You probably have seen dogs on television competing in dog agility contests, jumping over bars, crawling through tunnels and jumping through tires. While it's a lot of fun to watch, you might not know that you can do these activities with your own dog. Not only will your dog have a blast, it provides a great opportunity for you to bond with your furry friend. Here are just a few reasons why agility training can benefit your dog.
Dogs not only need exercise every day, they crave it. An agility course provides dogs with a chance to get out and get moving. Walking is always a fun way for dogs to exercise, but imagine how excited they will be as they navigate an obstacle course. Most humans would rather complete a fun exercise activity rather than just spend their exercise time walking on a treadmill, and dogs also enjoy engaging in activities that are varied. Even if you don't have a very high-energy breed, such as a shepherd or collie, agility training can be adapted to just about any breed.
While some dogs are content to sit on a cushion during the better part of the day, some dogs become destructive and will whine or bark if their exercise needs are not met. In the wild, dogs hunted and chased their prey, jumping over logs or streams and running around trees and rocks and other natural obstacles. The activities in an agility course are designed to be just like this natural and instinctive behavior, so allowing your dog to enjoy agility training is a great way to cater to this ingrained need.
Another key benefit will be the increase in trust and obedience that comes from taking part in agility activities. Your dog will be learning how to navigate obstacles and also learning specific commands from you, and this level of obedience during agility play time will improve obedience in all other areas. Of course, there's tons of fun and praise involved in agility course training, so your dog also will bask in the warmth of your encouragement and approval. This also strengthens the bond between the two of you, and your dog will work diligently to improve skills and please you.
Of course, the owner gets plenty of exercise as well, which definitely is a solid benefit. Almost all of us need more activity in our life and this can be a fun way to get outside and get moving. Combine agility course workouts with a couple of good long walks during the day, and you and your dog both will be in good shape in no time at all.
Obviously, unless you are going to a training facility with an agility course, you will need to buy some equipment. You can get a great starter kit at Carson-Agility.com. This kit includes 12 weaves for your dog to navigate as well as four snap-on jumps. There is another kit that includes the jumps, weaves and an adjustable teeter. You also could swap this for a package that includes a tire jump, a teeter and 12 weaves. You can continue to add obstacles, such as tunnels and pause tables as your dog builds skills.
Dogs not only need exercise every day, they crave it. An agility course provides dogs with a chance to get out and get moving. Walking is always a fun way for dogs to exercise, but imagine how excited they will be as they navigate an obstacle course. Most humans would rather complete a fun exercise activity rather than just spend their exercise time walking on a treadmill, and dogs also enjoy engaging in activities that are varied. Even if you don't have a very high-energy breed, such as a shepherd or collie, agility training can be adapted to just about any breed.
While some dogs are content to sit on a cushion during the better part of the day, some dogs become destructive and will whine or bark if their exercise needs are not met. In the wild, dogs hunted and chased their prey, jumping over logs or streams and running around trees and rocks and other natural obstacles. The activities in an agility course are designed to be just like this natural and instinctive behavior, so allowing your dog to enjoy agility training is a great way to cater to this ingrained need.
Another key benefit will be the increase in trust and obedience that comes from taking part in agility activities. Your dog will be learning how to navigate obstacles and also learning specific commands from you, and this level of obedience during agility play time will improve obedience in all other areas. Of course, there's tons of fun and praise involved in agility course training, so your dog also will bask in the warmth of your encouragement and approval. This also strengthens the bond between the two of you, and your dog will work diligently to improve skills and please you.
Of course, the owner gets plenty of exercise as well, which definitely is a solid benefit. Almost all of us need more activity in our life and this can be a fun way to get outside and get moving. Combine agility course workouts with a couple of good long walks during the day, and you and your dog both will be in good shape in no time at all.
Obviously, unless you are going to a training facility with an agility course, you will need to buy some equipment. You can get a great starter kit at Carson-Agility.com. This kit includes 12 weaves for your dog to navigate as well as four snap-on jumps. There is another kit that includes the jumps, weaves and an adjustable teeter. You also could swap this for a package that includes a tire jump, a teeter and 12 weaves. You can continue to add obstacles, such as tunnels and pause tables as your dog builds skills.
About the Author:
Cheng Bernhardt enjoys dog agility training. To find an agility dog course, or to find more agility dog training equipment like obedience jumps, please visit the Carlson-Agility.com website today.
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