Tuesday, February 27, 2007

 

The Build-up to Crufts for agility dogs

The build-up to Crufts is well under way. For all those agility clubs who have qualified to appear at Crufts, the excitement, and worry, is building... and building fast.

Yes, we are all looking forward to the show. And yes, it is a nerve-wracking time!

Performing to the optimum standard you know you can achieve is what every competitor hopes for. A below par round is what they dread. The handlers nerves will sometimes inspire a dog, others will pick up negative vibes from their handlers or even the atmosphere of excitement... and just because a dog performs well at club level, doesn't mean they will perform well on the big day.

All they can do is see that the dogs are kept at optimum fitness level through correct feeding and exercise... and hope that they can avoid injury... then just hope for the best!
 

Monday, February 26, 2007

 

The Kennel Club

The previous article included links to many National Kennel Clubs. If you search the websites for your own particular nation, you will find useful links to the different 'sports' somewhere within the site!

I'm afraid all the sites appear to be arranged differently, have different headings for items, and generally don't have a similar article arrangement... so you will have to do a 'search' using the particular keywords you require within your own national site. Some have headings for Agility or Flyball, some use Sports, still others use different terms, like Events.

But, once you have found the correct heading, you should be able to find a list of clubs within your country which deal with Dog Agility Training. So, should you be unable to find a club in your locality through personal recommendations... this is a particularly good substitute.

Clubs which are mentioned within the Kennel Club sites are, in most cases, Kennel Club approved. This is particularly good because it will mean certain standards have had to be passed and maintained.

This should give particular peace of mind on the all-important 'insurance' front!
 

Sunday, February 25, 2007

 

How to start your pet in dog Agility

So you have watched dog agility training and think your pet might enjoy it!

The first thing you must do is join a club. [I will add some useful addresses at the bottom of this article.]

If you need to travel to get to your nearest agility club... always remember the regulation rules for travelling with dogs... take plenty of water and a bowl, take plenty of treats [and food if that will become due whilst you are out], and take plenty of plastic bags to clean up after your pet. I'm sure I don't need to state the obvious about leaving your pet in a closed vehicle in sunny weather!

Once you have joined a club you will begin to practice with your pet... then I can guarantee you will never beat the sheer thrill you'll feel when your dog manages to pull it all together for the first time. This first success will represent a great deal of time and work from both you, and your dog. Now it is only onwards and upwards!

Before you consider joining in all the fun of agility you must have a totally reliable and obedient pet... we have links in our left-hand column to the best online training, and a link to the best book within our articles... should you require any help in this area.

Find information with regard to clubs which are local to you at the following links...

The Kennel Club, UK

The Kennel Club America

Australian Kennel Club

The Canadian Kennel Club

Irish Kennel Club

The Kennel Club Italy

Swedish Kennel Club

List of National Kennel Clubs... some not mentioned above
 

Saturday, February 24, 2007

 

Tips on Treats and Training

Right from the beginning when you first meet your dog, whether this meeting is as a young pup, or a rescue dog [of any age], trained or untrained... you must begin your own personal obedience training with the puppy/dog.

Obviously there will be great differences between 'training' a fully grown dog, a puppy, or a 'mentally scarred' rescue animal which has suffered previous cruel treatment.

Training time scales will be entirely different, as will what can be expected. But one thing should be consistent... you should act as leader of the pack!

Should you require further reading on becoming the leader using positive reinforcement training, I will add a link to a first-class book. I would recommend this book to all animal lovers.

It is a real boon in helping to understand ill-treated rescue dogs too.
You'll find the link at the bottom of this page... do check it out, I wouldn't be without it!


Basic obedience commands come first for the sake of your pets own safety, enjoying further activities [like dog agility training] together cannot be safely undertaken until you have control of your dog... and for all of this to occur your dog will need to recognise you as the leader of its pack, and will need total confidence in you as its leader [and boss].

Reward based training methods are the method of choice for handlers who want to get the best out of their companions.

Who would you want to return to, someone who shouted at you when you eventually returned, or someone who gave you a treat? And if you got a treat, wouldn't you return sooner next time?

Reward training works best for your dog and it will cement a lovely working relationship between you within a short period of time.

The next question which is often asked is... what form of reward or treat is best?

