Agility Training
Agility dog training is about building a language between dog and owner they both understand. It teaches you how to use body language to communicate to your dog in both clear and effective ways.
The great benefit of dog agility is that it can provide exercise that can actually improve a dog’s behavior. For example have you ever taken your dog for a long run, only to bring them home and find that they are more hyper and crazy than usual? That’s probably because energetic exercise is good for their body, but it does absolutely nothing to exercise the brain.
If you’re looking for a way to:
A bored dog is the leading cause of behavioral problems, that is because dogs were bred initially to work. All this sitting at home for hours with only a daily walk or run does not a make for a contented dog. They need a challenge, or you’ll find they will find their own way of telling you such as digging up the garden or barking incessantly at all who dare to pass in front of the window. Dog agility can provide the perfect combination of physical exercise and mental stimulation to keep your dog entertained and out of trouble.
Agility gives you something fun to do with your dog. This is important if you have a difficult time getting your dog pay attention and do what you say. It teaches your dog that you are a lot of fun and really you are worth listening to. Compare this to another common activity for dogs such as a secure dog field. At the dog secure field, you let them off lead and they go to do their own thing. Coming back to you is no fun because it means they have to go home. You’re not their best friend. You’re just the chauffeur!
The skills that you’ll learn in agility class will make you a better owner & trainer.
Now what exactly is dog agility?
It’s a obstacle course for a team that consists of a handler and a dog that’s timed against the clock. The handler directs the dog through a predetermined pattern of obstacles.
A course has usually 12-18 obstacles, such as tunnels, jumps, tire jumps, weave poles, and the big “ramp” obstacles altogether known as the contacts.
In a trial (competition or show), the dog runs the course in order off-leash and the handler isn’t allowed to touch the dog. The human half of the team relies on body language and, to a smaller extent, vocal commands, to tell the canine half where to go.
Agility first started in England in 1978, as a half time show at Crufts. The course was based on the horse jumping competitions, intending to show off the dogs’ natural speed and agility. Dog owners and trainers were looking for something new to do with their dogs.
If you want to take classes, watch an agility trial, or just find local people who can introduce you to the sport, finding a training club is your best bet.
https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/search/find-a-club/
The great benefit of dog agility is that it can provide exercise that can actually improve a dog’s behavior. For example have you ever taken your dog for a long run, only to bring them home and find that they are more hyper and crazy than usual? That’s probably because energetic exercise is good for their body, but it does absolutely nothing to exercise the brain.
If you’re looking for a way to:
- Solve behavioural problems
- Exercise your dog in a way that will tire both body and mind
- Improve their off-leash reliability
- Become better at training and communicating clearly with your dog
- Build a bond between you and your dog
- Gain a cool skill & have a lot of fun whilst doing so
A bored dog is the leading cause of behavioral problems, that is because dogs were bred initially to work. All this sitting at home for hours with only a daily walk or run does not a make for a contented dog. They need a challenge, or you’ll find they will find their own way of telling you such as digging up the garden or barking incessantly at all who dare to pass in front of the window. Dog agility can provide the perfect combination of physical exercise and mental stimulation to keep your dog entertained and out of trouble.
Agility gives you something fun to do with your dog. This is important if you have a difficult time getting your dog pay attention and do what you say. It teaches your dog that you are a lot of fun and really you are worth listening to. Compare this to another common activity for dogs such as a secure dog field. At the dog secure field, you let them off lead and they go to do their own thing. Coming back to you is no fun because it means they have to go home. You’re not their best friend. You’re just the chauffeur!
The skills that you’ll learn in agility class will make you a better owner & trainer.
Now what exactly is dog agility?
It’s a obstacle course for a team that consists of a handler and a dog that’s timed against the clock. The handler directs the dog through a predetermined pattern of obstacles.
A course has usually 12-18 obstacles, such as tunnels, jumps, tire jumps, weave poles, and the big “ramp” obstacles altogether known as the contacts.
In a trial (competition or show), the dog runs the course in order off-leash and the handler isn’t allowed to touch the dog. The human half of the team relies on body language and, to a smaller extent, vocal commands, to tell the canine half where to go.
Agility first started in England in 1978, as a half time show at Crufts. The course was based on the horse jumping competitions, intending to show off the dogs’ natural speed and agility. Dog owners and trainers were looking for something new to do with their dogs.
If you want to take classes, watch an agility trial, or just find local people who can introduce you to the sport, finding a training club is your best bet.
https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/search/find-a-club/
