Dogs love to play and run about, and some dogs have more energy than others. If you have a dog in good health with plenty of energy, then your pet might enjoy some fun dog agility training. This type of training has many important benefits for dogs.
Just like us, dogs also need to exercise. Dog agility is definitely an excellent source of exercise for any dog but especially for the pooch that never seems to tire out. Sometimes people mistakenly believe that only a few dog breeds really do well with dog agility training, such as the Australian shepherd. However, any dog truly can be a candidate for dog agility, and your schnauzer could be just as successful as any shepherd or collie on the agility circuit. The exercise will keep them fit and probably will have a positive effect on your own health, since the owner also enjoys his or her own fair share of exercise.
Most owners provide a few walks during the day and perhaps some fun chase time with a ball or squeaky toy, but agility training provides a different type of exercise. While there aren't PVC obstacles and plastic tunnels and chutes in the wild, dogs have an instinct to run, jump, scamper and crawl that goes all the way back to the time before they were simply furry couch companions. Sometimes, a dog truly needs more than a walk or having someone toss a toy, they crave the challenge of the obstacle course. A high-energy dog can become bored easily and often this leads to destructive behavior. With agility training, you might find that your furry pal stops chewing up your furniture or shoes.
Another huge benefit of agility training is the teaching of obedience skills. The pause table is an important part of the agility course, and it is here that dogs must obey several very important commands. Your dog will learn commands for sitting, laying down and staying. They also will have to stay in that position until the trainer signals them to leave, and often the trainer is at a decent distance from the dog. Obviously, these skills come in quite handy off the agility course. With all this time spent together, you and your dog also will bond more closely, which is yet another positive aspect to consider.
Unlike some types of dog events, both mixed breeds and pure bred dogs can compete in dog agility competitions. Dogs are separated by size, age and ability level rather than by breed. If you would like to train for competitions but are worried that your dog is too small or not pure bred, this isn't particularly important for dog agility. Competition can be a fun hobby, and both your dog and you will enjoy the contests and the camaraderie at these events.
You can begin by purchasing one or two pieces of dog agility equipment, such as a pause table and a jump. One company, Carlson Agility, makes it easy for beginners by selling a variety of different starter kits. There are eight starter kits and each is a little different. One has a dog agility jumps as well as a dog agility tunnel, while another includes weave poles and jumps, and others include different mixes of equipment including a-frames, dog walks, tire jumps and other fun items.
If you have a puppy or a small breed, simply purchase the mini equipment. This is exactly the same equipment, just smaller to accommodate the needs of a smaller animal. The small equipment is great for use in your backyard, and is great for rainy day training as they will more easily fit into your basement, garage or even your family room.
Just like us, dogs also need to exercise. Dog agility is definitely an excellent source of exercise for any dog but especially for the pooch that never seems to tire out. Sometimes people mistakenly believe that only a few dog breeds really do well with dog agility training, such as the Australian shepherd. However, any dog truly can be a candidate for dog agility, and your schnauzer could be just as successful as any shepherd or collie on the agility circuit. The exercise will keep them fit and probably will have a positive effect on your own health, since the owner also enjoys his or her own fair share of exercise.
Most owners provide a few walks during the day and perhaps some fun chase time with a ball or squeaky toy, but agility training provides a different type of exercise. While there aren't PVC obstacles and plastic tunnels and chutes in the wild, dogs have an instinct to run, jump, scamper and crawl that goes all the way back to the time before they were simply furry couch companions. Sometimes, a dog truly needs more than a walk or having someone toss a toy, they crave the challenge of the obstacle course. A high-energy dog can become bored easily and often this leads to destructive behavior. With agility training, you might find that your furry pal stops chewing up your furniture or shoes.
Another huge benefit of agility training is the teaching of obedience skills. The pause table is an important part of the agility course, and it is here that dogs must obey several very important commands. Your dog will learn commands for sitting, laying down and staying. They also will have to stay in that position until the trainer signals them to leave, and often the trainer is at a decent distance from the dog. Obviously, these skills come in quite handy off the agility course. With all this time spent together, you and your dog also will bond more closely, which is yet another positive aspect to consider.
Unlike some types of dog events, both mixed breeds and pure bred dogs can compete in dog agility competitions. Dogs are separated by size, age and ability level rather than by breed. If you would like to train for competitions but are worried that your dog is too small or not pure bred, this isn't particularly important for dog agility. Competition can be a fun hobby, and both your dog and you will enjoy the contests and the camaraderie at these events.
You can begin by purchasing one or two pieces of dog agility equipment, such as a pause table and a jump. One company, Carlson Agility, makes it easy for beginners by selling a variety of different starter kits. There are eight starter kits and each is a little different. One has a dog agility jumps as well as a dog agility tunnel, while another includes weave poles and jumps, and others include different mixes of equipment including a-frames, dog walks, tire jumps and other fun items.
If you have a puppy or a small breed, simply purchase the mini equipment. This is exactly the same equipment, just smaller to accommodate the needs of a smaller animal. The small equipment is great for use in your backyard, and is great for rainy day training as they will more easily fit into your basement, garage or even your family room.
About the Author:
Cheng Bernhardt enjoys dog agility training. To find the many advantages of agility training for dogs, or to get useful agility dog training equipment such as dog agility kit, please visit the Carlson-Agility website today.
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