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Train your dog for dog agility

Dog agility is a high-energy sport that involves navigating an obstacle course of jumps, ramps, tunnels and weave poles while racing against the clock. It can strengthen the bond between you and your dog and provide both of you with exercise.

Is this the right activity for your dog (and you)?

  • Assess first that your dog will be comfortable doing this type of activity. Your training should always be based on positivity and incentives either through treats, food or favourite toys.
  • The age of the dog is key. At the beginner level, young dogs would need to be 12 months old and some larger breeds even 18 months.
  • It is difficult to specify about breeds but some are obviously more suited than others and they do need athletic bodies. Dogs that have been bred for a work environment like collies and cocker spaniels fit the bill but others like shelties, Jack Russell terriers and poodles are known to do well. Large animals like labradors, retrievers and the Belgian Malinois used by police forces are also seen at competitions.
  • Also take into account the build and fitness of the dog. They need to be the correct weight for their breed, have good lung capacity and general stamina. They need to enjoy exercise, be able to pick up commands and be comfortable in all weather conditions. 
  • Make sure the dog is happy to work on grass, sand and artificial surfaces and has good core strength. It will need to build up its agility so it can negotiate obstacles often while twisting and turning and changing direction quickly and frequently.

Making a start:

  • The first essential part of any training is to make sure that you and the dog can interact. Is it obedient and does it respond readily to instructions? Spend some time in the home environment working on this. 
  • Teach the dog to touch the hand, sit, wait/stay, lie down and then come on command. All the time give a reward when instructions are followed. Be patient and allow time through repetition for commands to be understood.

Foundation stage:

  • You need more space now so, with an adult, change the location to use a park or local field, somewhere that is dog friendly and where the dog is used to. Now you can introduce the dog to some basic agility activity. Reward each time a task is completed. You could use small items of food, treats or contact with a favourite toy.
  • Sit the dog some distance away and instruct them to wait while you walk away. Then use a release cue word like ‘OK’ or ‘Come’ so they return to you. Gradually increase the distance as they become more confident.
  • Get the dog to run round an obstacle and then return to you. You could improvise using a cone, a chair, a barrel or a bench, or there may even be a convenient row of trees that you can use in the park. Build up the distance involved over time.
  • Accustom the dog to run through tunnels. Start simply by using hoops and move on to improvised tunnels. They can be bought cheaply or try using a large box open at both ends or a blanket draped over the backs of chairs.
  • With a treat in your fist ready to reward them, teach the dog to spin to the right and to the left and use the term ‘middle’ to get them to move between your legs.
  • Jumping obstacles should be introduced very gradually. Start with a series of poles or flat sticks laid on the ground so the dog can step over them easily. Upturned lengths of guttering can also be used to increase the height a little more. Avoid canes balanced between two supports as these can fly off in any direction if touched.
  • Help your dog become used to walking on ramps and see-saws by encouraging them to stand on different surfaces and then later on, use specially made dog wobble boards.
  • You may eventually reach the stage where you and your dog run through a simple course of some of the obstacles mentioned above. You will need to guide them round, directing them to the piece of apparatus they need to tackle next.

Next steps:

  • If you feel your dog is ready and able to move forward you might want to attend a special dog agility training class. (They often have ‘taster’ sessions.) Or ask an expert to watch your dog and give their advice.
  • If things are going well, maybe it’s time to invest in some of your own basic equipment. Start slowly and gradually add items when the dog is ready. Shop around and see which provide the best value. Online courses can also be helpful.
  • Find out where and when a local agility competition is taking place. Then you can see how it’s done. Watch carefully how the dogs perform and the important part the handler plays in the whole process. While there, the dog will also experience being in an environment with large numbers of people and dogs.

Foot (sorry Pawnote):

Sarah Thomas is an experienced agility dog trainer and teacher and has taken part in competitions all over the country. She competed at Crufts with her whippet, Vinyasa. She has been the owner of a wide range of dogs including a lurcher, a cocker spaniel, a collie and rescued podencos – a type of warren hound from Spain.

Dog agility training

If you enjoyed this brilliant blog, then why not think about a subscription to AQUILA magazine! 

Written by Sarah Thomas and John Davis. 

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