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How To Start Training A Dog For Agility

Introduction and History Owning a dog is undeniably a good thing; but sometimes the routine of exercising can seem a bit of a chore. Agility training can provide just the tonic for active dog and owner, as it challenges not just the need for rigorous physical exercise, but also the need for mental stimulation as well. Agility is about a dog completing an obstacle course in the fastest time possible and is more of the more popular events at dog shows, but it can just be done as a fun bonding activity for you and your dog.

Type of suitable dog In the serious, competitive sport, the breeds of dog that excel at agility tend to be those that are generally classed as intelligent, such as Border Collies and Labradors. However, as long as your mutt is fit, healthy and has enough brain cells to cope the basic obedience commands, there is no reason why he or she can't succeed in agility, even if it's just for fun. It's even suitable for puppies a young as 8 months. Some of the obstacles can be strenuous on the joints, so training any earlier than 8 months is not recommended.

Equipment Of course the object is to encourage Fido to complete an obstacle course, so to train you need the obstacles, as well as the space to run around in. Requirements are: a tunnel, cones for weaving, jumps, an "A" frame, possibly a see saw and a pause table. It would be best to join a local class or club. However, if money is no object it is possible to buy portable equipment that can be taken to a local park. You might want to have Fido's collar and lead in the initial stages of training.

Procedure As with most things that are worth while, the training is a slow gradual process. It would be asking a lot of poor old Fido to be able to see an unfamiliar set of equipment, and then just go for it. Start slowly, perhaps with one obstacle, and some very low jumps. Allow Fido to walk around it and become familiar with it. This way it might be a little less intimidating. Be prepared to demonstrated the obstacle yourself, just until Fido gets the idea. Of course when Fido does it correctly give him lots of praise and treats to encourage him. Never punish him: this is supposed to a fun thing to do.

If you are really interested in training your dog, then you need to find some qualified help. There is some great information available on the Internet specifically written to allow you to train your dog to do pretty much anything. And this is not restricted to agility training either. If your dog jumps, nips or just cries, then there is something that you can do.

Article Source: http://www.articlemanual.com

Some of the main requirements for training a dog for agility, as well as a discovering the real secrets to training a dog. Learn how to deal with excessive barking, biting or jumping, without scolding or hitting your dog.

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