If you have decided to enter the world of dog agility, you probably have some questions about how to get started. This is a fun activity for you and your dog and provide tons of great exercise and even improve obedience. Here are a few tricks and tips that might make learning these skills a bit easier.
Each agility organization is a bit different regarding the type and size of obstacles used in various dog agility competitions, but you don't really need to worry about these requirements in the early stages of training. Mini agility equipment can be a great option for beginners and while it is especially suitable for puppies, young dogs and small breeds, the mini equipment is much less intimidating and can be great way to build confidence in your dog. They will be mastering the same skills, but it's just a bit easier when using smaller obstacles.
When many dogs first see the teeter, for instance, they are quite nervous about the way it moves. Likewise, some dogs are frightened by the angle and height of a dog walk or A-frame. Using smaller, miniature versions of these can ease the anxiety of a dog that is new to the sport. You also would be wise to purchase a Buja board, which is very low to the ground but moves around so your dog will get use to standing, staying and sitting on a moving object. These sometimes are simple known as wobble boards.
While it is fun to watch dogs as they zip through weaves, this can be a tough obstacle to learn. One way to teach and reinforce this skill is through the use of training guide wires. These simply snap on to your PVC weave poles and help the dog understand the correct direction and ensure that he goes around each weave pole correctly. Once the dog has mastered the weaves with the guide wires, you can take them off and train without the wires.
Sometimes dogs are enjoying themselves so much while on the course, they make some costly mistakes. Often you will see a dog bypass the bottom edge of the dog walk or the A-frame and simply leap off. Using a training hoop can focus their movement and prevent them from jumping off before they reach the bottom. It is important to walk or run down the obstacle all the way or else your dog risks getting a penalty or fault during competition.
All of these training tools as well as any agility equipment you might need is available for purchase online, from shops such as Carlson Agility. They even have mini versions of all the obstacles. In addition to the typical obstacles such as jumps, weave poles, agility dog walks, tunnels, shoots, tire jumps and other pieces, they have specialty equipment that you might need. This includes interesting items like car door jumps, sway bridges and swing planks.
Each agility organization is a bit different regarding the type and size of obstacles used in various dog agility competitions, but you don't really need to worry about these requirements in the early stages of training. Mini agility equipment can be a great option for beginners and while it is especially suitable for puppies, young dogs and small breeds, the mini equipment is much less intimidating and can be great way to build confidence in your dog. They will be mastering the same skills, but it's just a bit easier when using smaller obstacles.
When many dogs first see the teeter, for instance, they are quite nervous about the way it moves. Likewise, some dogs are frightened by the angle and height of a dog walk or A-frame. Using smaller, miniature versions of these can ease the anxiety of a dog that is new to the sport. You also would be wise to purchase a Buja board, which is very low to the ground but moves around so your dog will get use to standing, staying and sitting on a moving object. These sometimes are simple known as wobble boards.
While it is fun to watch dogs as they zip through weaves, this can be a tough obstacle to learn. One way to teach and reinforce this skill is through the use of training guide wires. These simply snap on to your PVC weave poles and help the dog understand the correct direction and ensure that he goes around each weave pole correctly. Once the dog has mastered the weaves with the guide wires, you can take them off and train without the wires.
Sometimes dogs are enjoying themselves so much while on the course, they make some costly mistakes. Often you will see a dog bypass the bottom edge of the dog walk or the A-frame and simply leap off. Using a training hoop can focus their movement and prevent them from jumping off before they reach the bottom. It is important to walk or run down the obstacle all the way or else your dog risks getting a penalty or fault during competition.
All of these training tools as well as any agility equipment you might need is available for purchase online, from shops such as Carlson Agility. They even have mini versions of all the obstacles. In addition to the typical obstacles such as jumps, weave poles, agility dog walks, tunnels, shoots, tire jumps and other pieces, they have specialty equipment that you might need. This includes interesting items like car door jumps, sway bridges and swing planks.
About the Author:
Cheng Bernhardt loves dog agility training. To find an agility equipment for dogs, or to find more agility dog training equipment like obedience jumps, please check out the Carlson-Agility.com site today.
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