment as bigger dogs come onto the course.
While competing is fun, there are many reasons to consider dog agility other than competition. Dogs crave and need plenty of exercise and agility training provides plenty of activity. It is also an excellent way to improve the dog's obedience level as they have to obey a variety of commands while off a lease. Generally, it is best not to begin intensive agility training until your dog is about a year old or once their bodies are fully developed. If you wish to enter a competition, most organizations do not allow dogs less than 14 months of age to compete.
Still, a puppy can be taught obedience skills and it is highly recommended that all dog owners begin training as soon as the animal comes home with them. Inexpensive dog obedience classes are available almost everywhere, and taking your pet to class is a great way to promote socialization. Your dog needs to feel comfortable interacting with other dogs and people and also obeying your commands when there are plenty of distractions around them.
After your dog has reached full development and mastered the basics of sitting, staying and heeling, agility training can commence. You can research this type of training and purchase some equipment and get going, but it might be a better idea to find a good instructor and take some classes. After all, they already have the knowledge and the equipment. Once you have established that your dog and you both love the sport, you can then purchase your own equipment and continue training at home.
There are many companies that sell agility equipment, such as Carlson-Agility.com. You can purchase dog agility tunnels, dog agility jumps, weaves, tire jumps and much more. They even have dog agility kits that are perfect for those starting out. One kit includes weaves and jumps, another includes jumps and a tunnel and still another includes jumps, weaves and a teeter-totter. You also could get a starter kit with a tunnel, two jumps and a pause table. Once you've mastered the obstacles in your starter kit, you can add some new obstacles to increase your pet's skill level.
About the Author:
Cheng Bernhardt likes writing about dog agility training. To find a dog agility course, or to discover more about starter agility dog supplies, please visit the Carlson-Agility site now.
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