Is Agility Training for Dogs Necessary?
Is Agility Training for Dogs Necessary?
Even if you’re not inclined to have your dog join any performance or showmanship-based competition, agility training for dogs is still necessary. A day in a dog’s life is generally consumed by physical activities such as jumping, running, and playing. Without sufficient training, they might not derive as much pleasure from these activities.
The Basics of Agility Training for Dogs
Agility training will include activities such as jumping over hurdles, walking on planks, and going through hoops and, of course, running. Any dog at any age can participate in agility training but it’s better to start as early as possible. As long as your dog has no physical disability, it can benefit from this type of training.
You’ll need to purchase equipment including, but not limited to, training collars and leashes. Collars may be made of webbed buckle or leather while the leash or rope is made of nylon or leather as well.
Just make sure you avoid using chain as a lead.
Control Versus Obstacles Training
These are the two sides to agility training for dogs. With obstacle training, it’s proper to start with the A-frame. It may look very challenging, but it’s actually a great obstacle for beginners. Following that, you could guide your dog to learning low jumps, plank walking, and the all-time favorite tunnel obstacle.
Control training isn’t as fun to watch. It’s even more difficult to accomplish but it’s also more affordable if you’re going to do it yourself. Control training starts with commanding him to sit and heel. He must also learn to obey other commands, most of which have to do with movement, such as wait, lay down, or go left or right.
When he masters all those commands, he must learn “normal recall”, which has your dog returning to your side with a single command or gesture. Your dog must also be able to remember performing the various obstacles you’ve helped him practice.
Last, but not the least, there’s the “send away” command to master, which has your dog walking ahead of you. All these make up the true test for agility training for dogs.
Be Patient
Agility training for dogs asks a lot from your pet so be sure to reward them for their good deeds. Make sure they are also comfortable with your choice of lead and collar. Speak with him in gentle tones prior to your first day of training so that your dog knows you’re there for support and encouragement.
