Agility Dog Training
Just like for humans, agility training for dogs makes them more confident, increases their speed, and increases their overall flexibility, while doing things on their feet. Agility training for dogs is one of the fastest growing sports for dogs in the world. This relatively new dog sport is not only fun for the dogs but fun for the owners as well.
History of Agility Training for Dogs
Agility training for dogs started in the late 1970s in England, and its invention was based on horse show jumping. Agility training for dogs and horse jumping help to make a strong relationship between the owner and the animal. Curiously enough, this kind of events are useful also to develop strategy and teamwork. You win an agility event with your dog if you and your dog complete the course in the fastest time with the fewest number of faults. As you can see, it is very similar again to horse jumping when the horse knocks down one of the poles of the fence.
Positive Benefits for Dogs
Another benefit of agility training for dogs is the mental effect it has on shy dogs and owners. Both often show a renewed confidence after successfully negotiating an agility obstacle course. Many dogs improve their coordination dramatically by completing the basic training exercises used to teach jumping and ramp work.
In the case of hyperactive dogs, agility training helps them to release some of that extra energy in a good and positive manner.Is your dog hyperactive? Here you have a good way of help her. Also, it is known that mental workout has a greater benefit in the dog than the physical one. This kind of sport builds a sense of trust and teamwork between the owner and the animal, and the level of communication between the two of them is very similar to how humans communicate.
A great team in agility training is made when your dog and yourself are in perfect sync, because there is no leash or collar involved when talking about an agility course or contest. To be successful, the dog has to learn a whole new vocabulary, since the order of obstacles vary in each course and the pathway twists and turns.
Young dogs
You can start your puppie training with regular walks in the agility courses as early as when they are 4 months. If they are older, it is recommended conditioning walks of two miles or longer. It is a good advice not to rush your dog to go through the obstacles, as they can injure themselves in the event they fall from an a-frame or a dog walk. Usually, ramps have cross-laths to help with traction when the dog sprints up the ramp.
If your dog is afraid of heights, you will coax through the uncertainty and by doing so will help your dog-friend and yourself.
I wish you my best in training your dog!
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