The answer, I'm afraid, is that there is no one 'one size fits all' answer to that question! All dogs are different, some are food motivated, some go for toys, others just love to go a walk, still others will love kind words and praise or being stroked, patted, and rubbed. For many though a bit of praise which is reinforced by a food treat is the ideal.

The only thing to bear in mind when using food as the reward is that you don't want your dog to get overweight... so take care in the selection of your treat food. It isn't wise to use dog biscuits or similar commercial treats - it is far better to go for something like cheese, liver, or sausage.

Choose something which it is practical and hygenic to carry around with you... I know of dogs who love baby tomatoes, and we had dogs who just loved blackberries, another who could never resist rosehips, and also a 'bananaholic'.



If you are looking for a video course, rather than a book, just look for the link to Dove Cresswells course, or for another highly recommended online course check out SitStayFetch... you'll find links to both courses in our left-hand margin. If you bought all three you'd be set up for life... and would soon be teaching other people yourself!
 

Friday, February 23, 2007

 

Basic obedience training... BEFORE dog agility training

My review of one of the courses which we recommend... Click Here! for Dove Cresswells Dog Training Online... a quick link for if you haven't got time to read the review!

Dove Cresswell is a professional Hollywood North dog trainer. She trains dogs and puppies for films, television, and commercials.

I'm sure you appreciate that you need to be a top trainer to get this type of job... time is money when filming, so the dogs need to perform perfectly for each 'take'. You need to know your stuff, and you need to get results FAST... after all, this is a dream job we are talking about here!

The course consists of lessons with sound and pictures - you can view a sample lesson free online when you check out the link at the end [or beginning] of this article. There are 7 lessons which include the all-important obedience training for dogs, and for puppies you won't want to miss the puppy house training/potty training video. You also get an invaluable bonus.

Amongst all the sensible advice on the website is included the caution to keep training sessions SHORT, to keep your pet interested... the well-being of your pet is a first priority.

I won't keep you from reading all the sensible free advice on the website much longer... but thought you would want to know that the course comes with a full guarantee AND a wonderful set of 8 bonus gifts, including valuable information on DOG SPORTS - Agility, Flyball and Rally Obedience.

To view the free video just Click Here! for Dove Cresswells Dog Training Online website and video.
 

Thursday, February 22, 2007

 

Injuries incurred whilst performing dog agility

To avoid injuries it is of vital importance that you join a club which can help your dog to perform their round without injuring him/herself.

Within your club they will work to improve the jumping style of all the dogs, and have training days from jumping experts... this can be a vital assistance, don't miss it!

There is a worldwide discussion which is raging with regard to jump height, and the bearing this has on jumping style and thereby on injuries. Nothing has been proven as to whether it is safer to set jumps higher or lower... and the discussion continues without any satisfactory conclusion.

Statistics have been used to try to prove both the theory that the higher the dog jumps, the safer it is, as they are travelling more slowly and have to be more precise in regard to the take off point, and the opposite theory... that it is safer for the dog to jump over lower obstacles. But, as with statistics always, the saying goes... there are lies, damned lies, and statistics.

Let us hope that some progress can be made to resolve this argument in the safest way possible for the competitors.

Evidently there is a tendency for anterior cruciate ligament injuries to occur in some dogs. Not only is this an excruciatingly painful injury for your pet, but in a large dog, it means an operation at a specialist vets where they have to break the dogs leg, alter the angle of the bone, and plate it.

It will mean six weeks of room confinement, with only trips to the garden on a lead for toilet purposes. Of course it will be difficult for them to move and stand at first... later they will be extremely bored!

It is a subject which we have had personal experience of... not from doing agility, but because of our rescue dogs mistreatment as a pup and young dog. He has had to have both back legs done... he is fine now, but it is definitely an injury to be avoided if at all possible!

Perhaps this is a good place to mention insurance! Hopefully you have pet insurance yourself, but, as with ALL insurance, do check out the exclusions. Insurers on the whole do manage to wangle themselves out of paying with boring regularity!

Do check that your club has the proper insurance for canine clubs and societies... ask about it, ask about injuries, mention cruciate ligament injuries - the cost of this operation is steep! Also make sure you, yourself, are fit and injury free and ready to begin this exciting new form of exercise [and fun] with your pet.

Another TIP which comes to mind with this talk of injuries, is, if your pet has to take tablets... find a way it can be enjoyable for them.

