Career Dog Training
Agility dog training is specific training for the sport of dog
agility. The sport requires the dog handler to correctly
given time period. The sport began during the mid 1970’s
in the British Isle. It is frequently compared to equestrian
jumping events. Spectator numbers grew rapidly
throughout England until the sport spread throughout
Western Europe and North America. As a result the
demand for agility dog training has also greatly
increased.  In the US there are now several nationally
recognized agility dog organizations that provide rules,
policy, testing and competition events. These include the:

•        United States Dog Agility Association (USDAA)
•        United Kennel Club (UKC)
•        American Kennel Club (AKC)
•        North American Dog Agility Council (NADAC)

Agility dog training teaches dogs to negotiate several
more or less standard obstacles. Each agility dog
association has its own obstacle requirements but
basically they include A-frame, See-Saw, Dog Walk,
Tunnel or Pipe Tunnel, Collapsed Tunnel, Pause Table,
Hoop or Tire Jumps, Set of Weave Poles and crossbar
jumps. Passing through the obstacles quickly is not
enough to win an agility dog competition or trial. There
are various locations which the dog must contact over
the course. Failing to touch these contact or safety points
will result in a fault which adds time to the course time.
Handlers may give commands as needed but must not
touch the dog or any obstacle on the course as this will
also cause a fault to be assessed. The dog with the least
number of faults and fastest time will win the height/class
division of the competition. Well trained agility dogs really
enjoy a trial and this is easily observed by watching the
dog’s body language and demeanor. Agility is designed
to be fun for everyone especially the dogs. Most dog
respond well to agility dog training if done properly.

Prior to conducting any agility dog training a dog should
be trained in basic obedience training. This means the
dog must come immediately when called, be able to heel,
sit, down and whoa on command. The dog should also
be well socialized with people and other dogs as these
distractions will be common place during a trial. Also very
important is that the dog or puppy must enjoy playing
fetch and tug of war. Once these foundations are
complete then the real agility dog training can begin.
Initial agility dog training work begins by introducing the
dog to simple low obstacles. If at all possible this should
be done without a leash and electronic training collars.
Patience is the key in any dog training and of course it
should be fun for the dog as well. As training progresses
the dog will be gradually introduced to higher obstacles
and jumps. During this stage of the training process the
dog will need to be spotted to prevent falls.

Eventually the dog will gain the coordination and
confidence to negotiate the higher obstacles without a
spotter. A new training language will be learned by the
dog and its pace will be accelerated. Many dogs love the
challenge of the course and will naturally want to
increase its pace. Each dog must learn to correctly make
contact with each contact or safety point especially while
ascending and descending any obstacle. The dog
handler will really have to move quickly to keep up with a
well trained agility dog as they negotiate the obstacles. It
goes without saying that agility dog training never really
ends as courses and challenges change the training
must also change as well.

There are few things more enjoyable to watch then a well
trained agility dog. Agility dog training when done
properly will provide enjoyment to the spectator and it will
bring pride and joy to the owner and handler as well.

                     
Agility Dog Training
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