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Agility Training with
Jon Hoadley
Jon Hoadley with
Shadow - 2005 ASCA Overall Veteran Agility Champion
Why do
agility with my dog?
Agility is
beneficial for both dog and owner: it builds a strong dog-owner bond,
provides intellectual stimulation and an energy outlet for the dog, and
helps both dog and owner keep in good physical condition. Agility can also
help build confidence in a fearful dog. People are attracted to agility for
a wide variety of reasons. Some simply want to spend some "quality time"
with their dog; doing something that's fun while others enjoy taking part in
agility shows. Simply
put, Agility is the most fun you can share with your dog!
In its
recreational form, Agility is like a visit to a doggy amusement park,
providing an outlet for your dog’s excess energy and a fun way to spend some
free time with your canine companion. In its competitive form, Agility is
the up-and-coming dog sport in which dogs compete for speed and accuracy as
they traverse a maze of obstacles. Racing against the clock, dogs jump
through tires, zip through tunnels, scale a tall A-frame, traverse a narrow
"dog walk," negotiate a see-saw, zigzag through closely spaced, upright
poles and soar over a variety of challenging jumps - all at blinding speed.
The only thing
that's more fun than watching dogs do agility, is doing it with your own
dog! That's why we are here; Canine Clubhouse can help you and your dog
enjoy agility in a safe and controlled environment.
Do
I have to be an athlete to do agility with my dog?
No, but
physical fitness is helpful and one of the bonuses of doing agility.
What kinds of dogs can participate?
Any dog in good
physical condition, regardless of pedigree. If you have a mixed breed (or
All-American, as mixed breeds are often called in agility circles) and are
interested in competing, ASCA, CPE, NADAC and USDAA trials are common in the
New England area and allow All-Americans.
What about puppies?
Puppies'
growing structures are vulnerable to injury, so weave poles and full height
jumping should be delayed until your puppy has reached physical maturity.
Puppies can learn to do tunnels and down-sized versions of the dog walk and
teeter. In addition, there are many obedience and teamwork exercises you can
do away from the obstacles that will lay the groundwork for a successful
agility career.
Can
an older dog learn to do agility?
Many dogs
continue to do agility, for fun or competition, well into their senior
years. If your vet has verified that your dog is physically sound, there's
no reason why your dog shouldn't learn agility. If you're interested in
competing with your older dog, some organizations have special classes that
allow your dog to jump at a lower height, and/or extra time to finish the
course.
How
often do I have to train my dog?
Your dog doesn't
need to be drilled for hours a day; in fact, this type of endless training
is often counter-productive. Training sessions should be kept short and fun
for the dog. Many successful competitors practice on contact equipment only
once or twice a week in a formal class setting; they may practice
directional control, jumping, and weave poles on their own outside of class.
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