If you’re reading this post, you probably have spent some time toying with the idea of entering the world of dog agility. For those still pondering whether or not dog agility is the right fit for you and your dog, let us tempt you with a few reasons to join in on the fun and start agility training.
1. Dog Agility Provides Exercise
One of the best reasons to start up a dog agility program is to provide exercise for your pooch. Dogs need exercise just as much as humans do, and if your canine companion tends to spend their days lazing away on a cushion or sitting beside the window luxuriating in a sunbeam, dog agility can add a bit of activity to their sedentary life. Additionally, dog agility exercises just about every part of a dog’s body and builds strength and stamina. If you have a dog that needs to lose a few pounds, using dog training equipment can be a fun way to burn off that extra fat.
2. Dog Agility Is Engaging
For most dogs, the daily exercise routine includes a daily walk or two and perhaps some fun tossing around a ball or playing tug. While these are fantastic ways to exercise your dog, using dog training equipment and agility training provides a unique form of exercise that dogs adore. Dashing through a tunnel or soaring over a jump mimic the ancient days when dogs roamed the forest in search of prey.
3. Benefits For Handlers/Trainers
Of course, while dog agility provides plenty of activity for our furry friends, handlers also enjoy their share of exercise. Running alongside your pet and leading them in and out of obstacles burns calories for you, as well. Dog agility is truly a sport for both the trainer and the dog, so you will notice that your own physical condition will improve as you lead your dog through training sessions.
4. Build The Bond
If you have a puppy or perhaps a new rescue dog or perhaps you just don’t feel fully bonded to your dog, agility training can be the perfect way to enhance your relationship. In one sense, it’s the extra time you spend together that will bring your dog closer to you. But learning how to work together as you use the dog training equipment will allow you to learn more about your dog’s unique personality. You will learn the best ways to respond to your dog’s needs and the best ways to motivate your dog during training. As you become more in tune with one another, your dog will have more trust in you, and strengthening your relationship is one of the most magical aspects of dog agility training.
5. Increase Obedience
When a dog attends an agility competition, he or she will be running the course off-leash and often without a collar. These competitions also provide plenty of distractions as there are tons of people and other dogs milling about. So, your dog will need to be exceptionally well behaved. If your dog is not yet a perfect lady or gentleman, after a few weeks of agility training, you definitely will notice an improvement in behavior. You can use the pause table to teach some obedience basics, such as sit, stay and lay down, and with distance training, you can ensure that your dog obeys your commands even if you are several feet away.
6. Busting Boredom
Aside from not being taught obedience skills, one of the main reasons why dogs misbehave is due to boredom and inactivity. When a dog becomes bored, they can be destructive, perhaps chewing on shoes or furniture or other items in the house. However, a good dose of agility training can provide them with enough exercise and engagement to prevent boredom. Spending time zipping around your yard using dog training equipment expends plenty of energy, and you dog will be more content to enjoy some downtime if they also enjoy daily exercise.
7. Agility Increases Confidence
If you have a dog that is a bit timid, using dog training equipment can be a fantastic way to improve their overall confidence level. You might need to be a bit more patient and spend a bit more time learning each piece of dog training equipment, but you will be amazed as your timid dog eventually zooms up and down the a-frame, across the teeter and through the tunnel, taking in jumps along the way. If you have a child or teenager that lacks confidence, allowing them to train as a handler also can be a great way to boost their confidence, as well. There are many junior handling programs around the country, and a quick internet search can help you find a program in your area.
8. Build Friendships
While improving the bond between you and your dog is a huge perk that you’ll enjoy with dog agility, you also will meet many friends as you participate in this sport. You are sure to make friends by joining an agility club and attending competitions. Joining an agility group can be a great way to make friends if you have moved to a new town or just wish to increase your social circle.
9. Agility Is Fun
Dogs love agility and so do their humans. If you are simply looking for a way to liven up your life and have some fun, dog agility can be a perfect option. Even if you never compete, you can enjoy backyard agility fun as well as the fun of participating at a local agility club. We all need a bit more fun in our lives, and agility is all about fun.
If you are ready to get started with dog agility, take a look at our huge selection of dog training equipment. We have everything you might need for training, including all types of jumps, teeters, a-frames, dog walks, tunnels & chutes, pause tables, weaves, tire jumps and more. We even have mini dog training equipment, which is ideal for puppy training or for smaller dogs or even a larger dog that is a bit timid. Our handy starter kits are a great option for those getting their feet (or paws) wet in the world of dog agility, and we have eight different starter kits available.
In addition to dog agility equipment, we also sell other types of dog training equipment on our site. This includes our selection of cross-fit training equipment for dogs as well as helpful training tools such as a buja board, training hoops and guide wires. If you have any questions regarding any of our items, don’t hesitate to send us an email today to brad@carlson-agility.com.
