Most of you have seen on television that agility is where dogs jump over hurdles, sprint through tunnels and weave around poles. Without these equipments such as tyre hoop, tunnels, and seesaw, an agility course is never complete. They are made to the finest safety standard based on Kennel Club Specifications. So any dog of any breed and size can securely enjoy running around the course provided he is not overweight and is physically fit. There is no age limit for dogs! All are encouraged to experience the fun of physical exercises in the course without neglecting the basic ones like sit, heelwork, and send away.
To avoid any accidents, you must also be in proper attire. A pair of good shoes that have a nice grip matched with comfortable outfit will do. Then for the pet, he needs an appropriate collar which is suitable for heelwork practices. What is best is leather or webbed buckle collar with fairly long leads made of nylon, rope or leather. Not chain because it can get caught up in the jumps.
For a beginner, the Scale or ‘A’ Frame is preferable. Many handlers might disagree because it’s 2 meters in height, wider, and looks more formidable than a dog plank. Sometimes, you may want your dog to take a certain obstacle but instead he runs away. This disobedience is perhaps a major trouble at the start. But again, patience is needed.
You should also incorporate control training because as young dogs grow, we start to teach different commands. The ‘down’ and ‘wait’ are one of the most essential. Then follows the ‘recall’ after ‘wait’ and later introduce recall over obstacles. Another is the ‘send away’ which is taught easily. Simply hold your dog while someone puts food on the other side of the room. Then send him to his food, with increasing distances later on. If your dog behaves well and comply willingly, a warm praise and treats are what he deserves.
Just be positive on him always. Never scold him because remember that a dog that is happy with his master is much more likely to try hard to please him. So what can you ask for? You and your dog can have the best of fun with agility as long as both are cooperating and ready to progress.
To learn more about
dog agility equipment,
dog containment and other training tips and tricks, please visit
Dog Containment Systems.
