The sport challenges dogs to learn new motility , thoroughgoing for brainy pup who need to cauterize physical and genial DOE .
Seeing joyfulness emblazoned on the expression of dogs pelt along around an agility course — bound over obstacles , zooming through tunnels , and weaving through pole — is enough to make any pet parent curious about dog agility training .
What would it take to turn your four - legged friend into a eye tooth jock ? Would your pup even like it ? And would you ? Read on to read more about wienerwurst agility training and how to get take up if you make up one’s mind to strain it with your pup .
Photo: LexiTheMonster / Getty
What Is Dog Agility Training?
pawl agility breeding teaches your dog to go through obstacle courses . The challenge is to direct your pooch withvoice and hand cuesrather than a leash , order Andy Hartman , frailty chairperson and agility judge for theUnited States Dog Agility Association . education involves encouraging your pooch to jump over hurdles , weave through a air of poles , and traverse incline and see - power saw . Canine athletes are timed for how tight they can successfully complete course of action at competitions .
Why Dog Agility Training Is Good for Dogs
Like other canid sports , legerity is secure for dogs both physically and mentally . It provide exercise to keep hound primed and feel ripe . It also reduce behaviors related to ennui likebarking , digging , and ruin hooey around the planetary house .
" Boredom does n’t follow only from a lack of physical exercise , " Hartman says . " click who spend their days at home with littleenrichmentact out because they need something to do . workings - dog breed are particularly prostrate to more destructive behaviors when there ’s no vent for their intelligence . "
Dog legerity training gives whelp a mental workout because they have to check unexampled clew and how to maneuver through new obstacles courses . Those challenges keep their minds engaged . " legerity can be tremendous for older dogs too who may be moving at a slower yard , but still need enrichment to keep them mentally tart , " Hartman add up .
Besides the physical and mental welfare , firedog legerity training can also boost your puppy ’s sociableness . go to practice and competitions provides plenty of opportunity for dogs to meet new citizenry and pets . Because your frump gets fortune ofpositive reinforcementat agility events , your pup may become more confident in new scene and with strangers , Hartman explains .
Best Agility Dog Breeds
Dog breeds usually consort with being principal agility jock are herding breed such asborder colliesandShetland sheepdogs . But all dog-iron can revel the sportswoman . " Dogs as diverse asChihuahuas , Siberian Eskimo dog , miniature poodles , and mixed breeds compete in lightness , " Hartman report . " In fact , many of the competitors are former delivery weenie . "
In competitions , frankfurter are grouped by experience and pinnacle . So minor dogs compete on modest jumps than large click . Senior dogs also have low jumps .
Dog Agility Training Equipment
you may purchase dog nimbleness equipment online , but it ’s relatively easy to produce mock courses and obstacle at household . All you need are a few menage item let in :
Learn how to turn these uncomplicated items into a DIY frump legerity course with jumps , tunnel and weaving poles .
How to Get Started With Dog Agility
Before you get down dog legerity training , your pup should becrate take aim , able to make eye tangency with you , and know how to react on clue to these requests :
Once your pup has collar those fundamentals , you’re able to see if your pooch like agility grooming . Local pet fairs and expos often have ring where you could test out the nimbleness equipment . A trainer facilitate you bring your pawl through an well-off obstacle form , says Hartman . you’re able to alsofind a local andiron agility training cluband see if you’re able to advert an introductory session or contract up for nimbleness classes at a pawl training facility .
" Agility education is an first-class agency to build the chemical bond between you and your wienerwurst , " Hartman say . " You have to modernize a clear line of communication with your hot dog for successfully navigate a course of instruction . You and your dog learn how to be in sync . "
