So, you’re thinking about getting started with dog agility training. Maybe you saw a competition on TV and thought it looked like a fun way to spend time with your dog. Agility training, by nature, definitely strengthens your bond with your dog. It is a team sport between the two of you and requires a lot of communication, strategy, and teamwork. However, before you begin teaching your dog the obstacle course part of agility training, there is some more basic training to consider.

Getting Started with Obedience Training

Prior to starting with agility training, basic obedience training is a must. Your dog should be able to follow basic commands like sit, stay, down, come and walk before moving on to something more sophisticated like dog agility. Also, equally important is your relationship with your dog. In agility, you are a team and it should be fun. Praise your pooch for getting it right and take care of their emotional needs. They will go further faster.

Agility is just for fun, so be sure to make it fun. Keep your expectations and session durations short to begin with. You don’t want training to outlast your dog’s attention span. When your dog is performing well and enjoying himself, he’ll be successful and the training will go better. As he improves raise your expectations in increments slowly. Be careful not to push too hard. Keep it fun and you’ll get better results.

Getting Started with a Strong Bond

This is a team sport between you and your dog. As the handler, your dog must focus on you and you alone. Start out practicing in a quiet place without any distractions. The goal here is to train your dog to make eye contact with you on cue without using a verbal command. This will be necessary as the dog runs the agility course and for him to know where to go. Especially as he gets farther away from you at times.

Getting Started with Dog Agility Training Obstacles

The obstacles on the agility course are pretty standard and include an A-frame, dog walk, see-saw and other featured elements like a tunnel, weave poles and pause box. However, they will not always be in the same order. Your dog will need to know which obstacle to go to next without following you. You may not be in the lead at all times on the course.

So, spending a little extra time with your dog overall is considered getting started with dog agility training. Take some extra time to strengthen those non-verbal communications between the two of you. Start working on getting them to touch their nose to your hand or to a target. Practice hand signals. Keep their attention on you with treats and other rewards.

Join PlexiDor Dog Doors again next week for more information on training for the different obstacles in the dog agility course. Our standard and electronic dog doors come in sizes small through extra-large to fit Chihuahuas up to Great Danes. Our doors can be installed in walls, doors, sliding glass, French doors, glass house doors and windows. Contact our Customer Service Department today with any questions or call 888-PETDOOR.