dogagilitytraining.net

About a year ago, my husband and I purchased a beautiful Labrador puppy for our son’s birthday.  We named him Cooper.  He was a very energetic dog and required lots of exercise.  He was an inside dog and he couldn’t move through the house without bumbling over something, knocking things down and making a mess!  We thought he needed more exercise in order to tire him out more, but taking him for exercise was a real chore!  He wanted to run free, not listening or coming when we called.  He didn’t like the leash at all, he didn’t want to listen to commands and we were at a loss. 

 A friend of mine suggested that we try the dog agility starter kit from Doctors Foster and Smith.  She had used the same kit for her dog previously.  She explained that it was a different way to train your dog and that it was fun for the dog.  She said that it would help Cooper learn more obedience along with the exercise and structure.  She seemed to be truly happy with her dog’s progress after using this dog agility starter kit.  To be perfectly honest with you, I didn’t think I had time to try Cooper on agility equipment but she said it was much easier than spending a few hours calling for him and getting him to come back home the way we normally did!   

After a bit of thought, I decided to try it.  The price was great and when we received the product and set it up, I was totally shocked.  The very first time we tried it with Cooper, he was successful.  As a matter of fact, with one treat, Cooper successfully made it through each and every one of the weave poles!  We had a bit of a time getting him to enter the open tunnel, but by the third time trying, he was doing that successfully as well.  My absolute favorite was the jump!  When Cooper succeeded with the jump, the look on my kids’ faces was absolutely priceless.  It was so fun!  All four of us were able to get out in the yard and enjoy Cooper’s exercise time. 

The thing that I loved most about the dog agility starter kit was that our entire family could be a part of Cooper’s exercise and we could spend time with him, not time looking for him.  I truly believe that it was the structure and the interest that trained Cooper to be calm and listen.  Now, when we let him out he doesn’t run away.  He waits for us to begin training!  There is a huge difference between being stressed out each day when it’s time to walk Cooper and spending time with him on the agility kit.  It’s so fun.  Each day he learns something new and the kids and my husband and I are absolutely thrilled with the progress he’s made.  I would recommend this to absolutely anyone and I am still in debt to my friend for recommending it to me!  I love it. 

Dog agility training is a fun way to exercise both you and your dog.  Most dogs love dog agility training, but how can you tell if your dog loves dog agility training?  Here are ten tips that your dog might love dog agility training.

1. Your dog perks up when he hears you talking about dog agility training with friends and family.  He may even walk over to you expectantly and wait to see if you will take him out.
2. He gets excited when you purchase a new obstacle.  He recognizes that he has gotten a new toy and is eager to get outside and try it.
3. When you put on your sneakers, your dog waits by the door.  He knows you wear those shoes during agility training, and expects to go out.  He sees your shoes as a sign that he will go out and train.
4. When you take your dog outside for a bathroom break, he heads over to the dog agility course.  In fact, your dog may even temporarily forget the fact that he has to go to the bathroom.  This shows that your dog is dedicated to his agility training.
5. Your dog stands by the door every day after you come home.  He evens stands by the door after you have taken him outside to go to the bathroom.  This is a sign that your dog is ready to go out and begin his daily training.
6. You dog’s tail is wagging throughout every agility training session.  This is a sign that your dog is happy and enjoys what he is doing.
7. Your dog does not fuss when you put on the agility training leash.  Very often, dogs will put up a fuss when their owners put on their leash.  Dogs that love agility training are often happy to put on their leash because they know it will lead to training.
8. You dog whines when agility training is over.  He may even be difficult to bring back in the house because he does not want to leave.
9. Your dog barks every time you pass the agility training course, even when it is on a trip to the veterinarian.
10.  After a few days without agility training, your dog is lethargic or moody.  It could be that the weather would not permit outdoor activity.  Your dog is missing the activity and attention, and reacts poorly as a result.

Agility training is one of the best ways you can spend quality time with your dog.  This is the reason why the majority of dogs love agility training.  If your dog loves agility training, make sure that you take the time to provide dog agility training opportunities to your dog on a regular basis.  This will ensure the happiness of your dog.

Any human or beast about to embark on a new endeavor needs to be prepared in order to perform.  Here are some ways to be sure your dog is ready to take agility training classes.

