Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Which breeds of dog are suited to dog agility?
In fact any dog could potentially do agility training, as long as it recognises its owner as the 'alpha leader of its pack', and thus obeys the commands which the owner gives.
Quite simply to do dog agility training a dog MUST be totally obedient. [See recommendations at the bottom of this post.]
After this requirement is met, the only other requirements are a willingness to please, and a dog breed which does not get 'bored' when asked to repeat certain actions again and again. If you have a high energy dog who loves to please then give it a try! Most dogs will enjoy the experience.
People often think, wrongly, that you have to have a collie of some sort to do agility. Yes, collies normally love agility... they are a working dog and do not take well to a sedentary life, becoming problem animals in some cases, so agility could be ideal for them. They are fast, agile, and full of energy.
But do not discount other breeds, including Heinz 57! As long as your dog is registered with the Kennel Club on either the Breed Register or the Activity Register they can take part.
It was with the thought in mind, that dogs of different sizes want to enjoy agility, that the jump heights were created to suit dogs of different heights. So the four [in the UK] jump heights were decided upon... they cater for dogs of less than 12" up to dogs over 20". The UK jump heights are 12", 15", 24" and 30".
So no matter whether you have a toy breed or a Great Dane, there is an appropriate jump height for your dog. Your dog may not be the fastest, or jump a clear round, but it is a brilliant form of exercise for both you and your pet and as long as your pet actually ENJOYS it... what does it matter that it may not ever win a first prize?
Find out where you can go and watch some club agility, and watch agility on the TV, see the different breeds which take part. Go to a club and ask some questions. Find out all you can.
It is a fascinating hobby and you will meet owners of different breeds who will answer any queries you may have. It is a truly friendly circuit where everyone will welcome newcomers to the agility fold and offer as much encouragement as you could possibly wish to receive. Just give it a try!
Should you think that you need to sort out any obedience problems before you actually join in the fun... I can recommend two very different, but complementary 'obedience courses' which you can review online... Click Here! for Dove Cresswells Dog Training Online. She is a trainer of many 'star' dogs - this is a course of videos, and there is a free video for you to view if you click the above link.
For the other course... Click Here! SitStayFetch: Dog Training To Stop Your Dogs Behavior Problems... dog [or should I say owner] training done the correct way, with you, the owner, as alpha dog! It comes with a 60 day guarantee, but I guarantee you won't use it!
Do read some of the testimonials... not your normal rubbish, but real, from the heart, stories of success, against the odds, and with true gratitude and relief that they have at long last found a book which actually works!
Quite simply to do dog agility training a dog MUST be totally obedient. [See recommendations at the bottom of this post.]
After this requirement is met, the only other requirements are a willingness to please, and a dog breed which does not get 'bored' when asked to repeat certain actions again and again. If you have a high energy dog who loves to please then give it a try! Most dogs will enjoy the experience.
People often think, wrongly, that you have to have a collie of some sort to do agility. Yes, collies normally love agility... they are a working dog and do not take well to a sedentary life, becoming problem animals in some cases, so agility could be ideal for them. They are fast, agile, and full of energy.
But do not discount other breeds, including Heinz 57! As long as your dog is registered with the Kennel Club on either the Breed Register or the Activity Register they can take part.
It was with the thought in mind, that dogs of different sizes want to enjoy agility, that the jump heights were created to suit dogs of different heights. So the four [in the UK] jump heights were decided upon... they cater for dogs of less than 12" up to dogs over 20". The UK jump heights are 12", 15", 24" and 30".
So no matter whether you have a toy breed or a Great Dane, there is an appropriate jump height for your dog. Your dog may not be the fastest, or jump a clear round, but it is a brilliant form of exercise for both you and your pet and as long as your pet actually ENJOYS it... what does it matter that it may not ever win a first prize?
Find out where you can go and watch some club agility, and watch agility on the TV, see the different breeds which take part. Go to a club and ask some questions. Find out all you can.
It is a fascinating hobby and you will meet owners of different breeds who will answer any queries you may have. It is a truly friendly circuit where everyone will welcome newcomers to the agility fold and offer as much encouragement as you could possibly wish to receive. Just give it a try!
Should you think that you need to sort out any obedience problems before you actually join in the fun... I can recommend two very different, but complementary 'obedience courses' which you can review online... Click Here! for Dove Cresswells Dog Training Online. She is a trainer of many 'star' dogs - this is a course of videos, and there is a free video for you to view if you click the above link.
For the other course... Click Here! SitStayFetch: Dog Training To Stop Your Dogs Behavior Problems... dog [or should I say owner] training done the correct way, with you, the owner, as alpha dog! It comes with a 60 day guarantee, but I guarantee you won't use it!
Do read some of the testimonials... not your normal rubbish, but real, from the heart, stories of success, against the odds, and with true gratitude and relief that they have at long last found a book which actually works!
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