how to train your dog to run an agility course

When and how to get started with dog agility training?

 · Running an agility course requires the dog to tackle a number of obstacles such as jumps, tilt-tables, weaving poles, and a high walkway. Take care not to overwhelm the dog, but to teach one or two elements at a time, and keeping things fresh and interesting. Use reward-based training to encourage the dog and praise him when he does a task well.

How to get started in dog agility training?

 · Introducing obstacles is the next step in training your dog to complete various agility moves. The plan is to have your canine friend use the obstacle in accomplishing a trick − either by going around it without disturbing it or moving through it. Placing a treat where you want them to end up is a good strategy in the early learning stages.

How can you become a dog agility trainer?

 · For agility, you need to convince your dog to move beside you. Start by rewarding him for sitting beside you. Then work toward moving, slowly at first then building up to a run. It can help to use...

How to build your own dog agility course at home?

 · One of the best ways to get a dog to behave better, calm down, and stay fit is to begin dog agility training. Agility training is a series of obstacles that form a course for your …

How do you train a dog to do agility training?

Put your dog on a leash, and give a command specific to the obstacle, such as "A-frame." Move quickly as you approach the obstacle, and lead the dog over it. You may need to use some extra special treats the first few times to coax your dog onto these obstacles.

When should dogs start agility training?

The Bottom Line. You can start agility flatwork and tunnel training with a puppy as young as 8 weeks old. However, until your dog can complete a full course he should be at least 12-18 months of age. Agility is a high-impact sport.

How long should a dog agility training session be?

According to accomplished trainer and agility competitor Arlene Spooner, an AKC Executive Agility Field Representative, you should keep your early home training sessions short, no more than five or 10 minutes at a time. “Keep it fun and stop before your dog loses interest.”

How do I introduce my dog to agility tunnel?

Introduce your dog to the tunnel by allowing him to walk around it and sniff. Place a treat just inside the entrance of the tunnel let him sniff it and reward himself with the treat. With your dog at one end of the tunnel with you, roll a ball through the tunnel encouraging him to go in after it.

What are the 7 basic dog commands?

More specifically, a well-behaved pup should respond to seven directions in order to become a good canine citizen: Sit, Down, Stay, Come, Heel, Off, and No.

What dog breeds can do agility?

Top 10 Dog Breeds for Agility Training#1 Border Collie. When most people picture agility training, a Border Collie immediately comes to mind. ... #2 Jack Russell Terrier. ... #4 Australian Kelpie. ... #5 Standard Poodle. ... #6 Papillon. ... #7 Shetland Sheepdog. ... #8 Pembroke Welsh Corgi. ... #9 Rat Terrier.More items...

Is agility good for dogs?

Agility provides good exercise. Some dogs require lots of exercise to burn excess energy, and running through an obstacle course is a great way to do just that. The athletic challenge keeps a dog fit, helps prevent obesity, increases endurance, and strengthens bones and joints.

How do I teach my dog to jump over obstacles?

0:362:55Dog Tricks: Teach Your Dog How To Jump Over Things - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo I'm gonna use a little bit of food I'm gonna lower down nice and low so my dog can see that jumpMoreSo I'm gonna use a little bit of food I'm gonna lower down nice and low so my dog can see that jump as we approach and I'm simply going to move him over at having him follow the food.

How do I teach my dog left and right?

Place your treat hand on the side of your dog's face and move your hand away (to the left when your dog is on your left side and to the right when your dog is on your right side). Treat and praise your dog when they move their head in the direction that your hand is moving. Repeat on the opposite side.

Do dogs like agility tunnels?

You can try an agility tunnel with almost any doggo, but some will enjoy the activity more than others. But don't worry! There are several other ways to enrich your dog's life if agility tunnels don't work out.

Do puppies like tunnels?

Ultimately, dogs learn to love the tunnel because they can run fast through them. Some dogs run through so fast they bank off the side of the tunnel. Training the tunnel is very easy and moves along quicker then any piece of agility equipment.

