If you have ever watched dogs zipping around a dog agility course, you can tell that not only are these animals highly trained, but they are enjoying themselves. Dogs love all the jumps and weaves and tunnels that are part of these competitions because they mimic their natural instinctive behavior. However, you might think that dog agility training is something limited to only certain types and personalities of dogs, but you might be surprised to note that most dogs can learn these skills.
If you have a timid dog, you might think that agility training is something that your furry friend cannot handle. However, this type of training can actually build up the confidence of a dog that is shy around other dogs or people. A happy-go-lucky dog that is full of confidence and vigor might really enjoy dog agility training is a public setting such as at a local agility club. Your shyer dog, however, might feel more comfortable training at home.
Even if you have a smaller yard, you probably can fit at least one piece of dog agility equipment and a great piece to start with is the pause table. Begin by simply leaving the table in your yard or even your living room and just let your dog get used to the obstacle and sniff it. Purchase the adjustable type of pause table and keep it low to the ground at first so that it is less intimidating. Place a favorite treat or perhaps a beloved toy in the middle of the table and gently encourage your dog to get on top of the table. Be patient, as this could take time and you might have to try for several days before you have your first success.
Eventually, once your dog has mastered jumping up on the table and sitting, staying and remaining down for an extended period of time, you can add some more equipment. A contact trainer is an excellent option for your second piece of equipment. For instance, Carlson Agility sells a mini three-piece contact training that contains a pause table and a mini A-frame on one side and a mini dog walk on the other side. Using mini obstacles is a great way to start with a shy dog or a younger dog. Carlson Agility sells all the equipment you could ever need for dog agility training, including weaves, tire jumps, dog agility jumps, dog tunnels and chutes and much more.
Just by mastering the pause table and contact trainer, you should notice an improvement in your dog's level of confidence. As you add obstacles, their level of confidence will continue to gain momentum. Mini versions of just about all of the equipment are available, so you can continue with the smaller sizes, which can be less scary and also have the added advantage of fitting into your yard more easily. You can even take them into your house on a rainy day or at night for some fun extra training. Once the mini obstacles seem pretty well mastered, you could try introducing your dog to other dogs at a local agility group or club. However, some dogs will always be more comfortable enjoying agility training only at home.
In addition to building up the confidence, agility training is a fantastic way to keep your dog in great shape. This training also increased the bond between the two of you, and this increased level of trust also helps a shyer dog feel more comfortable about the world in general.
If you have a timid dog, you might think that agility training is something that your furry friend cannot handle. However, this type of training can actually build up the confidence of a dog that is shy around other dogs or people. A happy-go-lucky dog that is full of confidence and vigor might really enjoy dog agility training is a public setting such as at a local agility club. Your shyer dog, however, might feel more comfortable training at home.
Even if you have a smaller yard, you probably can fit at least one piece of dog agility equipment and a great piece to start with is the pause table. Begin by simply leaving the table in your yard or even your living room and just let your dog get used to the obstacle and sniff it. Purchase the adjustable type of pause table and keep it low to the ground at first so that it is less intimidating. Place a favorite treat or perhaps a beloved toy in the middle of the table and gently encourage your dog to get on top of the table. Be patient, as this could take time and you might have to try for several days before you have your first success.
Eventually, once your dog has mastered jumping up on the table and sitting, staying and remaining down for an extended period of time, you can add some more equipment. A contact trainer is an excellent option for your second piece of equipment. For instance, Carlson Agility sells a mini three-piece contact training that contains a pause table and a mini A-frame on one side and a mini dog walk on the other side. Using mini obstacles is a great way to start with a shy dog or a younger dog. Carlson Agility sells all the equipment you could ever need for dog agility training, including weaves, tire jumps, dog agility jumps, dog tunnels and chutes and much more.
Just by mastering the pause table and contact trainer, you should notice an improvement in your dog's level of confidence. As you add obstacles, their level of confidence will continue to gain momentum. Mini versions of just about all of the equipment are available, so you can continue with the smaller sizes, which can be less scary and also have the added advantage of fitting into your yard more easily. You can even take them into your house on a rainy day or at night for some fun extra training. Once the mini obstacles seem pretty well mastered, you could try introducing your dog to other dogs at a local agility group or club. However, some dogs will always be more comfortable enjoying agility training only at home.
In addition to building up the confidence, agility training is a fantastic way to keep your dog in great shape. This training also increased the bond between the two of you, and this increased level of trust also helps a shyer dog feel more comfortable about the world in general.
About the Author:
Cheng Bernhardt enjoys blogging about dog agility training. To find a dog agility course, or to find more about training equipment for agility for dogs, please visit the Carlson Agility site now.
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