Dog Training in Agility

by Francisco Cabrera-Rosello

As well as for humans, agility Training for dogs makes pets more confident, increases their speed and their physical flexibility while helps excercise their feet. Agility dog Training is a new and a fast growing sport for dogs. This relatively new dog sport is fun for the dogs and for the owners as well.

A small piece of history about Dog Training

Agility Training for dogs started in the late 1970s in England, and its invention was based on horse show jumping. Agility Training for dogs and horse jumping help to make a strong relationship between the owner and the animal. Curiously enough, this kind of events are useful also to develop strategy and teamwork. You win an agility event with your dog if you and your dog complete the course in the fastest time with the fewest number of faults. As you can see, it is very similar again to horse jumping when the horse knocks down one of the poles of the fence.

Positive Benefits for Dogs

Another benefit of agility training for dogs is the mental effect it has on shy dogs and owners. Both often show a renewed confidence after successfully negotiating an agility obstacle course. Many dogs improve their coordination dramatically by completing the basic training exercises used to teach jumping and ramp work.

In the case of hyperactive dogs, agility training helps them to release some of that extra energy in a good and positive manner.Is your dog hyperactive? Here you have a good way of help her. Also, it is known that mental workout has a greater benefit in the dog than the physical one. This kind of sport builds a sense of trust and teamwork between the owner and the animal, and the level of communication between the two of them is very similar to how humans communicate.

A great team in agility training is made when your dog and yourself are in perfect sync, because there is no leash or collar involved when talking about an agility course or contest. To be successful, the dog has to learn a whole new vocabulary, since the order of obstacles vary in each course and the pathway twists and turns.

Young dogs

You can start your puppie training with regular walks in the agility courses as early as when they are 4 months. If they are older, it is recommended conditioning walks of two miles or longer. It is a good advice not to rush your dog to go through the obstacles, as they can injure themselves in the event they fall from an a-frame or a dog walk. Usually, ramps have cross-laths to help with traction when the dog sprints up the ramp.

In the event your dog who is afraid of heights (maybe yours is or maybe you are), the owner will coax through the uncertainty and by doing so will help his dog and himself.

Good Luck in agility training your dog!

About the Author:

Before starting any dog training program, make sure you check Francisco Cabrera’s articles regarding Dog training for all dogs breed and find expert dog references and resources.