It might be best to start with a general, basic obedience class.  Agility training is fairly specific, and if your dog hasn’t learned to come or sit yet, he may not have much luck with the weave or obstacles.  Also, taking an obedience class allows you to know your dog’s temperament and attention span.

Agility training is good exercise for the dog and his human, and furthering your dog’s fitness might be one of your goals for the training.  But, if your dog has been very sedentary, it’s a good idea to ease him into a gentle, regular exercise routine before hitting the agility course.  Agility involves jumping, quick turns, balance, and running.  It’s not fair to make a couch potato dog jump into a full-on boot camp.

Pay attention to how your dog responds physically to the training.  He may be more tired or hungrier than usual, so you need to act accordingly.  Of course, lots of fresh, cool water is always a necessity, but never more so than when a dog is trying a new skill.  Also, don’t skimp on the quality of dog food.  Some foods are full of fillers, and don’t really provide the nutrients an active dog needs.

When you’ve begun a new exercise routine, you occasionally have sore muscles or blisters.  The same risks lurk for your dog.  Check the pads on his paws, in particular.  The turning and different surfaces involved in agility training could cause sore or abraded paws.  Give your dog a quick once over every day to make sure he has no cuts or bruises.

Does your dog suddenly seem listless?  Or is he regressing, and exhibiting undesirable behaviors that have previously not been a problem?  It could be that the new routine is too much, too soon.  See if you can ease into training, attending only once or twice a week to start.

Don’t let the dog get overheated.  When choosing a training facility, be sure it’s well ventilated and kept at a comfortable temperature for lots of exercising dogs.  Evening or morning classes might be better than those during the heat of the day.

Research agility training ahead of time so that you have a realistic idea of what to expect from your dog, and so that you understand your responsibilities toward your dog.

Once you’ve decided to begin classes with your dog, whether obedience or agility training, you’ll need to find a center that meets your needs and helps you to achieve your goals.  Not all centers have the same philosophy when it comes to handling animals, and not all centers will have the same degree of respect for your reasons for training.

The most important piece of advice is to trust your instincts.  Before you sign up for the first class, visit the center while classes are in session.  Do all dogs and their owners seem happy and relaxed?   You will probably have an instant first impression.  This will be a good guide for you to decide if the center is a fit for you and your dog.

Ask if you can have a trial session before you commit to a financial arrangement.  Bring your dog and find out if the dog will be able to focus with other animals around.  If not, do the trainers have tricks and suggestions to help your dog?  If the trainers shrug and act as if they can’t help you, look elsewhere.

Do the goals of the center match the goals that you have set for yourself and your dog?  It’s fine, for instance, to seek a center that will focus on competition preparation, if that’s what is important to you.  But if you’re mainly interested in fun and exercise, and the other participants and the trainers are cut-throat competitors, you’ll be better off finding a center with a more laid back perspective.

Snoop around a little.  Is the physical facility clean?  Are there plenty of staff people for the number of clients and dogs?  Are there diplomas and certificates displayed showing that the center is up-to-date and someone will be able to respond if your dog is hurt?  Just like searching for a day care center for your child, you’ll want to be sure that safety is a prime concern for the training center.

What about equipment?  Does it seem to be well-maintained and safe?  Observe other clients working their dogs and notice if the training course is secure and monitored.

Find out the methods the staff uses to train and teach dogs.  Some centers may use more punitive approaches in training.  Dogs respond best to positive reinforcement.  If the methods seem too harsh, visit another center.

Visit with other clients, and ask if there is a list of alumni you could contact.  Often, word of mouth is the most reliable way to find out how good and effective a center truly is.

One of the very most fun ways for a dog owner to spend quality time with the dog is to take an agility course.  These courses foster trust and closeness between dog and owner.  Both human and animal benefit from tackling a challenge and accomplishing goals.  Plus, taking an agility course is good exercise.  Agility courses are not for puppies only.  Any age dog can take and benefit from agility training as long as the following tips are kept in mind.