We had one dog who absolutely loved Marmite, he would take any tablet as long as it was covered in his favourite Marmite! Now we have a pet with thyroid trouble which means tablets daily... he isn't a Marmite fan, but we found he would take the tablets when covered in butter.

Although we can't quite believe it ourselves... he is brand specific [he will ignore all hard packet butters which are used for cakemaking] but more than this... he is a bit like that old advert 'You can't tell Stork from Butter'!

He can tell the difference between Lurpak in tubs and Morrisons own Danish Style butter... they both come in similar tubs. There was a period when the Morrisons brand wasn't in store... and he just didn't rush for the Lurpak; as soon as we got a tub of the Morrisons again he was there like a rocket for his tablets in the old manner. Even licking out the empty tubs was done without the enthusiasm when we had Lurpak. Secretly, I must admit I tend to agree with him... but we're still totally amazed!
 

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

 

Dog Agility... when, where, and how it first began.

This article returns to the beginning of dog agility training. It also, most importantly, deals with the safety aspects of the sport from the point of view of the dog.

Agility was first used as a 'side-show' [an extra, a time filler] to what were considered the main events. A way to fill in time between the judging of the individual breeds, then the group judging, leading up to the 'biggie', the best in show at Crufts. It was also a way to involve non-pedigree dogs and their owners in the show.

First seen in 1978 in England, interest has mushroomed so that now it is recognised almost worldwide, and has a devoted following of both competitors and spectators.

Improved courses, jumps, and other obstacles, plus better training have resulted in a far higher billing for the sport... rather than a fill in, it is now the main event for many devoted fans.

After all it is just SO exciting to watch - and it is also extremely captivating to watch a perfect partnership of 'man and dog' cover these complex courses with such true collaboration.

It is a way to bond with your dog as well as an enjoyable sport and a perfect way to keep fit.

If you watch the television coverage of the Crufts show you can also consider some of the other alternatives to showing your dog and straight obedience. Look out for the flyball too, an extremely fast team game, also heelwork and dancing to music, and don't forget the totally brilliant Mary Ray and her dancing collies... SO AMAZING. Worth watching again, and again, and again!

Clubs have sprung up all over the country. They are extremely friendly places, you will be made to feel truly welcome.

If you want to become involved in the sport, joining a club is a MUST. Clubs have all the proper equipment which is made and maintained to a high safety standard... this is vital for the safety of your dog.

You do not want your pet to be injured whilst it is supposed to be enjoying itself, therefore first class equipment is a must... but, more than that even, is the need for your pet to be taught to use the equipment properly, to perform the required elements of a dog agility course correctly. This training is vital in order to avoid any chance of an injury to your pet.
 

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!
 

Monday, February 19, 2007

 

LIST of Obstacles used for dog agility

The following is just a list of the obstacles which can be included in a full agility course held in accordance with Kennel Club rules in the UK.

You either want to know, need to know, feel you should know, or can just bookmark this page... just in case you ever need this list!

Should you know all about the Dog Agility Obstacles and want to skip reading this post... then rest assurred that there is no other information included within this article... so you won't miss out on different subjects or points which you may be searching for, within our collection of articles.

Now for the alphabetical list of obstacles...

A-frame [or ramp]

This consists of two broad diagonal panels with horizontal slats across them, to give the dog grip, and which are arranged in the shape of an A. The panels are painted a different colour towards the bottom of each side/end... this creates the compulsory 'contact point'. The dog has to climb and descend the A-frame, and must touch the contact area on both sides of the A, otherwise faults are given.

Cloth Tunnel

The cloth or collapsible tunnel has a rigid entrance which extends for approximately two feet. This gives way to a fabric extension which is several feet long, and which the dog has to push through.

Dog Walk

The dog walk consists of a long plank to ascend, a horizontal plank to go along [which is about 5 feet above the ground], followed by another plank to descend. The ascent and descent planks are painted like the ones of the A-frame, and the same compulsory contact points must be touched - or faults are given.

Jump

Jumps, or hurdles, consist of two wing sections supporting a pole or poles that the dog must jump over. As in showjumping, faults are incurred if the poles are knocked off.

Long Jump

Long jumps consist of several low wooden elements which are spaced a few inches apart and with a gradual height rise. Marker poles denote the corners.

Pause box

A pause box is an area measuring a minimum of four yards square. This area is normally indicated by four vertical poles. This is required for team relay events, or pairs trials.

