Training Your Dog for Agility Competitions

by David Harding

Possibly one of the most difficult and yet thoroughly rewarding dog show contests is dog agility competitions. With the event judged on speed and accuracy obstacles have to be overcome as quickly and efficiently as possible.

The idea behind the event besides the dog getting through the course is to judge how effectively the handler and dog are able to work in unison. There are no real restrictions on what type of dogs can compete but dog agility training is not for everyone.

On race day the handler is given a map of the course to show where obstacles are laid out. The handler is responsible for studying the map and knowing exactly where obstacles like tunnels and jumps will be placed so the dog can be given the correct commands at the right time.

Training a dog to maneuver through obstacles does not have to be as difficult as it sounds. The easiest method is to get the dog’s favorite toy or treat and throw it through a tunnel for tunnel training or to have the dog jump a small hurdle to come to you and get a treat. You typically do not want to bore the dog so it is best to keep the initial training limited to a few minutes per day.

The handler’s position at the competition is to call the dog through the obstacles. The dog must be a good listener and be well behaved as there are quite a few distractions throughout the obstacle course. What with screaming fans and other dogs barking, one can’t stress enough that the dog must be focused on you.

The handler and dog do not come into contact with one another during any stage of the agility contest and so its extremely important the handler, who may not neccessarily be the owner, knows exactly how to get the dog to perform to simple commands in order to get thru the various obstacles.

Make no mistake, dog agility training will require hours of dedication from handler and dog. The reward will come in watching your dog become more confident and adept as each obstacle is succesfully negotiated.

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Before you decide to go into the thrilling world of dog agility training make sure you check out these useful dog training tutorials.