Dog Agility Training–Fun for Both You and Your Dog
Dog agility training is a bit different than regular trick training. With agility training, you’re basically teaching your dog how to be an acrobat of sorts. He will be learning how to jump over hurdles, run through tunnels, running around obstacle course poles, and balancing on see-saws. There are even events for displays of dog agility, much like horse shows, only with dogs. If your dog is very active and loves to play, he just may love this type of activity.
Dog agility training has to wait until your dog is at least 9 months old, so he will be physically developed enough to not get injured during the training process. You can get him into an agility training class to help him develop his skills at this point, and he will be placed in the starter class, for dogs that do not yet hold any agility awards. It is here that he will learn the basics of agility and eventually qualify to go into the advanced group.
Once he is in the advanced group, he can begin competing in dog agility contests, but will not be able to compete in master level competitions until he has won enough matches in the advanced level to earn a master title. There is actually a six part qualification process to earn a master title for your dog, so he needs to be good.
Dogs in dog agility training are placed in divisions based on their size, so they will be competing with dogs that are of similar size and build to them. This makes the competition more fair, since tiny dogs can’t really compete with large dogs when it comes to things like jumping. Even if your dog never earns a master title, you and he can still have plenty of fun together enjoying this incredible sport. It’s a great way for the two of you to bond, and get some exercise together while you’re at it. If you’re ready for outdoor fun with a competitive edge with your dog, then this sort of activity might be perfect for the two of you.
