While you might think only certain breeds of dogs will enjoy racing around the agility course, dogs of any breed or mixed breed might enjoy these highly engaging activities. This is a fun sport for you and your dog to enjoy, but before you head online and start ordering jumps, weaves and tunnels, it is wise to assess your dog first.
Keep in mind that just because your dog enjoys agility training, it doesn't mean you have to compete. While competition can be a ton of fun, a dog will enjoy many important benefits from simply engaging in these agility activities. The exercise component is especially beneficial, as the dogs are not only running about but they are getting a whole-body workout. In addition, obedience is improved from simply learning to obey the commands and following instructions. Your dog also will enjoy the challenge of the course, which keeps him or her busy and engaged.
One first step before diving into the world of agility is to talk to your veterinarian about your pet's overall health. This can be a demanding sport, so a dog needs to be in very good health. An older dog or one prone to certain physical problems might not be the best dog for this sport. For instance, some dogs tend to have breathing problems or perhaps they easily can hurt their neck or hips. These dogs might benefit from another, less strenuous style of exercise.
In addition to being healthy, your dog needs to have the right temperament. Agility dogs are full of happy energy and they generally love being around other dogs. If this sounds like your dog, then agility training might be a great match. Just about any dog can compete; in fact, hundreds of different breeds do compete including mixed breed animals. Small dogs, medium-sized dogs and large animals all compete as well, so don't let size or breed determine whether or not to choose this sport for your pet. Your dog simply needs to be conducive to learning new skills, full of energy and able to handle situations where there are other dogs and people present. If your dog has lots of energy, but tends to be shy, agility training can be a fantastic way to build up their courage and self-confidence, it just takes a bit more patience.
If your dog is in good health and full of energy, consider taking an agility training class. These offer you a low-cost, easy way to really get an idea of whether or not your dog is an agility dog at heart. Usually a beginning class will last a month or six weeks, and you will be able to see if you dog enjoys the agility equipment as well as seems to be learning how to follow your commands. It's also a chance to see if your dog can handle being around a variety of other dogs.
If you and your dog are ready to get started, you will want to start purchasing a few pieces of agility equipment. At Carlson Agility, you will find every piece of equipment you could possibly need. They offer individual items as well as handy starter kits, and the equipment also is available in miniature sizes which are great for puppies, smaller breeds and beginning dogs. The mini pieces also fit more easily into your backyard, and you can even bring an obstacle or two inside for some rainy day training.
Keep in mind that just because your dog enjoys agility training, it doesn't mean you have to compete. While competition can be a ton of fun, a dog will enjoy many important benefits from simply engaging in these agility activities. The exercise component is especially beneficial, as the dogs are not only running about but they are getting a whole-body workout. In addition, obedience is improved from simply learning to obey the commands and following instructions. Your dog also will enjoy the challenge of the course, which keeps him or her busy and engaged.
One first step before diving into the world of agility is to talk to your veterinarian about your pet's overall health. This can be a demanding sport, so a dog needs to be in very good health. An older dog or one prone to certain physical problems might not be the best dog for this sport. For instance, some dogs tend to have breathing problems or perhaps they easily can hurt their neck or hips. These dogs might benefit from another, less strenuous style of exercise.
In addition to being healthy, your dog needs to have the right temperament. Agility dogs are full of happy energy and they generally love being around other dogs. If this sounds like your dog, then agility training might be a great match. Just about any dog can compete; in fact, hundreds of different breeds do compete including mixed breed animals. Small dogs, medium-sized dogs and large animals all compete as well, so don't let size or breed determine whether or not to choose this sport for your pet. Your dog simply needs to be conducive to learning new skills, full of energy and able to handle situations where there are other dogs and people present. If your dog has lots of energy, but tends to be shy, agility training can be a fantastic way to build up their courage and self-confidence, it just takes a bit more patience.
If your dog is in good health and full of energy, consider taking an agility training class. These offer you a low-cost, easy way to really get an idea of whether or not your dog is an agility dog at heart. Usually a beginning class will last a month or six weeks, and you will be able to see if you dog enjoys the agility equipment as well as seems to be learning how to follow your commands. It's also a chance to see if your dog can handle being around a variety of other dogs.
If you and your dog are ready to get started, you will want to start purchasing a few pieces of agility equipment. At Carlson Agility, you will find every piece of equipment you could possibly need. They offer individual items as well as handy starter kits, and the equipment also is available in miniature sizes which are great for puppies, smaller breeds and beginning dogs. The mini pieces also fit more easily into your backyard, and you can even bring an obstacle or two inside for some rainy day training.
About the Author:
Cheng Bernhardt enjoys dog agility training. To discover an agility equipment, or to find helpful agility dog training equipment like dog agility kit, please check out the Carlson-Agility.com website now.
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