How to train a dog to do agility tricks?

Introducing obstacles is the next step in training your dog to complete various agility moves. The plan is to have your canine friend use the obstacle in accomplishing a trick − either by going around it without disturbing it or moving through it. Placing a treat where you want them to end up is a good strategy in the early learning stages.

How to train a dog to be agile?

Start by teaching your dog to walk quietly beside you, not jumping and moving around looking for your attention or being distracted.

How to get Bella to follow you in agility?

Attempt to have Butch or Bella follow your lead by running around a few agility obstacles yourself, and cheer them on when they follow you. Employ their favorite ball or toy in the agility game by throwing it over a jump or inside a tunnel and asking them to fetch it back.

How to increase agility in dogs?

Introducing tricks like rolling over, walking backwards or twirling on the spot to increase your dog’s agility will help them warm up for the agility training exercises involving obstacles.

Why do dogs do tricks?

Tricks are beneficial for increasing your dog’s flexibility and strength. They also improve your pup’s coordination as they develop stronger proprioception, or more awareness of where their body is in relation to their environment.

What does it mean to train a dog?

Dog training means getting them to focus on you first so you know you have their attention, and giving lots of verbal praise and head rubs when they begin to learn. As your dog slowly masters agility training, you’ll notice that they pay less heed to surrounding distractions.

How to get my dog to pay attention to me?

Minimize distractions to increase your pup’s ability to pay attention. For instance, if you live with others, pick an occasion when you can have alone time with your canine companion. Find a place inside or outdoors that’s suitable.

What is an agility course?

An agility course is made up of a series of obstacles, usually 14-20 depending on the class and level of competition. The big ramp-style obstacles are collectively known as the contact obstacles because they all have “contact zones” (usually painted a bright yellow) that the dog must touch with at least one toenail when descending. The following list explains the basic agility equipment you will find in the ring:

What did the dog agility teach?

“Agility taught her self-control and how to work for things she wanted in a socially acceptable way. She thrived in agility and worked out her issues to such an extent that she ended up being a really great therapy dog .”.

How to play the dog game of jumps?

Start by throwing the toy or bag over the jump so your dog can chase after it, jumping the obstacle as he goes. Once he understands the game, you can add a verbal cue like “Go” and start adding distance a little bit at a time. Don’t forget to play this game with your dog starting on both your right and left sides.

How to get a dog to move beside you?

For agility, you need to convince your dog to move beside you. Start by rewarding him for sitting beside you. Then work toward moving, slowly at first then building up to a run.

How to teach a dog to work on both sides?

Besides encouraging focus, it’s key to teach your dog to work at both your right and left sides. Most trick training is done with the dog right in front of the owner , so dogs learn this is a great place to be. After all, they get most of their treats in that position. For agility, you need to convince your dog to move beside you.

Do you have to enter competitions to play dog?

And remember, you don’t have to enter competitions to benefit from the sport. Not every dog will enjoy that kind of environment and you might not want the pressure to perform in front of a crowd. Classes and a backyard course can provide all the fun, exercise, and challenge you need.

Do disabilities hold agility handlers back?

And disabilities don’t hold agility handlers back either. Spooner says, “AKC gets all types of physical abilities from world-class athletes to, well a few weeks ago I was at a trial where a woman in her 90s was competing. I’ve seen wheelchairs, oxygen tank back-packs, walkers/canes, and more.”.

How to train a dog for agility?

Certain tricks are particularly beneficial for dog sports. For example, teach your dog to touch his nose to your hand or a target. By moving your hand or choosing a strategic target placement, you can move your dog or adjust his position. This is handy when teaching him to enter the contact zones at the end of an agility obstacle. Or try training your dog to walk backwards. Back Up teaches your dog basic body awareness because he must pay attention to what all four paws are doing. Finally, teaching your dog to jump through a hoop is a great introduction to the tire jump.

