Dog Agility Training - Help Your Dog To Stay Fit And Healthy

by Adrian Fletcher

Have you ever run an obstacle course before ? Unless you are in a job where physical fitness is a must, it was probably when you were a child. Wasn’t it really difficult to complete ? Indeed, if like many people, you chose to look at the course rather than actually attempt it, then you understand how difficult it would appear.

So if we accept that an obstacle course is difficult why do we demand that our pet should be able to complete the course. Indeed, some of these courses are a real test of an animals endurance, agility and conditioning. Despite what you may think after watching your pooch yomp around in the backyard, he doesn’t have the skills to run through tunnels, slalom poles or run up and down a seesaw. No, they need some form of training.

Agility dog training programs are created to give dogs the physical capacity to run an obstacle course. They aim to make your pet stronger and fitter. As a dog in an obstacle course remains under the control of it’s owner, the course also teaches the dog to respond to commands. This has two benefits, it teach the dog obedience training and builds on the relationship that an owner must have with his/her dog. Dog agility training programs also help your pet to cope with unpredictable situations and effectively think independently. For example, it isn’t clear to a dog how to run through a tunnel or even why it should do this. Your pet has to be instructed on these techniques so that it will be able to apply these skills to different obstacle courses in different locations.

Indeed, it is a hard task to train dogs in these skills. It will take a good few days training with a skilled dog agility trainer before your dog will be capable of running a course. After this initial training you, as the owner, will be in control of the training. Ultimately it is about creating a bond between you and your animal. Once this is set it will be up to you to keep your pet fit and current with the obstacle courses.

And the cutting edge of all this training is to involve your pet in an official competition. I am sure you have seen these sorts of things on TV at dog shows like Crufts and the like. There is a perception that these kinds on events are cruel to the animal but most dogs can’t wait to do a course. In fact, I’d go as far as to say that these events are the highlight of any show along with the relay events. If you have seen such a competition you will notice just how much the dogs enjoy running through the courses as they wag their tails furiously and bark excitedly. Possibly the dog gets excited by the noise of the crowd but it makes for great viewing to see the excited dogs.

However, to be successful in completing any obstacle course the animal will need strong agility dog training to ensure it has the skills but stays safe at the same time. This is a part of agility dog training that many people don’t take into consideration. The goal of agility dog training is twofold, develop the skills and techniques of the animal but also ensure that it doesn’t get injured.

And finally, the best reason for making your dog jump through hoops or over gates is to keep him fit and active, which will promote a healthy and well socialized animal. You will have a great time doing it as well.

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