Agility Training Classes

 

How do I find Agility Training Classes ?

 

Your Puppy and you are trying for a career in Agility Training.
This is not just dog training.

Your puppy should have passed obedience training classes before you consider Agility Trainng.

 

The advanced concepts of training a dog for Agility Competitions really does need some professional advice for you both .
That way your puppy does not get injured and also so that you do not teach him or her the wrong way to do things.

The best thing to do is to find a Dog Agility Training Class. That way your dog will feel that this is a fun new pursuit instead of something you are forcing him or her to do.

The best place to find such classes is through an obedience trainer.

 

You can train your dog up to various levels of ability and even up to the abilities wanted in tv or movie work. Or you can both go on to teach others when you are proficient enough.

Dog agility training has been practiced for more than ten years in the United States.
In England, it has been practiced even longer and has had some influence from Horse Dressage

Training Classes in Dog Agility will show you all about a whole new world of tests, performance and obstacles – all of which have specific scoring during a competition.
Because usually there are several dogs in the class, your pet will get more interested in competing against the others and that will make it more fun.
During your classes, your dog will learn to race against the clock through various obstacles and performing various tasks (some quite difficult).
Classes do vary though – some have a friendly family atmosphere and are very supportive but some are downright competitive right from the start.
Try the class for at least 3 lessons before you decide about the tuition.
If you really do not get on with the tutor or if the dog is uncomfortable with the way it is being taught (and you will soon get an idea of that just by watching your pet) then look around for an alternative class.

I know that sounds strange but it is important for you both to get on with your tutor to be successful in agility training. Most people stay with the tutor – who wants you to succeed as much as you do.

Dogs LOVE agility training classes – it is a whole new world for them with fun new toys and things to do that they do not have at home.
They will have great fun exploring tunnels, weave poles, ramps and jumps it really does become an adventure playground for puppies .It is an exciting and colorful place to go and play.

Training classes are not just for fun though. Your pet will need to have been to an obedience class and have learned the basics of sit, stay and come and this is really important – your pet should not be at all aggressive. All competitions have the one immutable rule – the dog must not bite the judge !

Seriously though - your dog must be able to get along with other dogs without squabbling or barking at each other.
So make quite sure you have your basic training for your dog before even thinking of Agility Training.

Training Classes are usually one hour once a week for six to eight weeks. They start gently with familiarizing the dogs with their surroundings – it is a sort of easy introduction.

So the first class may not teach your dog very much – except that the teacher will be evaluating not just your puppy but evaluating you as well. Your attitude and ability to accept instruction is just as important as the same things for your pet..

You will in the next lesson have to get the attention of your own dog. This will be in spite of the other dogs in the class.
Probably the next thing is to move on to Jumps (low ones to start with and higher ones later)
Although the class is great fun for the dog, you are going to have to do your part by showing him or her just what you want it to do next. (The dog may be a bit confused at first but it will pick up the idea really quickly) .

You are both going to have lots of fun learning new skills.

Good Luck with your training.
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