Rigid Tunnel

The rigid tunnel is about two feet in diameter. It can be a variety of different lengths, and assembled in a variety of shapes.

See-saw

The seesaw, sometimes called the 'teeter' is a long plank with a central pivot which causes it to tip over as the dog goes over the middle point. There are compulsory contact points, as in the A-frame and Dog Walk, but in addition the dog MUST wait for the see-saw plank to touch the ground before it continues.

Spread

Spreads consist of two jumps which are placed closely together. The jump nearest to where the dog takes off will be LOWER than the second half of the jump.

Table

The table needs good control. The dog must come to a stop on the table [from a flat out run] and must remain in a down position on the table for a count of a certain number of seconds before continuing its round.

Tyre


The tyre consists of a metal frame with a tyre mounted into the frame, which the dog must jump through. Most tyres are fully height adjustable.

Wall

The wall consists of plastic 'bricks' [like the ones you will see in the puissance in showjumping] which are easily dislodged so the dogs will not hurt themselves.

Water Jump

There will be a standard 'jump' set between two troughs filled with water... the dog must jump the entire obstacle.

Weave Poles

Weave poles are wooden or plastic vertical poles of approximately three foot in height, they are spaced between 18" and 24" apart, and supported by a metal frame. There are usually twelve poles in a sequence. Your dog must enter from the right, with the first pole on his left, and must weave in and out of ALL the poles.

Wishing Well

The wishing well looks just like its name! It consists of a broad and deep wooden or plastic base, with a pole mounted above it, and with struts on each side which support the roof. It is often used as the last jump at finals like Crufts.

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Sunday, February 18, 2007

 

Natural remedies are NOT just for people!

What attracted me to the Dog Skin Solutions book in the first place was the mention of oatmeal for doggy dandruff!

Do you know that oatmeal [placed in a bag] is often recommended for people with eczema? They are advised to use it in the bath, partly as a water softener. I was aware of this natural remedy, so using it for dog skin problems attracted my attention.

The Dog Skin Solutions book has even been recommended by vets. The book comes with a generous full two month guarantee. What is more it could save your pet days of distress, and at the same time it will save you loads of money!

Included are bonus books on 'Coat Shedding', 'Home Remedies', and 'How to Save a Fortune of Pet Supplies'.

Check Dog Skin Solutions out at this link... Click Here! Dog Skin Solutions... before your next expensive trip to the vets.

Obviously, there are times, as the website cautions, when it is vital to consult your vet. This book does not try to replace your vet in any way. And natural remedies cannot treat everything. You need a good working relationship with your vet to preclude serious medical problems for your pets.

Click Here! Dog Skin Solutions
 

 

Article on fleas and ticks

[I thought the following informative article might prove useful to at least some readers of this blog.]

(NewsUSA) - Ask dog owners what they consider to be the most frustrating part of having a dog, and fleas and ticks will likely be high on the list.

From powders and sprays to dips and pills, the array of products available to combat these annoying insects can be a difficult road to navigate for even the most dedicated dog owner. But choosing the wrong product or applying it incorrectly can be dangerous.

“Dogs and cats have different needs, especially when it comes to flea and tick control, and applying the wrong product can be harmful to a pet,” said Dr. Jordan Siegel, technical services veterinarian for Wellmark International. “Some people are too busy to read the labels or they simply get products confused, particularly if they have more than one dog or cat.”

Wellmark International, located in Schaumburg, Ill., has created topical applicators designed to eliminate that confusion and make applying flea and tick treatment easier.

Zodiac Spot On is the company’s easy-to-apply monthly treatment that controls flea and tick infestations. Its Pet Specifix applicators feature cat-head shapes for felines and dog-bone shapes for canines to help pet owners keep track of the treatment they need for each pet. In addition, the applicators are color-coded to match pet weight ranges to help avoid accidental misapplication.

Because just one adult flea on a pet can lay up to 50 eggs a day, which can end up in a home’s carpet and furniture, it’s important to break the flea life cycle. Ticks can be more harmful than fleas because of their ability to spread Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and other infections to humans.

Here are some tips on applying flea and tick treatment:

* Don’t use a product on a species other than the one for which it is registered.

* Select products that contain both an adulticide and an insect growth regulator. This one-two punch will kill adult fleas and ticks while preventing flea eggs from maturing into breeding, biting adults.

