When it comes to dog training, agility is one of the main aspects that are greatly considered. Agility is a dog sport in which a handler and her dog run as a team through an obstacle course in a race for both time and accuracy. The goal in any dog agility competition is to execute each piece of equipment correctly without any disqualifications.

Basically, an agility course is rather like an obstacle course with standard elements that each dog must pass through in order to complete the run and receive a qualifying score. If a single element is missed, the team is disqualified. This course consists of jumps, hoops and obstacles that you can set up for yourself. You can visit your local pet shop for this equipment. The basic elements of dog agility equipment are:

The weave poles are a series of thin poles attached to a straight plank base.The a frame is a ramp with a strong incline and equal decline. A-frame is painted a bright color, usually yellow, forming the contact zone, onto which the dog must place at least one paw while ascending and descending.The dog walk is another type of ramp. The two end planks form ramps leading up to and down from the center plank.The teeter is a long plank on a fulcrum that each dog must mount at one end and walk across to the other end.The tunnel is a long tube each dog must run through. The tunnel is constructed of flexible vinyl and wire, such that it can be configured in a straight line, or in a variety of curves.The chute is similar to the tube at the entry point, but the rest of the chute is simply nylon without the hoops to support it, so dog are basically running blind through this element.Jumps are the same as you would find at an obedience trial, and the pole height is set according to the size of the dog.The tire is suspended on a frame and each dog must jump through it on its way around the course.There are several national and international agility organizations with each having its own regulations and standards for dog agility equipment.

Please also check out our other guide on dog agility courses tips and

Dog agility is really a spectator sport that consists of dogs racing through a strong obstacle course while being guided with a handler. The actual race is judged within the agility dog’s speed in addition to accuracy. Numerous dog agility courses and obstacles are utilized for each race, or perhaps trial, to help keep the race challenging for the handlers and the pet dogs.

Some of the different types of common obstacles used in dog agility are dog agility jumps, tunnels and contact obstacles. Singe bar jumps in which the dog jumps over one bar are common as are triple jumps that the dog jumps over in a row. Jumps are same as you would find at an obedience trial, and the pole height is set according to the size of the dog.

The Tunnel is a long tube each dog must run through. Contact obstacles are featured in dog agility and they are angled and/or suspended boards that dogs must either walk or run on. These contact obstacles have painted yellow ends that the dog must either enter or exit on.

The Weave Poles are a series of thin poles attached to a straight plank base. The dog must enter the weave at the first two poles and pass through the space between every pole in quick succession. It’s truly amazing to watch a dog moving left and right at breakneck speed on its way through the poles and then buzz off to the next element its handler is directing it to.

A lot of dog agility regulations state express that an agility dog needs to be at least six months old to compete. Dogs really should be examined by a veterinarian before becoming involved with dog agility to make sure that the puppy is healthy enough to engage in the sport without becoming injured or other problem. Agility training is gradually to get dog used to the sport so to increase the height of the jumps at a rate that is safe and comfortable to the dog.

Low contact obstacles are used to start with and the handler gets your dog used to a reward system of food treats and praise. As the dog gradually gains practical experience, much more contact obstacles of different kinds and heights are introduced. The handler teaches dog more verbal cues for direction with the courses as the agility dog gains more experience.

If you ever haven’t yet watched a new dog agility trial, you no longer know what you’re not often known. See it as the doggie Olympics, and you’d be about the right track, as the dogs who compete in these sporting events usually are highly trained and conditioned athletes.

Agility training dogs

Dog trainers and handlers use equipment like jumps, tunnels, obstacles, and other dog agility equipment as well as teamwork, patience, and careful preparation.

Jumps are made of a horizontal bar supported by two upright bars. These are similar in form with the jumps use in equestrian training, only the upright bars are lower to suit the dog’s size. Much like in horse jumps, dog jumps include bush jumps, wishing wells, window jumps, and water jumps, which are usually positioned to be jumped on the end of the track or course. Jumps can be lowered and moved, depending on the dog’s measurement and consisted of double bar, triple bar, panel, broad, wing, and tire or hoop jumps.

Obstacles are set on an obstacle course and are commonly made of wood. It consists of an A-frame, a seesaw, and a dog-walk. Whenever the dog walks or runs on an obstacle, he must at least make one paw contact the yellow contact zone when ascending and descending.

Tunnels are available in two types: the pipe or the rigid tunnel, and the chute or the collapsed tunnel. These obstacles can be made of rigid vinyl, wire, and a barrel measuring 10 to20 feet in length. Tunnels are considered as the favorite obstacles among dogs.

A pause table is pretty straightforward: it’s a table where the dog pauses for a few seconds and then jumps down again to continue the course. It serves as a break between obstacles.

