Spending time training your dog can be very rewarding and fun
for you both. It helps build a stronger bond between dog and owner that is important for the happiness of both
parties. There are many different types of training that you can choose to do with your dog, one such is agility
training.
Agility training is the process of teaching your dog to
successfully navigate an obstacle course. If the training is successful, your pet should be able to do it by
only listening to and obeying your commands. During an event, the dogs are timed and to win must not make any
mistakes and must have the fastest time. It takes a lot of practice for a dog to be successful at this, but can
be quite fun for both dog and trainer. This activity is especially good for dogs because it gives them a good
outlet for all the energy they seem to have.
Most experts recommend not starting agility training until
your dog is at least one year old, at least not to enter in a competition before that age. Many owners who train
their dogs to participate in these events will purchase their own equipment to have at home, so that they can
begin training the dog at an earlier age. Agility training equipment can be quite expensive, so some trainers
prefer to build their own equipment. Instructions can be found online and in books that should be available
either in your local library or bookstore. Owners should be careful to watch the dog for any signs of injury,
because occasionally working on agility training while the puppy is still growing will put a lot of strain on
joints and bones that are not fully conditioned yet. It is recommended to have your dog cleared by a
veterinarian before beginning any type of agility training.
The dog should also understand and obey basic commands before
beginning any other type of training. Any type of training helps dog and owner to build a better relationship
with each other, allowing them to work better and better together as time goes on. You should also work through
any behaviour or aggression issues your dog may have before considering agility training. The results will be
less satisfactory and take longer to achieve if the dog is also working through other issues.
Most dog owners that are serious about their dog competing in
agility competitions will enrol him in a training class, at least to help teach him the basics, then work with
the dog on their own to enhance what he has learned. Being in a class will also help your dog work on his
socialization, which will make him behave better around other dogs. Some breeds of dogs tend to want to fight
when around other dogs, especially those of the same gender.
The most important thing to remember is no matter what type
of training you do with your dog, you both should enjoy it. Spending time together will help build a better
bond, leading to a lasting relationship. Whether you want your dog to compete or not, the benefits for both you
and the dog are many.
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