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UpdatedOctober 20, 2015.
Agility is a competitive sport for dogs. It is an obstacle course made up of jumps, tunnels, and walkways. Dogs and handlers work as teams, with the handler helping the dog to navigate the obstacles in the correct order. Some people do agility training just for fun, while others enjoy competing in agility trials. During the trials, dog and handler teams compete to see who can complete the obstacle course the fastest with the fewest mistakes.
Best Dogs for the Job
According to the United States Dog Agility Association (USDAA), there are over 150 breeds of dogs, including mixed-breed dogs, involved in agility. While some breeds, like the Australian Shepherd are known for excelling at the sport, you should not let the fact that you have a Golden Retriever or a mixed-breed dog stop you from trying it.
If your dog is playful and energetic, he will probably enjoy agility.
Dogs usually start competing in agility between the ages of 1 and 2. Puppies and young dogs may injure themselves by jumping hurdles. Talk to your veterinarian to figure out when your dog will be ready to attempt the jumps.
Early Training
Even though dogs cannot begin to compete until they are at least a year old, you can start training them earlier. Begin by working on basic obedience. Teach your puppy to sit, down, come, heel, and stay. Your puppy will also benefit from attending training classes. There he will learn basic obedience, and get used to working around lots of other dogs and people.
Once your dog is ready to start agility training, your best bet is to find a class or group in your area.
The USDAA website has links to agility groups in each state, and many dog trainers offer classes, as well. In the classes, you will be able to introduce your dog to the obstacles without the expense of buying or building them yourself.
Contact Obstacles
There are several contact obstacles, including the A-frame, the teeter-totter, and the dog walk.
The A-frame is a teepee shaped walkway. Dogs must be able to walk up the steep incline and back down the other side. The dog walk works like a balance beam for dogs with ramps on either end. And the teeter-totter is just like one you would find at the playground. Your dog must learn to walk across it as it moves under his weight.
These obstacles are called contact obstacles because there are specific spots on one or both sides which your dog must touch with at least one paw. You can teach your dog to make this contact by leaving treats on the contact zone. Your dog will get the treats only by putting his paw in the contact zone. Be sure to practice this as you teach each obstacle.
When you begin, make sure the obstacles are moved to the lowest position possible. Put your dog on a leash, and give him a command specific to the obstacle, such as "A-frame." Move quickly as you approach the obstacle, and lead him over it. You may need to use some extra special treats the first few times to coax your dog onto these obstacles.
If your dog absolutely refuses to get on, try training these obstacles in reverse. Pick up your dog and place him at the end of the obstacle. Usually, dogs will take the step or two it takes to get off. Once comfortable with this, you can move your dog a little further up so he has to take a few more steps to get off. Keep things positive and upbeat. Once your dog gets the hang of the contact obstacles, he will be eager to do them again and again.
Jumps
Once your vet says it is okay, you can get started on jumps. Do not start off too high. For large and medium breed dogs, keep the bar an inch or two off the ground. For smaller breeds, you can even start with the bar on the ground.
Teach the jump by keeping your dog on leash so he cannot go around a hurdle. Give a command specific to each jump, such as "big jump." Approach the jump briskly, and in most cases, your dog will hop over the hurdle. Give him lots of treats and praise. As your dog gains confidence, you can gradually raise the height of the jumps.
If your dog is refusing to go over a hurdle, practice in a narrow hallway. Set up a small jump, and put your dog on one side with you on the other. Your dog should have nowhere to go but forward over the jump. Encourage him with treats and a happy tone of voice. With a little patience and positive reinforcement, your dog will soon be a confident jumper.
Continued on page 2: Teaching Agility Specifics
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Dog agility training tips for each obstacle. 4) Tire Jump: Training the tire jump is similar to training the regular bar jump.
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