Who wakes up one day and thinks it’s a good idea to put their dog on a balance beam? Maybe set up some tires he has to hop, leap, and jump across and then a tunnel he’s going to crawl through before he gets to something that looks like the teeter-totter from kindergarten?
No one.
You?
Ok, hotshot. We see you. You’re looking for ways to get active with your four-legged friend this spring, and strolling around the block isn’t going to cut it. The next option? Parkour! Well, maybe not. But is agility training the right fit for you and your dog?
What is Dog Agility?
Maybe you’ve seen it on TV? Or had your Nintendog compete virtually? Looks fun. Dogs zipping through tunnels, jumping over bars and through tires, weaving in and out of poles, climbing up A-frames, balancing on the teeter board and pause table. Added bonus? You’re going to get your steps in too as you run through the obstacles beside them, giving voice and hand commands to keep them on course.
If you have seen an agility dog in action, you know how impressive it is. Watching a skilled pup is like watching Serena Williams on the court, Wayne Gretzky on the ice, or what we imagine it was like watching Beethoven on the piano (the composer, not to be confused with our favorite Saint Bernard). They make it look effortless. You look at your dog; he isn’t exactly Serena. Your dog looks at you; you’re not exactly Gretzky. Fair enough.
Good news: neither of you needs to be a superstar to join the fun. A lot of local trainers offer beginner classes so you can both learn basic agility. The question isn’t, “Am I an elite caliber athlete?” or “Is my dog the next AKC Agility Champ?” It’s, “Can we have a great time, get some exercise, and enjoy the social time?” Yup!
Rewards of Agility Training
So, what’s in it for you? (And your dog, of course.) Fun, obviously. Also:
- Reinforce basic commands. Sit. Stay. Lie down. (The dog… Not you). Let’s face it: after teaching them, we might not practice the basics all the time. Commands are critical in keeping your pooch safe and making sure he has all the “what a good dog!” manners to score those treats. But the best part is they don’t realize they are “learning.” This is just fun. They start to associate your commands with a good time – and BOOM… game-changer on and off the obstacle course.
- Get in shape. Agility training is a great way to keep your pup healthy and on target with his weight. This way, you give him the best shot at a long and happy life. Bonus: You’ll get quite the workout as well. He needs you as much as you need him, you know.
- Tucker him right out. They say a tired dog is a happy dog. It’s true! Agility training targets the part of their brain that focuses on task completion. In other words, after a run through the obstacle course, they will feel as if they have done something productive. And they really have! It’s like when you conquer a tough challenge, physical, mental, or both. Feels good, doesn’t it? Same thing for your pet. You’ll likely find your pet is on his best behavior (or at least a lot better!). That he’s calmer and more confident. That he still snores like a freight train (one thing at a time), but he earned it
- Get some great socialization. (The dog… And you.) Going through the motions with other pets and owners is not only fun, but it is also an effective way to teach them to respond to the world around them in a non-reactive, non-aggressive way.
- Clock that quality time! He’s already your bestie, but you can really cement your bond by working and learning together.
Paws for a Moment: The Risks of Agility Training
Slow your roll, Champ. Agility is a physical sport, and like every other physical sport, there are some risks. Some of us have the uncanny talent for falling up stairs, tripping on even ground, or bumping our funny bones on every surface possible (not funny). Whether you’re full-on clumsy or kind of elegant and graceful, there is the chance you can take a misstep or fall.
Your dog faces the biggest risk – they’re doing most of the work, after all! Are they up for the challenge? Talk to their vet to make sure. You and your vet know your pet better than anyone. Are their bones mature and strong? Do they have any conditions that may make agility training more dangerous (e.g. old injuries, weak hips, heart issues, etc.)?
Weather also plays a role here: You don’t want a hot dog. If the temperature is soaring just like your pup over a jump, take breaks and hydrate him (and yourself). This is hard work, y’all.
Ready, Set, Go!
Get the all-clear from the vet? Weigh the risks? Have a heart-to-heart with Charlie and get his nod of approval? Great. Now all you have to do is… What? What do you do?
Check out your local dog parks! Lots of these free options will have great facilities for getting Charlie up and moving to find his inner-American Ninja Warrior. Be sure to start small, have fun, and let the dog explore while keeping safety in mind.
Search for trainers/facilities in your area. You’re looking for beginner agility training – and an instructor who is knowledgeable, experienced, patient, and of course, a natural when it comes to working with our four-legged friends. Ask them if they think that training is right for your dog’s breed, age, and size. Really, there’s no restriction based on these characteristics. It’s more about your pup as an individual. But it’s a good convo starter.
Found one that sounds right? Ask if you can watch a training session to see what really goes on. Think it’ll be a good fit for you and your pooch? Then… sign up and get to class!
You can also check out YouTube for tips and course ideas that you can try at home. With some simple equipment, you can have endless backyard fun. The kids will want to do it too. Why not?
Agile Athlete or Funtime Fluffball?
There are lots of great options for spending quality time with your dog and getting him the exercise, stimulation, socialization, attention, and fun he needs. If agility training sounds like a challenge you want to tackle, give it a try! He may turn into a competition-conquering champion… Or he may be the “last winner” on every course. Either way, you’ll build your bond, develop trust, and have an absolute blast. Plus, participation ribbons are just as good as 1st place.