How to teach agility to dogs?

Use a broomstick or other pole and balance it between two low objects like a stack of books or flower pots. Don’t practice on a slippery surface or you risk your dog injuring himself. And be sure the pole will fall if your dog accidentally hits it, so he’s not hurt.

How to teach a dog to weave?

But for an easy at-home version of the weaves, you can stick tomato stakes or similar sized poles into the ground outside. Space the poles 24 inches apart and always ensure your dog enters between the first and second poles in the row from his left side.

How to make a dog run through a tunnel?

They need to get comfortable with being in a covered space. Although you can buy an agility tunnel to use at home, to get started it’s just as easy to build your own mock tunnel with a blanket and some chairs . Drape the blanket over the spaced-out chairs and teach your dog it’s fun to walk through to the other side. You can even use a large open cardboard box. Keep the length short at first so your dog can see the other side. And don’t force him through. Instead lure him or poke your head through from the other side and encourage him to follow you in.

How to get a dog to get used to agility?

Then suddenly it moves and bangs down on the other end. That’s a lot for your dog to get used to. Instead, start with lower objects that move so your dog gets used to shifting ground beneath his paws. A skateboard or child’s wagon can come in handy here. Or build a wobble board. It’s a piece of plywood, at least two-foot square, with something small underneath, like a brick or a tennis ball, to make it unstable. Reward your dog for any interest in the board, then encourage him to put a paw on top. Eventually, see if you can get him to stand on it completely and balance through the wobble.

How to teach a dog to be more aware of his surroundings?

First, teach him to perch on things. Use an upside-down sturdy box, plastic bin, or even a foot stool and encourage him to interact with it. He can place one or more paws on top, jump on it, or even sit on the top.

Do dogs have body awareness?

Surprisingly, dogs don’t have stellar body awareness. Where their front paws lead, the rest of them sort of follows. But with obstacles like the dog walk, your dog needs to be aware of exactly where he’s placing each paw. There are lots of ways to help your dog increase his body awareness.

How hard is it to train a dog for agility?

Dog agility training for beginners can be hard work and may even help you get into shape, but there are also some risks. It is a fast-paced sport that requires coordination and sometimes grace. There are risks of injuries to handlers but the dog is doing a majority of the hard work. Make sure your dog's bones are matured as pups and younger dogs are at risk of breaks if something goes wrong. In the summer times, heat is also a concern, dogs need breaks and water too and this is a hard thing on their body. With all the fast jerks and jumps make sure to take care of their body if need be. It may be wise to talk to your veterinarian to make sure your dog is up to the task of dog agility training.

Why is agility training good for dogs?

Agility training can be great for dogs well being, it works the part of their brain that is associated with getting tasks done which makes them feel like they've done something productive rather than just walking or running. This means they will most likely be calmer throughout the night and have less anxiety.

Why is agility important for dogs?

Another benefit of agility is that your dogs will be more responsive to commands! Dogs see this training as play time and giving them tasks they enjoy with commands will get them associating you like fun and your commands as them getting to run around.

Is agility training hard for beginners?

Dog agility training for beginners can be intimidating, or even hard to get into but don't be discouraged! This sport can be incredibly beneficial to you, your dog, and the bond you two share. Why not try out a home course! Let us know what you think by leaving a comment and sharing this blog!

Do dogs need breaks in the summer?

Make sure your dog's bones are matured as pups and younger dogs are at risk of breaks if something goes wrong. In the summer times, heat is also a concern, dogs need breaks and water too and this is a hard thing on their body. With all the fast jerks and jumps make sure to take care of their body if need be.

Can a dog do agility training?

Along with this people assume only border collies and German shepherds do dog agility training, but in all reality, some of the best dogs out there could be a chihuahua or a Yorkie. There are no limits on who or what kind of dog can do agility training and ultimately it is about having fun while training your dog.

