Basic Tips for Dog Agility Training

Dog agility training can provide dogs with a proper outlet to get their muscles working and use their canine instincts. Dog agility training courses include features like various jumps, tunnels, weave poles, and a dog walk. Even if you are not keen that your dog should compete in dog shows, it is still worthwhile to train the dog at least informally like jumping on and off small mounds, crawl under fallen logs, and run in and out of a row of trees. You and the dog both will enjoy it.

Various Agility Organizations

The United States Dog Agility Association (USDAA), the North American Dog Agility Counsel (NADAC), and the American Kennel Club (AKC) are the three most popular agility organizations.

Basic Tips for Dog Agility Training

• Dog agility training should start right from puppy stage. It is easier to start when learned behavior is not strong enough in them.
• Start with physical exercise. Start with simple exercises like jumping and hopping around and the puppies will actually enjoy it and it is an ideal way to use the excess energy.
• Make games out of the exercises. Passing through tunnels and jumping from one stone to another can be made to look like games and the puppies get better with repeatedly playing these games.
• Once they hop from small mound to another, you can set up an obstacle course first with very low level hurdles and making the puppies jump over them. You can gradually increase the height as they get more dexterous.
• Keep the training sessions short.  Like children, attention span of puppies is short; so keep the sessions short.
• Keep the duration of each game short.
• Each exercise can be divided into two to four parts the dog allowed to choose its pace for learning it.
• Reward the dog by praising it as soon as it finishes one part. Heap praises whenever it shows willingness and understanding.
• Know your dog well; recognize when it gets tired and do not push it. Patience and love and rewarding with small treats and kind words will work wonders.
• Do not end the session in a negative mood; be it an old trick, let the dog finish a session fully and praise and reward him for it.
• You must develop an interest in training the dog and playing with him and the dog will reciprocate it amply. It should be fun time for both of you.
• Do not expect too much and show disappointment and anger. The dog will instinctively try to avoid the training. Your positive body language and kind disposition will do wonders.

Dogs are by nature agile creature and dog agility training can help harness their playful and active nature. It is a great way to work off their excess energy especially in the hunting breeds. Agility differs from breed to breed. But all dogs love to play around, show off and glow under appreciation.