Agility dog training
If you’ve ever watched a competition, you’ve likely noticed how dogs whiz by obstacles while navigating a course. Agility dog training is a great way to give your dog the exercise it needs while simultaneously improving its coordination and strength. Agility courses are fun for the dog and their handlers, who get to participate in a heart-healthy cardiovascular workout. Here are some tips for training your dog to compete in Agility.
First, start small. You might start with tunnel holders and tunnels, and eventually graduate to other obstacles. Other popular obstacles for at-home training are weave poles and tunnel holders. Depending on your budget, you can purchase these or build your own. Whatever you choose to do, make sure to follow the Agility Regulations. This will help you make sure your dog is safe and comfortable. Then, begin training! When it comes to the actual competition, the dog training can be very rewarding and can bond with its owner.
Once your dog is physically and mentally prepared to compete, you can enroll him or her in an agility class. If you choose to enroll your dog in a training class, make sure they have taken Control for Agility 1 and 2 or the permission of the instructor. Agility classes focus on sequencing skills, including the best path to take, handling challenges, and mastering specific skills. Each course is broken down into a series of sequences, and teams work on negotiating obstacles in the best way. Classes never end for agility teams.
One of the hardest obstacles to train in agility is weaving poles. Fortunately, there are easy-to-use training devices at home that can help you practice this skill. Using a broomstick is a great way to practice jumping over low objects and balancing on them. Make sure the surface is firm and the dog is not running through it accidentally. After the dog has mastered this exercise, you can move on to off-leash training.
Many dogs are not comfortable running through the tunnels in agility classes, but some aren’t. Agility tunnels can be intimidating for many dogs, so you should start by building a mock agility tunnel for your dog to practice. To practice, you can drape a blanket over a chair or use an open cardboard box. Keep the tunnels short at first and don’t force them to go through them. Just remember to practice patience and your dog will learn in time.
The obstacle course in dog agility is a series of obstacles designed to test the ability of the dog to follow commands. Typical courses consist of fourteen to twenty obstacles, and your dog must follow your instructions to successfully complete each obstacle. This sport is a fun way to get your dog active while improving your relationship with your dog. If you’ve never participated in agility before, you’ll be amazed at how quickly it can improve your relationship.
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