Introduced first in UK around 1978, agility training for dogs is now a massive sporting event enjoyed immensely by participants and viewers alike.
What Training? To put it simply, agility training is a sporting event where canine participants are unleashed upon an obstacle course - the fastest dog wins.
Dogs may compete in different categories based on size, weight and sometimes breed.
To win, your dog must crawl through tunnels, jump fences, climb over, weave and zig-zag through other obstacles in a specified order and within a time limit.
Handlers help pets interpret the complex layouts with verbal and visual cues from the sidelines but they may not physically help their pets.
The sport tests a dog's training, speed, agility and intelligence.
It also tests a handler's training skills and relationship with their animal.
An entire industry revolves around the sport today, with training schools and equipment manufacturers egging the game on.
And why not? Agility training is a great exercise for dogs and one of the best ways to bond with Bruno.
Why Agility Training? There are five great reasons why you and your dog should participate in this sport - Fun Training: As dogs love exercise, this is an excellent way to train your dog and to familiarize them with a range of cues.
If you have an energetic breed or a hyperactive dog that you're finding tough to train, agility training may be exactly what you both need.
Healthy Workout: Both you and your dog get an amazing workout as agility training can be very exerting.
Natural Challenge: In the wild, dogs hunt, chase and kill prey.
They navigate through wilderness, hillsides, ditches and face all sorts of obstacles.
Agility training is the equivalent of these activities as dogs are challenged with similar hurdles they must overcome.
It is a a wonderful mental exercise to keep your dog productively occupied and alert.
Quality Time: A great way to start the day and spend some quality time with four-paws, agility training is a special time to bond.
The entire family can actively participate in such a training.
Better Communication: Agility training will help your dog understand you and respond more effectively to your cues.
Can all Dogs Do This? Some breeds are better than others at strenuous activities.
Hardy descendants of mid-sized working dogs like terriers, collies and sheepdog are often faster and more responsive to it.
Smaller or larger breeds may need special training as they may lack the speed or the stamina to compete.
Where Do We Begin? Join a club! The easiest place to begin is to join an agility club with training classes where you can introduce your dog to the concept and familiarize yourself.
Joining a class is a cheaper option as it is better to know if you and your dog are up for this level of action before you invest in equipment.
Getting Training Gear Eventually, you can buy or build your own obstacle course.
There are different courses for dogs of different sizes and abilities, so be sure to find the right equipment for your breed.
You can either pick up each component one at a time or you can buy an entire set off the shelf.
These sets can range from the basic beginner's course to more complex advanced versions.
If you decide to go for a beginner's set - no worries, you can always upgrade by adding new pieces.
Regardless of where your dog begins his agility training - in a club, in the backyard or indoors, if he's not too old and easily tired, he's going to love every minute of it
What Training? To put it simply, agility training is a sporting event where canine participants are unleashed upon an obstacle course - the fastest dog wins.
Dogs may compete in different categories based on size, weight and sometimes breed.
To win, your dog must crawl through tunnels, jump fences, climb over, weave and zig-zag through other obstacles in a specified order and within a time limit.
Handlers help pets interpret the complex layouts with verbal and visual cues from the sidelines but they may not physically help their pets.
The sport tests a dog's training, speed, agility and intelligence.
It also tests a handler's training skills and relationship with their animal.
An entire industry revolves around the sport today, with training schools and equipment manufacturers egging the game on.
And why not? Agility training is a great exercise for dogs and one of the best ways to bond with Bruno.
Why Agility Training? There are five great reasons why you and your dog should participate in this sport - Fun Training: As dogs love exercise, this is an excellent way to train your dog and to familiarize them with a range of cues.
If you have an energetic breed or a hyperactive dog that you're finding tough to train, agility training may be exactly what you both need.
Healthy Workout: Both you and your dog get an amazing workout as agility training can be very exerting.
Natural Challenge: In the wild, dogs hunt, chase and kill prey.
They navigate through wilderness, hillsides, ditches and face all sorts of obstacles.
Agility training is the equivalent of these activities as dogs are challenged with similar hurdles they must overcome.
It is a a wonderful mental exercise to keep your dog productively occupied and alert.
Quality Time: A great way to start the day and spend some quality time with four-paws, agility training is a special time to bond.
The entire family can actively participate in such a training.
Better Communication: Agility training will help your dog understand you and respond more effectively to your cues.
Can all Dogs Do This? Some breeds are better than others at strenuous activities.
Hardy descendants of mid-sized working dogs like terriers, collies and sheepdog are often faster and more responsive to it.
Smaller or larger breeds may need special training as they may lack the speed or the stamina to compete.
Where Do We Begin? Join a club! The easiest place to begin is to join an agility club with training classes where you can introduce your dog to the concept and familiarize yourself.
Joining a class is a cheaper option as it is better to know if you and your dog are up for this level of action before you invest in equipment.
Getting Training Gear Eventually, you can buy or build your own obstacle course.
There are different courses for dogs of different sizes and abilities, so be sure to find the right equipment for your breed.
You can either pick up each component one at a time or you can buy an entire set off the shelf.
These sets can range from the basic beginner's course to more complex advanced versions.
If you decide to go for a beginner's set - no worries, you can always upgrade by adding new pieces.
Regardless of where your dog begins his agility training - in a club, in the backyard or indoors, if he's not too old and easily tired, he's going to love every minute of it