Remember that a pet dog isn’t that different from a child.  Most dogs are eager to please, as are most children.  Dogs need plenty of praise when they’ve done the right thing, and gentle remonstration when they’ve done the wrong thing.  Dogs need to be well rested, exercised, and fed in order to perform at their best.   The dog will benefit from expectations that are well set out and consistent.  Changing the rules in mid-stream is unfair to the animal, just as it’s unfair to a child to say one thing and then change to another.   Remember that your dog will do whatever it takes to please you, as long as he can figure it out.  That’s where these tips come in:  they’ll help you to communicate with your dog in a way that he can understand.

Make sure your dog is in good physical shape before putting him under too much stress.  Agility training in itself is good exercise, so don’t jump in to too much all at once.  If the dog has been sedentary, allow him to start slow and have plenty of time to recover between sessions.

Know your goals.  Is the main reason for training to compete, or is the emphasis on teamwork, fitness, and fun?  If you do plan to compete, work up to it slowly.  Accept that one full season may pass before the dog is ready for competition.

Don’t scold.  There’s no reason to begin an activity for the purpose of enriching your relationship with your dog if it’s going to lead you to be disappointed or cross with the dog.  Keep it light.

Praise.  Dogs always learn better when good behavior is praised and undesirable behavior is gently corrected.

Practice.  Don’t be hit-and-miss with the sessions.  Attend all sessions that are scheduled.  Practice is key to learning and developing.

Keep it short and fun.  Know your dog well enough to recognize when he is frustrated or plain old tired.  Stop sessions while the dog is still having fun so that he’ll want to return.

Agility courses can be greatly beneficial in many ways.  Just take it easy on yourself and the dog, and remember you’re doing it for fun.

In the past few years, dog agility has gained ground in becoming one the best-loved animal sports in America and Europe. While performing dog agility, the handler will guide the dog in progressing through the course in the shortest amount of time possible while racing the clock.

During a competition, the dog has to complete many obstacles, such as going through pipes and jumps, as time ticks away and spectators watch from the stands.

Dog agility sports is a cousin to equestrian stadium jumping, however it now has its own rules and scoring outlines, as well as its own obstacles. Today there are many organizations that accommodate the participants of dog agility competitions.

These organizations stick to unyielding international rules of agility performance in dogs. You should be able to locate an organization that holds trials through local U.S. dog training clubs.

For the duration of a dog agility competition, the contestants are judged on physical performance during the obstacle course, as well as on their speed while completing the course. Every country has its own set of domestic rules that are used in determining the winner, such a scoring performance based rather than handler based and vice versa.

When at all possible, the handling organization of the trial competition will ensure that the agility obstacle course is not only safe but well designed as well. For instance, all surfaces are roughened up to insure that the dogs will not slide or slip during the agility competition. Also, the jump bars are detachable so that if a dog miscalculates the wrong distance it will not be in danger of injury.

The handlers and dogs will take part in several obstacle courses that present various levels of challenges based on the dog’s level of ability during an agility competition. The handler must maneuver the dog through the designated course with no reward or leash, when the trials begin to beat the complicated course in the smallest amount of time.

Typically, as the handler and its dog take part in more agility trials, they will move up to the higher levels of competition.

There are standard time calculations and, if a dog experiences difficulty during the competition, it is called a fault. All faults carry a calculated penalty, as well. Dogs of equal size are in competition with one another in divisions. Once the tally is totaled, the animal that participates in the agility training and acquires the shortest time and least number of faults wins, along with its handler who helped guide him through the course.

Winning a dog agility competition offers the dog and its handler a fun and exciting experience while raising the self-esteem of the dog.

You may consider dog agility training classes when you are a pet owner. It is a good idea to join a dog agility training class to familiarize yourself with the advanced concepts, so that you do not teach your dog the wrong methods or put your dog at risk of injury.

No matter if you are planning to go to the masters’ level at the United States Dog Agility Association or you just want to teach your dog agility as an additional activity, a dog agility training class allows the sport to be presented to the dog as fun activities, rather than some forced duty.

Dog agility training has been in practice a very long time in Europe, thanks to the idea branching from equestrian jumpers, and has been practiced in the United States for more than a decade. Spectators, as well as pet owners and their dogs, find dog agility competitions quite enjoyable.

You will gain a good deal of satisfaction in knowing your dog is excited about its agility training. A dog agility training class will offer you insight into the world of performance, obstacles and scoring. Dog agility training classes also build your dog’s self-esteem.

