The sport of dog agility training is where a dog handler would direct their dog through an obstacle course in an attempt to get the best time and be the most accurate. The dogs that participate in dog agility training must learn to run through these obstacle courses without the handler utilizing treats or dog toys such as squeaky toys as incentives. Signals between the dog and their handler are limited to various body signals as well as select voice commands and movements. This challenging sport requires dedicated training from both the dog in addition to the handler.
There are several different types of obstacles that you and your dog would contend with while in agility training such as jumps, teeter totters and poles to run in-between. There are several different dog agility courses that are used in agility competitions with the presiding judge usually selecting the course to be used that day. Dogs and handlers are carefully watched by the judge during their run through the course and marked according to how they preformed in numerous categories. Dogs are grouped into classes according to breed and size in order to make the agility competitions as fair as absolutely possible.
So how do you know if this challenging sport is for your dog and the two of you should begin agility training? If your dog enjoys being outdoors and being very active then they are likely to be a great candidate for agility training. Does your dog enjoy doing things to make you happy? Here again is a potential candidate for agility training. The one trait any dog needs that is being considered for dog agility is being able to take direction well. Since dog agility training requires such a large level of discipline ease in train-ability is essential to a successful agility dog.
So if you are looking for both a challenging and fun new sport for your dog to get involved with, you should definitely look into beginning dog agility training. Besides getting the fulfillment and benefits of participating in an active sport you will also benefit from the closer friendship that both you and your dog will treasure.