Can you do agility in a wheelchair?

There is no requirement for the handler, you could do agility training in a wheelchair it just may not be as fast as normal. There is no need to be an Olympic quality athlete running through the course you can do effectively at any speed with proper training. Along with this people assume only border collies and German shepherds do dog agility ...

How to train a dog to be an agility dog?

If you have practiced basic commands before you begin agility training, your dog will be ahead of the game. If your dog is having trouble, start small. Have it stay for a count of one, and then offer a treat. Gradually increase the amount of time you have the dog stay.

Why do people do agility training?

Some people do agility training just for fun, while others enjoy competing in agility trials. During the trials, dog and handler teams compete to see who can complete the obstacle course the fastest and with the fewest mistakes.

How to teach a dog to see through a tunnel?

Tunnels are usually an easy obstacle to teach. Start off with a short tunnel that allows your dog to see through to the other side. Have someone at the opposite end ready with some treats or a favorite toy. Lead your dog to the tunnel, give the command "tunnel," and have your helper begin calling it and offering treats.

How to train a dog to not jump over a hurdle?

If your dog is refusing to go over a hurdle, practice in a narrow hallway. Set up a small jump and put your dog on one side with you on the other. Your dog should have nowhere to go but forward over the jump. Encourage your pup with treats and a happy tone of voice.

How to teach a dog to jump?

Teach the jump by keeping your dog on the leash so it cannot go around a hurdle. Give a command specific to each jump, such as "big jump.". Approach the jump briskly, and in most cases, your dog will hop over the hurdle. Give lots of treats and praise.

How to get a dog to get over obstacles?

Move quickly as you approach the obstacle, and lead the dog over it. You may need to use some extra special treats the first few times to coax your dog onto these obstacles. If your dog absolutely refuses to get on, try training these obstacles in reverse. Pick up your dog and place it at the end of the obstacle.

How to teach a dog to overcome obstacles?

When you begin, make sure the obstacles are moved to the lowest position possible. Put your dog on a leash, and give a command specific to the obstacle, such as "A-frame.". Move quickly as you approach the obstacle, and lead the dog over it.

What to give a dog for agility?

Treats or kibble are a great reward during initial training. However, love, praise, and encouragement are necessary for your dog's agility training. Extra recognition will make them enjoy the training, improving its efficacy.

How to improve how a dog handles?

The first way to improve how you handle your dog is to train them from multiple angles. For example, if your dog is used to walking on your left side, work on training them from different sides of your body.

Do you need an obstacle course to train a dog?

You don't need an entire obstacle course to train your dog. Objects around your house can serve as simple obstacles for your dog's agility training.

What to do when your dog leaves the object alone?

Leave it. One exercise that teaches focus involves scattering desirable objects around your training area (e.g. toys, bags of treats, or chewable items). Then, when your dog approaches one of these items, use a command like " leave it ." Then, if your dog leaves the object alone, reward them.

How to train a dog to make eye contact?

Commands like "look" or "watch" will encourage your dog to make eye contact, training their attention on you. Additionally, training them in quiet areas free of distractions will help your training be more effective.

Can dogs go through obstacle courses without a leash?

You've likely seen agility competitions on televised dog shows. Canines and their owners move through an obstacle course without a leash, relying on commands, training, and their relationship.

Can dogs be trained for agility?

Agility training isn't just for purebred dogs in dog shows. Any dog no matter the breed or age can benefit from casual agility training at home. With enough work, your dog could compete in agility sports.

How to train a dog to run an obstacle course?

Throughout training your pup to run an obstacle course, you will need to teach him simple commands such as 'up', 'through', 'weave', and 'round'. Take your pick, but be sure to use a single command for each activity. Mixing up the commands or using different ones each time will only confuse your pup and make the training go that much harder.

How to keep a dog from running at full tilt?

While it might be tempting to make your own obstacles, and there is nothing wrong with doing so, be sure that anything you build is strong enough to support your dog's weight when he is running at full tilt.

