Woofs & Wags

Jump into Agility Action!

2nd October, 2009 - Posted by Kat Martin - No Comments

Looking for a fun new way to spend quality time with your pooch pal? Leap into agility training!

Agility is a canine sport that has been gaining in popularity since it’s inception in the United Kingdom the 1970’s. It involves a guardian (commonly referred to as a handler) directing his or her dog through a series of obstacles that may include tunnels, bar jumps, teeters and A-frames. While agility first began as a competitive sport and remains so to this day, it is also a fantastic way to strengthen your bond with your canine companion and to also build your pup’s confidence.

The sport is beneficial in many ways. Training in agility helps you learn to communicate better with your pooch pal and, in turn, your dog will begin to listen more closely and will be more attentive when you speak. It’s also a great way to exercise your pooch for good health. And when dogs with high energy begin to pay attention and listen, they can then channel that energy to running the course rather than just running amuck. After all, a great combination of mental and physical stimulation is the key to a tired pooch—which is the key to a happy one!

While I teach a variety of training classes, I have to admit that teaching agility is my favorite. Besides the fact that everyone is having so much fun, I love to see people and dogs actually start to become teammates. In agility, everyone has fun!

I have also witnessed how agility work can make such a significant positive difference for fearful or anxious dogs. I’ve seen it time and time again. Dogs will come into the class with their tails tucked and their ears back, looking ever so uncertain about this new place and all these unfamiliar obstacles. Yet, once we encourage them to face the course (and throw little praise parties for them when they do!), it doesn’t take long for the tails to perk up. And, after a while, the once-nervous pooch begins to bound through the activities with a newfound confidence and enthusiasm that carries through into other aspects of his life as well.

If you would like to try agility with your four-legged friend, keep in mind these tips:

• Your dog should never be forced to perform an obstacle. Always let him go at a pace with which he is comfortable. After all, agility is about fun, not fear!

• Keep all obstacles and jumps low in the beginning. We start with the jump bars on the ground for many dogs, and pups 15 months or younger should never do any high jumping, as their bones are still forming.

• Things like tunnels and the teeter can be frightening for some dogs. Be patient and continue to make these obstacles fun for your pooch by providing lots of praise and treats. Eventually, she won’t be able to wait to run them at your side!

Fortunately, there are several places to experience agility action with your dog throughout Middle Tennessee. In fact, you can even get in some practice time on the equipment at Franklin’s very own Maggie’s Bark Park, located just behind Williamson County Animal Control. Check out the resources below, then get up and running with your canine friend. It will go a long way toward keeping you both healthy and happy together!

ADDITIONAL AGILITY RESOURCES

Dogs & Kat Training (dogsandkat.com)

Aerial Aces Agility (aerialacesagility.com)

K9 Sports of TN Agility Club (k9sportstn.com)

Leaps & Bounds Dog Agility (landbdogagility.com)

Murfreesboro Obedience Training Club (murfreesborodogtraining.com)

Nashville Dog Training Club (nashvilledog.com)

PawsAbilities (pawsabilitiestn.com)