Some agility classes are more competitive than other classes, so it is best to scout for the best atmosphere for you and your dog. When you enroll your dog into agility training classes, the dog learns how to race against the clock, as well the competitive nature and companionship that play a part in the animal’s performance.

Many dogs are eager to attend a dog agility training class and thoroughly enjoy the activities. These agility classes very inviting and give the dog an opportunity to work in new environments that may include poles, ramps, jumps and even colorful tires to use for their training activities.

Most dog agility training classes will require you and your dog to have already attended an obedience class, since many dog agility classes hold the right to ban an aggressive animal that may cause any disruption of the class.

More often than not, a dog agility class may meet for about one hour weekly during a six-week course. Classes normally start with playtime and warm ups to accustom the dog with its surroundings. These dog agility training classes are very enjoyable for the dogs and give you the opportunity to meet fellow dog owners in your community.

Training commences when the handlers gain the dogs’ attention. The dog agility training class may possibly cover many things such as jumps. Smaller jumps are used for beginner class and the more advanced dogs using larger jumps once they build up their ability to do so.

Many dog owners find dog agility training classes to be enjoyable, but must keep in mind that the training usually involves the handler showing the animal what is to be done, before the dog understands what to do. Bringing treats in form of rewards until the dog gains the ability to follow its commands on queue is a good idea. Overall, if your dog has the ability to overcome the obstacles of dog agility training classes, you may find you and your dog on the way to the master level in dog agility competitions.

No matter the age of your dog, when beginning dog agility training the obstacles the dog has to overcome must be respected. Such as, very young dogs or very old dogs may have limits based on their age when faced with an obstacle course for dog agility training.

An older dog may be unable to perform due to stress on its aging body. A puppy has not  matured enough to comprehend the training principles, since it may face mental and physical obstacles in agility training.

When raising an older dog, you should remember that a dog that is in the age range of eight years is a senior citizen and may face obstacles during agility training. The breed of the dog also plays a factor in its aging process. A larger breed will age more rapidly than a smaller breed of dog.

When training a puppy for agility, it is best to start out small and as time progresses begin to increase the dog’s training. Since it may not be ready for the pipe tunnels, the use of boxes on the floor may be best to begin. Begin by allowing your puppy to cross boards and bars that are earth bound, rather than up off the ground.

When the puppy is hesitant during agility training, begin by creating a playtime that is full of fun experiences to acquaint the puppy with the newness of dog agility training. As the puppy grows, its attention span will grow, also, and it will become more physically able to go the next step in agility training.

A dog of any age will of course need to be evaluated for agility in specific obstacles that the dog may face during agility training. For example, if the dog is overweight, it can get in the way of its ability for physical performance, just as any other health condition can present a problem of poor performance abilities.

Many times all that is required is that the dog be conditioned to reach the standard required for agility training. Perhaps if the dog already has experience in agility training, all it needs is a refresher course to get back on track.

While in agility training, the dog is doing much more than just roaming around outside or lying around in the house. When participating in dog agility training, the dog is doing a quantity of hard work and may need to build up its endurance, as does a human when they are in sports training.

You must also keep an eye on the dog for any injuries and have the dog seen by a veterinarian if you notice anything irregular, since it is possible to push the dog farther than it own capabilities, and accidents do sometimes happen. Dog agility training is an extremely active sport that does place stress on the dog while he is training and you must be aware of this aspect for the dog. It is possible that your dog will not be able to handle diving into a tunnel, making a 180-degree turn or a triple jump. Always keep your dog’s health in mind when considering whether or not to get him involved in agility training.

As you might guess, not all breeds of dogs are suitable for training in dog agility. In fact, many owners have had high hopes and dreams of their dog performing heroic jumps and maneuvering through complicated puzzles only to find that their beloved dog is simply not interested. Therefore, it is paramount that owners properly assess their dogs for dog agility training while they’re still young. This will prevent them from becoming disappointed and frustrated. In this article, we will teach you the importance of assessing your puppy for dog agility training and how to go about it.

