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How to Start Agility Training for Dogs

As a rule, agility training should start while the pet is still a puppy. Although it is always far easier to start training with much younger dogs, owners have successfully begin agility training with older dogs.

Puppies are more open since their learned behaviors are not deeply fixed into their routine.

However, the question of when is a dog too old to be considered for agility training is crtical whether to start training the pet. Being old varies widley from dog to dog as well as the depth of the innate and natural tendencies inborn to dogs. The attitude of the dog as much as that of the trainer is the secret to successful adaptation. A dedicated and patient owner results in a dog that learns better. In short, there is no cutoff age at which the dog should not be entered for agility training, everything is decided on a case by case basis.

There are several approaches to start agility training for dogs:

Physical exercise

The first step in agility training begins with physical exercises. If the handler can focus his time and effort on training the dog, the age is  not as important as the physical conditioning of the pet. Simple exercises like jumping or hopping may agitate the dog and encourage him to move a little bit. For puppies, these exercises are much easier to do since they naturally have much more energy.

Turn Training into Playtime

The easiest approach to agility training for puppies is to turn the exercises into a series of games. The majority of puppies are capable of passing through tunnels and chutes.

Take advantage of this opportunity and turn the tunnels, obstacles, and training area into a huge play ground. This approach will create a fun and positive atmosphere on him which will also prepare him for future training.

Keep it short

Dogs do not develop a passion for these activities just for the fun of it. But dogs do have an inborn desire to please their maseters. Basically, they are not particularly interested unless they are rewarded for good performance. Their attention span is also very limited so it is not reaasonable for extended daily training. Divide each exercise into smaller sessions that the dog can easily understand. Also never end on a negative note. If possible, try to finish each exercise session with praise and a reward.

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