* Read and follow all product label instructions.

* Treat all pets in the household, not just those with the flea problem.

* Institute an ongoing treatment and prevention program to avoid reinfestations.

For more information, visit www.zodiacpet.com or call (800) 950-4783.
 

 

How dog agility rounds are judged

First of all we need to mention that in dog agility, at least in the UK, dogs are divided into FOUR separate classes according to their heights.

After all, if you think about it, it would be hardly fair to expect a miniature toy type dog to jump the same height as say a Great Dane.

So the dogs are divided into those less than 12" tall, those under 16", those below 20", and any dog over 20" tall. Specific jump heights are set for each of these dog height divisions.

In this way, fair competition can be achieved for the tiniest toy dog, up to the tallest. UK Agility does, however, allow the handler the choice of jumping their dogs HIGHER than the jump height for which their particular dog qualifies and is eligible for. [Other countries have their own series of divisions and rules.] So once the jumps have been set to the correct height for the class, what else do we need to know?

The second item to remember is that it is the pairing, and/or team with the LEAST points/faults which wins. In some competitions there are, say, five members to each team, and the team are allowed to discard the worst round. The points from the remaining, say, four members are added together and that is the total... if that team has the lowest overall total, then they win.

All classes are judged 'against the clock'. Which means that there is a set time to complete the course, if a dog does not complete the course within the stipulated time allowed penalty points are added according to how many seconds they exceed the allotted time by.

One of the worst things which can happen is for a team member to be eliminated, this can put extreme pressure on the remaining team members to perform!

How can you get eliminated?

Well, it's rather similar to our showjumping analogy again! Refusing an element for a number of times, getting the course elements in the wrong order, or touching your dog will result in elimination. So be certain to know the course before you go out to do your round. You will always see showjumpers 'walk the course' before the competition begins... taking note of which is the best way to approach each element of the course, but also mentally noting anything within the course which may prove a problem. Sometimes the course may not be set out in a manner which allows an easy progression from element to element, and some competitors may get caught out, going in the wrong way/order, and thus being eliminated.

In dog agility, faults are incurred for knocking fences down, for not touching the compulsary contact points, for not waiting until the plank touches the ground on the see-saw, not staying down for the required amount of time on the table, and for what is called a 'refusal'. A refusal may be a genuine refusal where your dog loses confidence at the last minute and has to be encouraged to try again, or if you are not quick enough, your dog may not be sure which jump he/she is supposed to be doing and may circle around whilst waiting.

All competitors, both humans and dogs, need to be fit [and alert]! Once you have crossed the 'finish' line, the clock is stopped, and your total number of faults and time faults, if any are incurred, are added together... and, as previously mentioned, the lower the number the better.

When going for Kennel Club finals the amount of time allowed for your round will be extremely tight! This is to stop people trying to win by doing a clear round in a slow time.

Therefore, from a spectators point of view, you have a fast, furious, and extremely exciting competition to watch. And from a competitors point of view, dog agility is fast, furious, exciting yet nerve-wracking when you are competing in a final of a big competition... to sum it up, agility is compelling and addictive both for those who compete, and for those who watch too!
 

Saturday, February 17, 2007

 

CRUFTS Dog Show... what not to miss!

Crufts dog show is NOT just for pedigree dogs and owners... the last paragraph of this article lists a series of 'must see' highlights [both for TV viewers, and those who can visit in person] and dog agility is one of the top highlights for many people...

Crufts dog show is held each year in the early Spring [March] and is the pinnacle to which a pedigree dog and its owner strives for the whole of the previous year. To reach Crufts, qualifying points have to be achieved in accordance with kennel club rules, in a number of ranking shows. Dogs from all over the UK, plus many from overseas qualify for their particular breed and once qualified... the hard work begins all over again.

Each owner must get their dog to the peak of health, fitness, and breed standard at just the right time for the show. The dogs must be kept free from injury, away from fights, exercised correctly and groomed to perfection. Then it is a matter of finding a professional to 'show' the dog, or learning how to 'do it yourself' like a professional.

