Dog Agility Training Basic Tips

As a rule, agility trainingshould start while the pet is still a puppy. However, owners could stillfacilitate training with older dogs. The question "when is the dogconsidered old for agility training" is central to choosing when to starttraining the dog.

Being "old" greatlyvaries from dog to dog, from the extent of a dog's experience to the innate andnatural tendencies it has. In short, there is no specific age at which the dogshould be restrained from training.

However it is always fareasier to start training with much younger dogs since their learned behaviorsare still not rooted into their habits.

For choosing old dogs fortraining, the handler should not create the impression that the dog would nolonger learn so there's no need to waste time. The attitude of the dog as muchas that of the trainer is both highly essential to faster learning. The morededicated and patient the owner is the faster the dog learns.

There are several approachesto starting training for agility. A few of which are discussed here briefly:

Physical exercise

The introduction to agilitytraining should start with physical exercises. If the handler has enoughinterest to dedicate on training the dog, the age will no longer matter for itis the condition that will rule over. Simple exercises like jumping or hoppingmay agitate the dog and encourage him to move a little bit. For puppies, theseexercises are much easier to do since they have enough energy to use.

Let him play around

Like teaching littlechildren, the easiest approach to agility training for younger puppies is toturn the exercises into a series of games. The majority of puppies are capableof passing through tunnels and chutes so take advantage of this chance and introducethe tunnels, obstacles and the training area itself as huge play ground.

This approach will createpositive impressions on him which will also prepare him for future training.

Promote his agility

If you dont have asufficient area for setting up obstacle courses, it is best to use certaingames that also encourage agility. Simple equipment like improvised tunnels orwalls could be made to augment training.

Keep it short

Dogs dont experience passionwhen it comes to activities but they have the innate desire to please theirowners. This means that they dont get devoted unless they are rewarded forgood actions they have made and that you show your favor for their actions.Their attention span is also very limited so they could not continue trainingfor extended hours.

If you want to start trainingyour dog for agility, establish the rule that you should keep each trainingsession and each lesson as short as possible. You dont have to finisheverything in one sitting. You should divide each exercise into sections thatthe dog could easily understand. Also never end with a negative note. Alwaysensure that the dog finishes each exercise with praise.

Training your dog for agilitydoes not lie on how old or young he is, it lies in the foundation ofresponsiveness, independence, drive to work alone and to follow the command,and your desire to work with him with enough patience and knowledge of hiscapacities.