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Dog Agility Training: Equipment, Agility Classes And Dog Agility Courses
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Published: February 11, 2008
The twisting and catapulting of some dogs can make catching a tennis ball look like the canine rendition of Cirque du Soleil. For these particularly nimble and energetic animals, dog agility training is available. Dog agility training cannot only strengthen the relationship between pet and owner, but it can serve as a productive outlet for the dog's rambunctious energy.
Dog agility is a sport in which a handler and dog team complete a series of obstacles. Officially recognized by both the American Kennel Club and the United Kennel Club, dog agility is roughly based on equestrian jumping competitions. In addition to having to conquer similar obstacles in horse-jumping, dog agility training focuses on speed and accuracy.
The various obstacles in each course make dog agility training challenging for everyone involved. Each dog agility course is approximately 180 yards long and contains tightly packed steps. Dog agility courses include weave poles, jumps, flexible tunnels and collapsed tunnels. Dogs must also be unafraid of traversing 3-foot wide A-frames and 4-foot high dog planks. Speed and strength are not the only necessary factors needed in dog agility training; patience and obedience are equally essential attributes. To show that they are not rushing, dogs are required to touch yellow areas on certain obstacles. To demonstrate their patience, dogs also must stay on a small table for five seconds during the competition.
To enhance dog agility training, handlers can purchase equipment to replicate the typical obstacles found in contests. Trainers can buy professional equipment already built, do-it-yourself kits or make everything from scratch. Buying premade obstacles can cost hundreds of dollars. However, dog owners have many resources if they choose the more cost-effective approach to dog agility training. For instance, DogPlay.com offers many homemade designs including the tire jump, tunnel and weave poles. Most items can be made using lumber and PVC pipe.
Both dog and owner can greatly benefit from agility classes, especially if they are new to agility dog training. Although they vary in competitiveness, agility classes center their studies on conditioning and obedience. Dogs are not leased throughout each competition so they must be under the owner’s control at all times and be taught to ignore constant distractions.
A dog’s natural acrobatic skills can be used beyond the simple game of catch. Through dog agility training, owners can channel their pet’s energy into a productive activity. In addition to reinforcing the bond between pet and owner, dog agility training yields a dog’s full potential.
Sources:
Blackman, Diane. “Agility.” Dog Play. 15 Jan. 2007. 10 Feb. 2008. http://www.dogplay.com/Activities/Agility/agilitye .html.
“All About Agility.” Good Dog Agility Club. 2003. 10 Feb. 2008. http://gooddog.org/Agility/about_agility.html#What IsAgility.
“Dog Agility Training.” Dogagilitytraining.net. 6 June 2007. 10 Feb. 2008. http://www.dogagilitytraining.net/.
Bennett Woolf, Norma. “The Sport of Agility.” Canis Major Publications. 2007. 10 Feb. 2008. http://www.canismajor.com/dog/agility.html.
Related Articles
Dog agility is a sport in which a handler and dog team complete a series of obstacles. Officially recognized by both the American Kennel Club and the United Kennel Club, dog agility is roughly based on equestrian jumping competitions. In addition to having to conquer similar obstacles in horse-jumping, dog agility training focuses on speed and accuracy.
The various obstacles in each course make dog agility training challenging for everyone involved. Each dog agility course is approximately 180 yards long and contains tightly packed steps. Dog agility courses include weave poles, jumps, flexible tunnels and collapsed tunnels. Dogs must also be unafraid of traversing 3-foot wide A-frames and 4-foot high dog planks. Speed and strength are not the only necessary factors needed in dog agility training; patience and obedience are equally essential attributes. To show that they are not rushing, dogs are required to touch yellow areas on certain obstacles. To demonstrate their patience, dogs also must stay on a small table for five seconds during the competition.
To enhance dog agility training, handlers can purchase equipment to replicate the typical obstacles found in contests. Trainers can buy professional equipment already built, do-it-yourself kits or make everything from scratch. Buying premade obstacles can cost hundreds of dollars. However, dog owners have many resources if they choose the more cost-effective approach to dog agility training. For instance, DogPlay.com offers many homemade designs including the tire jump, tunnel and weave poles. Most items can be made using lumber and PVC pipe.
Both dog and owner can greatly benefit from agility classes, especially if they are new to agility dog training. Although they vary in competitiveness, agility classes center their studies on conditioning and obedience. Dogs are not leased throughout each competition so they must be under the owner’s control at all times and be taught to ignore constant distractions.
A dog’s natural acrobatic skills can be used beyond the simple game of catch. Through dog agility training, owners can channel their pet’s energy into a productive activity. In addition to reinforcing the bond between pet and owner, dog agility training yields a dog’s full potential.
Sources:
Blackman, Diane. “Agility.” Dog Play. 15 Jan. 2007. 10 Feb. 2008. http://www.dogplay.com/Activities/Agility/agilitye .html.
“All About Agility.” Good Dog Agility Club. 2003. 10 Feb. 2008. http://gooddog.org/Agility/about_agility.html#What IsAgility.
“Dog Agility Training.” Dogagilitytraining.net. 6 June 2007. 10 Feb. 2008. http://www.dogagilitytraining.net/.
Bennett Woolf, Norma. “The Sport of Agility.” Canis Major Publications. 2007. 10 Feb. 2008. http://www.canismajor.com/dog/agility.html.
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