Each breed of dog is judged individually by a judge who specialises in that particular breed, although there are some judges who are 'all-rounders' and will be knowledgeable about many breeds. Once the top dog and bitch of that particular breed have been chosen, then one has to be picked as the best overall to represent that breed in the particular group to which they belong. Groups include... Gundogs, for example Spaniels, Pointers... Hounds, for example Bloodhounds, Greyhounds, Basset... Terriers, for example Fox Terriers, Bedlington... Toy Dogs, for example Maltese, Chihuahua... Working dogs, for example Newfoundland, Collies, St Bernard... Utility, for example Poodle, Dalmation and Bulldog.

I know that once the top dog in each individual breed reaches the Group Final it is supposed to be judged according to how well it matches its own breed standard... but there is such a diversity within each group, and a judge must surely have a preference for a particular type of dog... that the whole thing seems rather unfair to me!

Maybe it's because I am totally prejudiced in favour of larger dogs, short-haired dogs, and Rhodesian Ridgebacks in particular... they seem to have more personality, they can be idle, crafty, clever and wise, devoted to their families, and their own stomachs, to name just a few of their character traits!

But once we have 'gotten over' our disappointments on which breed represents our own particular favourite group... then remember there is SO much more to Crufts dog show, even when you don't attend it and just view the television coverage, than the Best of Breed, Group Champion, and then Show Champion.

The 'dancing dogs' and Mary Ray are always a highlight for me, such control! Then there are the obedience classes, and of course the speed and excitement of the Flyball, and who can forget the control and agility of the dogs [and owners] in the heats and finals of the Agility itself. If you can visit the show in person, then add on the stalls, 'pat dogs', guide dogs, and dogs for the disabled to your 'must visit' list!
 

 

Introducing Dog Agility

Quite simply, if you are looking for a fun activity to enjoy with your dog, in a friendly atmosphere, with lots of like-minded people, and, which has the added benefit of keeping both you and your pet fit - then surely dog agility training must come out near the top of your list! Once you have tried agility training - it can become seriously addictive.

For those who have absolutely no idea what dog agility training is, perhaps the best way to explain it is to make an analogy with show jumping where the horses have to jump over different types of obstacles, all in the correct order, and within a specific time limit.

Try it out, just for fun, at home with your pet to begin with - stick a few weave poles in your lawn [Sorry! I apologise to all lawn-proud gardeners in advance, but we can have dogs AND be dedicated gardeners too. I know it applies to me too] and see if your dogs enjoy it, or place a telephone directory on the lawn and see if they like to jump.

Do nothing more than that, your pets safety must come first... so you will both need professional training before you go any further. For full safety information please see our article entitled... 'Dog Agility... when, where and how it first began'.

Also please remember agility first requires that you be in complete control of your dog AT ALL TIMES, so basic obedience must come top of your list.

If you both enjoy doing agility, find a local club - you are sure to find someone amongst your local doggy people who knows where the local dog agility training takes place [failing that, try an internet search, or your local library, but a personal recommendation is always best... after all it could come with some useful tips]. Visit the club, or clubs, which are recommended, then decide which one you like and prefer... then why not join it? And who knows how far you might progress!

Should you and your pet progress well within your local club, you could in time represent your club in regional Agility Tests. Then, if the unimaginable happens and you win, your club team could go forward to national finals and it could even go on to compete at the Crufts Agility Trials in front of a huge, and growing, TV audience of the dog loving public - many of whom find the agility, flyball, obedience, etcetera, more rewarding to watch than the 'Main Event'!

That dream is for the top few pairings [of dog and owner] within the top clubs - and you don't have to aspire to those heights to get loads of fun and benefits from agility. Essentially pet agility training is a fun way to exercise for both pets and owners. It is an enjoyable and sociable sport, and a way of spending time with people who are on the same doggy wavelength.

You and your dog/dogs can go for weekends away together at agility club competitions. Many competitors have their own caravans, and attend regular meetings and camping sites, for the round of agility tests which are held year round at the various clubs countrywide.

This is just a basic introduction to what dog agility training entails. I am not going into detail on the ways rounds are judged or points awarded, nor will this introduction cover the different obstacles, and the need to touch the required contact points... we will leave all that, plus answering the often asked question of which breeds of dogs are suitable for agility to a later article.
 

Friday, February 16, 2007

 

Dog Agility Training... Welcome!

Welcome to the fun and fascinating world of dog agility training. Your pets will love dog agility training and I know you will too. We've included loads of free tips, news, and information for both newbies and seasoned dog agility training members alike.

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