All About Agility…?
Posted: March 26th, 2011 | Author: admin | Filed under: Common Questions | Tags: About, Agility | 5 Comments »So showing may not be the best for Loki…but agility looks fun!
I have found a place that will teach agility to beginners and the good thing is, it’s the same organisation where Loki learnt his obedience.
The course includes…
* Jumps
* Long Jump
* Tunnels
* Weave Poles
* Table/platform
* Tyre Jump
* Mini dog walk
* Ladder
My first question is about the agility. I am 13 years old and want to become a junior handle as I think it’s called. My mum is going to enrol in the training course next year.
Is this all that is needed to be learnt complete an agility course? What about when running through the course. Are you and the dog going at the same speed?
And for the people who have done agility before and have the experience, what is it like? Easy, hard? Fun? Just any experience you have had. Thanks..
I’m a Junior handler. IT is so fun and you meet people and its just a great way to be with people and animals. I have a mini Australian shepherd and i thought shows were not right but i am taking these classes with other teens and you have no idea how fast a dog can learn stuff. So i say go for it you will not regret it and have fun.
I ACTIVELY DO AGILITY..
YOU need to enroll in agility.. you will start at the beginning stage, your instructor will help you to train your dog. as for running the course, it depends how well you’ve trained your dog and his style of taking commands,, my dogs like to work out ahead of me because their is no way i can go as fast as the aussies.
don’t wait to enroll,, do it now,,
You will get addicted to it!
The dog has four legs you only have two so you will learn how to get your dog to work away from you,the best place to stand at certain parts of the course,ect,ect.
Theres so much for you to learn.
It can be hard but its so much fun.
I have just started competing in agility. It is very fun. you will have a blast. We just moved from novice to open so I have a lot to learn. But I know people that have been in excellent a long time and they are still learning too. Every dog is different, so you will never know everything.
Agility has the best people in it. Even your competition cheers you when you do a good run.
Just remember, Have fun and make sure your dog is having fun.
I am a junior handler and never took classes. I taught my dog everything about agility and learned from attending trials and reading books. I think the instructor of the class will be able to answer all of your questions.
In addition to those obstacles, the A-frame and see-saw are also commonly used obstacles. The A-frame is a ramp up and down, like a triangle. The see-saw is tricky, because it hinges like a see-saw while the dog is on the obstacle. Many dogs have a problem with this.
Aside from the obstacles you will also need to know some “moves” such as the back crossover and the front crossover. Those are when you cross the dog’s path in order to direct the obstacles easier during a course.
For some of the obstacles you and your dog can be running at the same speed, but once you progress, your dog won’t need you to guide him as much, and you won’t run as much. If you want to get in shape, I would suggest running about a mile.
The whole point of agility is to have fun! Remember to use positive training techniques (only reward your dog and don’t get mad or frustrated at him/her. Don’t say “bad dog” or anything negative). Have fun, have a light, open attitude, and reward your dog often. It is said that in agility it is always the handler’s fault. Never the dog’s fault. The handler may be looking ahead, going too fast, or rewarding the dog too early.
Some obstacles can be frustrating in the beginning. You just have to work through them. Don’t get frustrated. Your dog has never done anything like this before, so he can’t help it if he does it wrong. Maybe try going back another day, and working on something he knows.
In terms of preparing your dog for agility, try having him jump over objects like recycling bins, milk crates, swings, hoola hoops, anything. For weaving you can make your own set easily by sticking driveway reflectors into your yard and leading him through the poles with a treat in your hand.
Before your first agility class make sure you exercise your dog before you go so that hee’s calm enough to work with and teach and he’s not bouncing off the walls. But make sure he’s not too tired to run around a little bit and he wouldn’t rather nap.
My best advice is to watch lots of trials in your area to get a good idea of what you’re in for. Also, joining an agility club and reading books are helpful. I suggest the book called The Beginner’s Guide to Agility by Laurie Leach. I found it helpful and very thorough.
Good luck, and have fun!