When you watch a dog agility competition, the dogs are having a fantastic time, zooming around the course. They love the challenge of navigating all of those obstacles and also enjoy all of the admiration and praise that comes along with a job well done. Most people probably mistakenly think that only certain breeds, sizes and temperaments of dogs will excel at dog agility, but this is definitely not the case.
If you have a timid dog, you might think that agility training is something that your furry friend cannot handle. However, this type of training can actually build up the confidence of a dog that is shy around other dogs or people. A happy-go-lucky dog that is full of confidence and vigor might really enjoy dog agility training is a public setting such as at a local agility club. Your shyer dog, however, might feel more comfortable training at home.
Even if you have a smaller yard, you probably can fit at least one piece of dog agility equipment and a great piece to start with is the pause table. Begin by simply leaving the table in your yard or even your living room and just let your dog get used to the obstacle and sniff it. Purchase the adjustable type of pause table and keep it low to the ground at first so that it is less intimidating. Place a favorite treat or perhaps a beloved toy in the middle of the table and gently encourage your dog to get on top of the table. Be patient, as this could take time and you might have to try for several days before you have your first success.
After your dog is comfortable jumping on the table and has learned how to sit down and stay on the pause table for many seconds with you standing away from the table, you should consider adding some more equipment. A contact trainer, such as those sold by Carlson Agility, can be a great addition. This has a pause table in the middle and is flanked on one side by a mini A-frame and on the other by a mini dog walk. In general, miniature-sized agility equipment is an excellent training tool for shy dogs as well as for puppies and smaller breeds of dogs. In addition to the contact training, you can find agility dog jumps, dog tunnels, tire jumps, weaves and much more at Carlson Agility. So once your dog has mastered a new obstacle, simply add something new.
Once your dog has mastered the contact trainer and pause table, you probably will notice that they definitely have gained some confidence and have a spring their step. You can continue to add pieces of equipment until they have mastered a wide variety of tasks. You can continue with the miniature sized equipment, which can be less intimidating and also fits more easily into your yard, basement or family room. If they are ready for a bigger challenge, you can join a local agility club and see how they handle the mix of dogs and the larger equipment. If your dog still prefers working out at home, keep up with the training and try again when they seem more confident.
Not only does this type of training boost confidence, it's also a great form of exercise for your furry friend, who needs to get outside and run around every day. Working closely together to learn these new skills also strengthens your bond, and the two of you will become even closer through agility training.
If you have a timid dog, you might think that agility training is something that your furry friend cannot handle. However, this type of training can actually build up the confidence of a dog that is shy around other dogs or people. A happy-go-lucky dog that is full of confidence and vigor might really enjoy dog agility training is a public setting such as at a local agility club. Your shyer dog, however, might feel more comfortable training at home.
Even if you have a smaller yard, you probably can fit at least one piece of dog agility equipment and a great piece to start with is the pause table. Begin by simply leaving the table in your yard or even your living room and just let your dog get used to the obstacle and sniff it. Purchase the adjustable type of pause table and keep it low to the ground at first so that it is less intimidating. Place a favorite treat or perhaps a beloved toy in the middle of the table and gently encourage your dog to get on top of the table. Be patient, as this could take time and you might have to try for several days before you have your first success.
After your dog is comfortable jumping on the table and has learned how to sit down and stay on the pause table for many seconds with you standing away from the table, you should consider adding some more equipment. A contact trainer, such as those sold by Carlson Agility, can be a great addition. This has a pause table in the middle and is flanked on one side by a mini A-frame and on the other by a mini dog walk. In general, miniature-sized agility equipment is an excellent training tool for shy dogs as well as for puppies and smaller breeds of dogs. In addition to the contact training, you can find agility dog jumps, dog tunnels, tire jumps, weaves and much more at Carlson Agility. So once your dog has mastered a new obstacle, simply add something new.
Once your dog has mastered the contact trainer and pause table, you probably will notice that they definitely have gained some confidence and have a spring their step. You can continue to add pieces of equipment until they have mastered a wide variety of tasks. You can continue with the miniature sized equipment, which can be less intimidating and also fits more easily into your yard, basement or family room. If they are ready for a bigger challenge, you can join a local agility club and see how they handle the mix of dogs and the larger equipment. If your dog still prefers working out at home, keep up with the training and try again when they seem more confident.
Not only does this type of training boost confidence, it's also a great form of exercise for your furry friend, who needs to get outside and run around every day. Working closely together to learn these new skills also strengthens your bond, and the two of you will become even closer through agility training.
About the Author:
Cheng Bernhardt loves dog agility training. To find a dog agility course, or to find further about training equipment for agility for dogs, please check out the Carlson Agility site today.
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