While you might think only certain breeds of dogs are cut out for dog agility training, the truth is that many energetic pets will enjoy these activities. If your dog is in good health and has a bunch of energy, dog agility can be a great activity for your furry friend as well as your whole family.
Kids, teens and grown-ups all can become part of the training; it's just wise to remember that everyone needs to be on the same page. This means that everyone will use the same verbal commands and the same signals during training. Otherwise your dog can be confused by the inconsistencies, and that can be disastrous if you ever plan on competing in dog agility. Of course, using the same commands and setting the same standards is not just important in dog agility, this is also true with general dog obedience.
If your child or teen is interested in dog agility, consider enrolling them in some type of junior handler program. USDAA, the nation's largest dog agility organization, has its own program as does the American Kennel Club. This is for children younger than 18, and the goals of the program include teaching handling skills for dog agility as well as teaching the importance of responsible pet ownership. Many 4-H clubs or groups will offer agility dog handling for children, as well.
Joining an agility club might be a good first step for your family. You can take a few classes, try out some equipment and learn how to set up a course at home. You also will gain a great deal of knowledge from the staff and the other members. Clubs are located all over the place these days, and they offer you a good way to determine whether or not you and your dog are going to really love dog agility.
If all goes well and your dog and the family are enjoying the sport, it's probably time to start buying some equipment for home use. For those with puppies, small dogs or small yards, you can buy mini agility equipment. Even larger dogs can use these, and they are great items to consider when you begin training, as they are less intimidating for dogs to use. You can even bring in a mini pause table or mini A-frame into the house on rainy days to keep your dog busy and happy.
Carlson Agility is one company that produces and sells a huge variety of agility equipment, including all sizes and types of dog agility jumps. You can find tire jumps, high jumps, broad jumps and even unique options such as car door jumps. They also sell weave poles, tunnels, teeter totters, A-frames, pause tables and much more. You can opt for full-size or mini equipment, depending on your needs.
Kids, teens and grown-ups all can become part of the training; it's just wise to remember that everyone needs to be on the same page. This means that everyone will use the same verbal commands and the same signals during training. Otherwise your dog can be confused by the inconsistencies, and that can be disastrous if you ever plan on competing in dog agility. Of course, using the same commands and setting the same standards is not just important in dog agility, this is also true with general dog obedience.
If your child or teen is interested in dog agility, consider enrolling them in some type of junior handler program. USDAA, the nation's largest dog agility organization, has its own program as does the American Kennel Club. This is for children younger than 18, and the goals of the program include teaching handling skills for dog agility as well as teaching the importance of responsible pet ownership. Many 4-H clubs or groups will offer agility dog handling for children, as well.
Joining an agility club might be a good first step for your family. You can take a few classes, try out some equipment and learn how to set up a course at home. You also will gain a great deal of knowledge from the staff and the other members. Clubs are located all over the place these days, and they offer you a good way to determine whether or not you and your dog are going to really love dog agility.
If all goes well and your dog and the family are enjoying the sport, it's probably time to start buying some equipment for home use. For those with puppies, small dogs or small yards, you can buy mini agility equipment. Even larger dogs can use these, and they are great items to consider when you begin training, as they are less intimidating for dogs to use. You can even bring in a mini pause table or mini A-frame into the house on rainy days to keep your dog busy and happy.
Carlson Agility is one company that produces and sells a huge variety of agility equipment, including all sizes and types of dog agility jumps. You can find tire jumps, high jumps, broad jumps and even unique options such as car door jumps. They also sell weave poles, tunnels, teeter totters, A-frames, pause tables and much more. You can opt for full-size or mini equipment, depending on your needs.
About the Author:
Cheng Bernhardt enjoys dog agility training. To discover an agility equipment for dogs, or to find useful agility dog training equipment such as dog agility kit, please visit the Carlson-Agility.com site now.
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