Having Fun with Your Dog

Are you bored with the usual walk around the park?

Looking for something more challenging for both yourself and your dog?

Why not give agility classes a try.

Patterned after show jumping, agility courses are made up of a series of obstacles including tunnels, weave poles, A-frame, seesaw and several types of jumps that the dog and handler negotiate together. This can be done just for fun or on a competitive level.

To get the most out of agility classes your dog needs be reliable in the following.

1. Come when called – most courses run off-lead and the dogs get very excited, being able to get your dog to come when called is a must.

2. Sit, Down and Stay – these commands are used to “anchor” your dog  as well as establish you as your dogs leader. You need both this control and relationship for agility.

3. Sociability – your dog must be friendly around other people and dogs.  

Many other basic training skills will help you, but these will get you started.

Please remember that the joints of young dogs are not mature enough for the stress of jumping so puppy hood and adolescence are perfect times to spend working on the basic skills that will help ready your dog for the atmosphere of dog events.

Running and jumping are fun for dogs and people who can do it comfortably. The breed or combination of breeds in your dog’s genetics will influence the level of enjoyment of agility.

Jumping calls for having the dog in well-muscled, slim condition.

Handlers run the course too so agility motivates humans to get into shape too!

The skills dogs develop by competing is remarkable. They learn to combine accuracy with speed, and being creative with courses helps develop innovative new ways to teach the dogs how to take

direction. 

Agility is a fun form of exercise for you and your dog. It gives you a reason to get out and train with your dog, on your own as well as in the company of other of other dog lovers. Best of all in the

process, you and your dog become a great team.

If you are at all concerned about your dog’s age, health or condition for the activities you want to pursue please check with one of our veterinarians.  

If you would like a list of local agility groups and dog clubs please ask one of our receptionists.