How to get a dog to go through a tunnel?

Release your pup, give him the 'through' command, and let him go through the tunnel so that he can get the treat. Praise him for doing a good job. Repeat until he will go through the tunnel on command.

How to train a dog to sit in a tunnel?

Using a flexible and expandable tunnel (buy one that has solid ends and a soft tube), create a short tunnel for the first stages of training. Step. 2. Have a seat. Have your pup sit at one end of the tunnel and give him time to get used to it.

How to get a dog to weave through a pole?

Move the poles together until your pup is forced to weave through them, using the 'weave' command and a treat to entice him to go through the entire course.

How to get a dog to use a weave pole?

Set up two rows of weave poles parallel in your backyard. Have your pup sit at one end of the channel between the poles. Holding the treat out in front of you, walk backward away from your pup through the channel. Give him the 'weave' command as you do so to get him used to hearing it.

How to get a dog to stop jumping over bars?

Take the leash off, have your pup sit a few paces away from the jump, go to the other side and call his name. When he comes running and jumps over the bar, give him a treat and plenty of praise.

How to help a dog with agility?

You can use all kinds of things around the house to help your dog improve its agility. I've used broomsticks, plumbing, squeegees, ramps, and even plungers. Just be sure to familiarize the dog with the equipment and show them what you want them to do.

Why is agility training important for dogs?

Agility training can help satisfy your dog’s natural instincts and allows them to release built-up energy, all while helping to bring you and your pet closer together.

How to help a dog through a course?

Use vocal commands, treats, and gentle touch to help guide your dog through the course the first time.

How to teach a dog to walk on a course?

Once you have introduced the course to your dog, take them on a walkthrough so that they can start to understand each obstacle. Help guide them up and down contact obstacles and over jumps. Use vocal commands, treats, and gentle touch to help guide your dog through the course the first time.

How to train a dog to be a dog trainer?

Before you ever start training, let your dog explore the course. Unleash them in the area of the course and allow them to sniff around and familiarize themselves with the equipment. Familiarizing early on helps your dog feel more comfortable on the course when training.

What to look for when purchasing agility training equipment?

If you are considering purchasing equipment, look for agility training kits that allow you to bundle obstacles. The right package could help save money when compared to buying pieces individually.

Can dogs use tunnels?

Tunnels can easily be improvised using children's play tunnels, and can be used as an indoor our outdoor training obstacle. If you are training for competition, your dog will need to know how to navigate a pipe tunnel, which is usually straight, and a collapsible tunnel, which may have a curve.

1. Teach Your Dog to Pay Attention to You

When planning to train your dog in agility for the first time, it can be easy to focus on the obstacles. After all, all of the jumping, climbing, and running through tunnels is the fun part.

2. Make It Fun

Agility should be all about having fun. The most successful agility dogs come onto the field yipping their excitement, barely able to contain themselves. You want agility to be something your dog looks forward to.

3. Teach Your Dog How to Move with You

Agility requires your dog to not only focus on you but move with you through the course. Teach your dog how to run at your side. Use your commands to have your dog pay attention to you and hold a treat or favorite toy.

4. Teach Your Dog to Interact with Objects

You can start training your dog how to interact with objects before you introduce agility obstacles. Here are a few objects you can teach your dog to interact with to form the foundation for agility obstacles:

5. Introduce the Agility Course

Once your dog has mastered how to pay attention and move with you, and when they have learned how to interact with objects to prepare them for agility, it’s time to introduce the agility course.

Have Fun Training Your Dog in Agility

Agility is one of the most fun things you can do with your dog. With these five tips, you’ll be well on your way to training your dog to excel in agility.

About the Author

Coral Dawn Drake has been working with and training dogs for over a decade. She managed a private dog daycare, worked as a liaison at the University of Florida Small Animal Hospital, and has volunteered extensively with shelter dogs.