In 2004, a new obstacle called the Tunnel Maze is introduced. It’s made up of interconnected tunnels where the dogs are guided only by the handler’s voice and commands. However, only the CPE uses this dog agility equipment. You don’t have to put your dog in a specialty training program to teach him some agility skills. This is something that the two of your can easily do together at home. You can grow closer together and maybe both learn a few new tricks!

Basically, an agility course is rather like an obstacle course with standard elements that each dog must pass through in order to complete the run and receive a qualifying score. If a single element is missed, the team is disqualified. This course consists of jumps, hoops and obstacles that you can set up for yourself. You can visit your local pet shop for this equipment. The basic elements of dog agility equipment are:

The Weave Poles are a series of thin poles attached to a straight plank base.
The A Frame is a ramp with a strong incline and equal decline. A-frame is painted a bright color, usually yellow, forming the contact zone, onto which the dog must place at least one paw while ascending and descending.
The Dog Walk is another type of ramp. The two end planks form ramps leading up to and down from the center plank.
The Teeter is a long plank on a fulcrum that each dog must mount at one end and walk across to the other end.
The Tunnel is a long tube each dog must run through. The tunnel is constructed of flexible vinyl and wire, such that it can be configured in a straight line, or in a variety of curves.
The Chute is similar to the tube at the entry point, but the rest of the chute is simply nylon without the hoops to support it, so dog are basically running blind through this element.
Jumps are the same as you would find at an obedience trial, and the pole height is set according to the size of the dog.
The Tire is suspended on a frame and each dog must jump through it on its way around the course.

Please also check out our other guide on Dog Agility Equipment, Dog Training Clickers and Dog Agility Training

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First:

· Your dog should be 9 months or older, unless it is a course that is specifically designed for puppies that are younger.

· Your dog should be well socialized and able to get along in activities with other dogs

· The dog should have basic obedience. Sit, stay, come, and down are all directions the dog should be able to follow reasonably well

· The dog should be able to walk on a loosely held lead with a harness or regular collar

You should decide if you want to try a beginner course with a class or private instruction in a smaller group, like 2-4 dogs. Beginner classes can be anywhere from about 10 to 30 people. The number of instructors will vary with the size of the group. Usually there will be 1 instructor for about every 6-7 people. Dogs will usually be matched with classmates of similar size whenever possible, for ease of instructing

Classes can go anywhere from 6 to 16 weeks. You should decide what kind of a time commitment you are willing to make, and assume that you will have to be at most classes. Plus, you need to add in some practice time during the week between classes on beginner’s homework.

Items and agility training equipment that you will need for class:

· Good shoes with tread like trail shoes or sneakers for yourself

· A 6 ft lead, and collar or harness for the pooch

· A treat pouch and healthy tasty treats

· A long line

· Clicker

· A motivating toy, like a tug or a training treat throw bag

· Water and portable bowl

· A portable crate or pop up kennel

· Don’t forget waste pick up bags to be able to potty the dog before they go into the Agility ring

Once you are in classes, you may want to purchase some specific pieces of agility equipment for dogs in order to practice at home with friends.

It is a good idea to start with some basic equipment that you will need to practice with your dog. One of the first items is usually a “contact Board’. This is a flat board that looks like the contact zone on a teeter or dog walk, and you will do flat work exercises that eventually lead to muscle memory on the part of your dog. That will be first step to having good form when coming off of the larger pieces of contact equipment.

A tunnel is always appreciated by most dogs who love to play games and run through it at top speeds.

A set of individual weave poles or a small set of 4-6 training weave poles are great for starting a dog over 9 months. This skill takes a long time to develop speed and confidence on, so most dogs start slow and at a short but daily practice of 5-10 minutes at a time. There are also many great techniques and games available on DVD ‘s by nationally famous agility champions that help make weaves more fun.

Many of the exercises for a beginner will be for you and your dog to learn focus, control, and connection while acquiring new skills.

The most important thing to remember is that agility is a team sport, and you and your dog need to work together to learn a set of skills that will lead to lasting enjoyment for both of you!

This is all cute and adoring, that is until the dog reaches a bodyweight of 50 to 60 pounds and is literally dragging its owner down the street on the leash. The once happily smiling owner is now gritting her teeth and doing all she can to keep the dog from pulling her down the sidewalk.

As strangers pass by it takes all of the owner’s muscle and might just to hold the dog back from getting its dirty paws all over these people. Eventually, these types of dogs who have no leash control end up spending all of their time in the backyard without ever being walked.

Leash Training Should Begin Immediately: Many dog owners who purchase a new puppy totally underestimate just how vital it is to invest time into leash training, and from as early an age as possible, especially when they have a pup that will grow 6 to 10 times it’s puppy size. They do not realize that training begins the instant their new dog comes home.

Any and all behaviors a puppy practices will become a learned subconscious activity. In time the dog will not think twice about what it is doing, even though it may be a wrong action that you disapprove of. In all fairness to the puppy, what do you expect if you ignore sound training principles early in its life? What choice does the dog have?

