Thursday, June 26, 2014

Dog Agility Tips For Beginners

By Cheng Bernhardt


For those about to begin teaching their dog the tricks of agility, you are probably gathering as much information as possible. Dog agility is a fantastic exercise and sport option for most dogs, and it even improves their overall level of obedience. Here are just a few helpful tips for those new to the sport.

Each agility organization is a bit different regarding the type and size of obstacles used in various dog agility competitions, but you don't really need to worry about these requirements in the early stages of training. Mini agility equipment can be a great option for beginners and while it is especially suitable for puppies, young dogs and small breeds, the mini equipment is much less intimidating and can be great way to build confidence in your dog. They will be mastering the same skills, but it's just a bit easier when using smaller obstacles.

While your dog might be playful, active and healthy, it doesn't mean that some agility equipment might seem a bit intimidating for your pooch. The teeter-totter's motion can be a bit scary at first, and some dogs balk at the height of a full-size A-frame, so using smaller equipment really can be a big help in the beginning. You also might consider using a wobble board (also called a Buja board) to introduce your pet to the idea of standing on something that moves. This board is very low to the ground, however, which can lower the anxiety level of a newbie agility dog.

Some pieces of equipment are easier to learn than others, and weaves can be among the most difficult to master. While dogs have great fun zipping around the poles, they often skip a pole or navigate the poles incorrectly. Snap-on training guides can be a big help. These just snap to the weave poles and help guide your dog through the weaves correctly. After practicing with the guides, take them off and then practice without the guides. It can make this difficult apparatus a bit easier to learn.

Jumping and leaping over obstacles is a big part of agility, however, there are a few items that your dog needs to not jump off, such as the A-frame and the dog walk. Still, dogs get excited and leap off sometimes rather than going all the way to the bottom portion of the ramp. To prevent these jump offs, consider attaching a training hoop at the bottom of the ramp. This prevents them from leaping off and keeps them focused on completing the course correctly.

You can order all the equipment you need online and have it shipped right to your house. Carlson Agility, for instance, offers a full line of full-size and mini agility equipment, and they have all the jumps, contact obstacles, weaves and training tools you might need. They even have specialty equipment such as car door jumps, chain link hurdles, swing planks, sway bridges and much more. Many products even include free shipping.




About the Author:



0 comments:

Post a Comment