Just like people, all dogs are different and there are different temperaments within each and every litter. Some puppies are playful and rambunctious, whereas others are quiet and enjoy solitude. Therefore, when you’re choosing a puppy and want to train him, you should keep this in mind. Most successful trainers perform a multitude of tests to decide if their puppy may be able to succeed with agility training. Just remember to give each puppy a round of tests to evaluate them on a broad range of characteristics. This is because one may test favorably on one test and quite badly on three more, whereas another puppy may perform badly on one test but great on the other three. Therefore, you shouldn’t make assumptions based on one test only.

Next, you should hire a trained professional in the field of dog agility to test your puppy to see if he might benefit from puppy agility training. A neutral profession will be able to evaluate the entire litter of puppies equally. If you decide to test them yourself, you should give each puppy the same opportunity to perform. Make special notice of their exact testing readiness, alertness, and willingness to participate. Also, take into account whether they’re hungry or tired. A puppy that has just woken up from a nap or recently fed will test differently than one that is a hungry and sleepy puppy.

Then, you should evaluate your opinions and formulate a preliminary finding. Once you’ve done this, you should ask the breeder or person who has raised the puppies to provide their perception of which puppy would make a good candidate. After all, they know the puppy best and can provide valuable insight into their personality and suitability for dog agility training. In addition, evaluate the puppy’s lineage to determine if their parents or relatives successfully performed in any dog agility training competitions. In addition, you could evaluate the puppy’s parents and their ability to jump to help you determine if your puppy will be able to easily handle jumping when they’re older.

In conclusion, if you’re serious about dog agility training and are purchasing a puppy, you should evaluate them carefully before making a decision. Although taking along a personal agility trainer to assist you is the best option, by evaluating each puppy and comparing your findings with those of the breeder, you should be able to make a great choice.

If you’re considering training your dog for a dog agility competition, then good for you! Dog agility training is not only a great way to bond with your dog, but also a wonderful opportunity for your dog to become more physically fit, harness pent-up energy, strut his dog agility expertise and boost his confidence (not to mention get some well deserved praise and recognition). Sound interesting? You bet. In this brief article, we’ll discuss the fundamentals of dog agility competitions and what you need to know to help your dog excel.

When you first begin, you will most likely start by attending local events to learn the ropes. This will not only enable you to scope out the competition, but will allow you to meet other people who are interested in dog agility competitions, as well. Here are some fundamentals that you’ll likely pick up while attending local events:

Professional dog agility competition scoring is comprised of three basic traditions of the dog’s performance. This includes standard scoring, time plus faults scoring, and points-based scoring. By means of the method of standard scoring, the handler and the dog are judged and determined by the supervision of the judge of the dog agility competition, by comparison of the Standard Course Time also known as STC. Depending upon whether the agility competition is a starter, advanced or masters’ trials, the exact time will be set accordingly.

When based on the standard scoring of dog agility competition, any blemishes are determined a penalty. The winner is determined by the shortest time with the least number of penalties. If a tie has been determined, the competitor with the fastest time is the winner.

Speed comes into play while determining the scoring of time plus faults. The dog and its handler in the agility competition that is calculated by the actual time on the agility course plus any penalties will determine time plus faults scoring. Therefore, if the time score was 38.27 seconds on the course, although the dog came across nine penalties, it follows that the score would be 47.27 seconds. In cases such as these, the dog with the lowest total score determines the dog agility competition. A jump off is used determine the winner if there is a tie of score for any of the dogs. Points based scoring is of course the last scoring choice.

The points based scoring in dog agility competitions determines the winner according to other classes such as snooker and gamblers. Certain obstacles are assigned values by the judges with each performance having a time requirement.

Throughout the obstacle course, the competitor’s points are accumulative. When the dog completes something, for instance, no faults for performance, such as no faults, the dog is given extra performance points in the dog agility competition.

The team of dog and its owner with the highest points earned is the winner of a points based score. The dog with the fastest time when there are ties clarifies winning the competition. You will be able to become familiar with the rules of each organization as you partake in competitions from the starter status or beginner’s position on up to the master level champions. All in all, you and your dog trained in agility are sure to have an enjoyable time at dog agility competitions.

Now that you’re comfortable with the fundamentals, you can train your dog on your local group’s course or you may be able to enter your dog in the United States Dog Agility Association’s master tournaments. Either way, you and your dog will have a blast preparing for and winning dog agility training competitions.