The Importance Of Having The Proper Leash: Having the right type of equipment can make or break dog training. Using the proper tools can either make your training experience pleasant and productive, or a complete waste of time.

What is the best leash for training purposes?Fortunately, when it comes to leash equipment, you can’t go wrong with most of them. However, there is one type of leash that is not recommended for training purposes and that is the retractable kind.

Retractable leashes are available in all sizes and extend at different lengths. These leash devices are simply a plastic casing that fits into your hand which has a control trigger that either releases the leash to extend up to a certain length and can then be locked at the specific distance you choose.

Yes these types of leashes can definitely be a benefit for many situations, but for training a new puppy or even an adult dog, you need to have a leash that can provide constant tension on the dog’s neck.

You also need to keep a very short distance between you and your dog, which is very hard to do when using a retractable leash. With too much distance, your dog will have no concept that you are even walking with him.

Lastly, you must have consistent leash pressure and release moments in order for the dog to understand the commands you are teaching him, such as heeling. With a retractable leash, it can extend at different distances and be locked inconsistently. Your puppy may become frustrated as it perceives unfair and irregular corrections each time you vary the length and lock it in place.

Now, if you have decided to train your dog by yourself you can create your own obstacle course. But be thorough in making it safe for both you and your dog; remember to fully test it before you use it. If you’re not confident in making your own agility equipments then why not buy quality dog agility equipments that are safer and made of quality materials which is perfect for your dog’s first training.

With huge line of agility equipment that can be found in the market nowadays you can easily choose the right equipment that will suit your dog’s primary needs. Here is a simple guide in buying the right agility equipment; in which if followed you definitely won’t go wrong.

Size the Training Place

If you’re planning to make the backyard of your house as the training place for your dog, you have to consider how many dog agility equipments it can hold.

Size and Weight of Your Dog

Considering the size and weight of your dog is very important, of course you would’nt want your dog to get stuck inside an agility equipment. By measuring your dog’s height and weight you can buy the right size and capacity that is safe for your dog.

Age of your dog

Your dog’s speed and capacity to finish an agility course also depend on his age. If you only want to have some fun with you dog and the whole family without even going somewhere from your place, then buy only the equipment that can be met by his age.

Quality of the Agility Equipment

Since there are so many agility equipments available in the market today, it is best to well research the manufacturer. You can search for comments regarding their products on dog training forums. All quality dog agility equipments come with instruction manual so you can assemble it easily.

Buy from trusted online shop

Take into account your money’s investment. Aside from the price and quality, make sure that you are only buying from the most trusted, efficient and honest online specialty store like the Agility-Equipment 4Less.

It’s cute and adoring, that is until the dog develops a bodyweight of 50 to 60 pounds and is dragging its owner down the street on the leash. The once happily smiling puppy owner is now gritting his teeth and doing everything he possibly can to keep the dog from dragging him down the sidewalk.

When people pass by it takes all of the owner’s muscle and might just to hold the dog back from getting its dirty paws all over everyone. in due course, these types of dogs who have no leash control end up spending the rest of their dog years in the backyard without ever being walked.

Leash Training Should Begin Instantly

Several dog owners who buy a new puppy totally misjudge just how important it is to invest time into leash training, and from as early an age as quickly as possible – especially when they have a puppy that will grow 6 to 10 times its puppy size. People do not realize that training begins as soon as their new dog comes home.

All behaviors a puppy practices will become a learned unintentional activity. In due course, the dog will not think twice about what it is doing, even though it may be a wrong action that you disapprove of. In all fairness to the puppy, what do you expect if you disregard sound training principles early in his life? What choice does a puppy have?

The Importance Of Having The Proper Leash

So, having the right type of tools can make or break dog training. Using the proper equipment can either make your training experience nice and productive, or a complete waste of your time.

So, what is the best leash for dog training purposes?

Luckily, when it comes to leash equipment, you can’t go wrong with the majority of them. On the other hand, there is one type of leash that is not recommended for training purposes and that is known as the retractable kind.

Retractable leashes are come in all sizes and extend at a variety lengths. These leash devices are just a plastic casing that fits into the palm of your hand which has a control trigger that either releases the leash to extend up to a certain length. It can then be locked at the specific distance you select.

So, these types of leashes can really be a benefit for a variety of situations. However, for training purposes – a new puppy or even an adult dog – you need to buy a leash that can provide constant tension on your puppy’s neck.

Additionally, you should keep a very short distance between you and your dog, which is very difficult to do when using a retractable leash. When you have too much distance, your puppy will have no idea that you are even walking with him.

Last but not least, you should have steady leash pressure and release moments in order for the dog to understand the commands you are training him, for example, heeling. When you have a retractable leash, it can extend at different distances and be locked at a variety of levels. Your dog can become very frustrated as he perceives unfair and inconsistent corrections every time you change the length and lock it in place.