agility qualifications
 

what would one do to prepare thier dog for agility? i know my guy needs socialization, to get use to other dogs and noise and distraction ect.. but beyond that. does he need to be a ceratin age, weight, purebred ???

thank you

Nope, agility is available for all dogs of all breeds, mixes, whatever. They do need to be 1 year of age to ensure growth plates are closed and they should be at a good weight. It can be strenuous as it's a lot of up/down, runs, tunnels, etc.

Alot of agility classes require that the dog had taken a basic obedience class first but my local class did not require that since it was just an "agility for fun" (not for competing) class. They should have basic knowledge and a basic communication built between dog/owner because the dog will be having to take direction from you and work as a team. Sit and Stay would be two good ones to practice ahead of time.

But other than that, agility is a BLAST! So much fun for both owner and dog. It definitely helped build Jackson's confidence and we plan on taking our second class this summer.

Brittany,
I'm also interested in agility for Zoe. If she's tiny (under 3 lbs) is it still a possibility do you think?

yes, jobi needs to learn some confidence i don't have any history on him as he is a rescue. he was from ohio shelter who said the owners turned him in matted to the skin. he was afraid of people so they were going to put him to sleep. anyway, one day about 2 months after i got him,(4 months ago) i started giving him commands just to see where he was at. and can you beleive that brat knew how to sit, down, up, and paw. but he will not come when i call because he thinks it is a game and likes to run from me. he is afarid of other dogs and noises, so i hope agility will help him out. :) i saw your you tube channel, omg he is adorable, how many hours do you spend a day training or playing?

thank you

I started my IG puppy in agility at about nine months old. She will be in the 16 inch jump height, but for training, I've kept all the jumps at 8 and 12 inches. AKC doesn't allow dogs to compete until they are 12 months old and USDAA is 18 mos old. There's lot's of things you can do to get a puppy ready for agility from jumping poles on the ground to getting use to having something move under foot, like a wobble board.

I was very iffy about starting Lizzy (YT) in agility. She was not socialized at all before I got her and had no training at nine months. She does not like other people or other dogs. She is very snippy with other dogs and fearful. I really didn't know if she could work through her issues. Happily she could and she has become a great little agility dog. She is very fast, willing to learn and confident in agility. She is a momma's girl and I was worried she wouldn't work away from me, but again, she has surprised me and will go out for an obstacle. Her arrival in my home took the place of the agility puppy I had been dreaming of, but she was the youngest and only dog I had to train in the house. Her number, so to speak, came up. I really enjoy training her and running her.

I would absolutely give agility a try. It is so positive and so much fun. It's a great way to strengthen your bond with your dog. For great information about agility go to www.cleanrun.com

[QUOTE=Lizzie07;3468163]I
I was very iffy about starting Lizzy (YT) in agility. She was not socialized at all before I got her and had no training at nine months. She does not like other people or other dogs. She is very snippy with other dogs and fearful. I really didn't know if she could work through her issues. Happily she could and she has become a great little agility dog. She is very fast, willing to learn and confident in agility.

very encouraging, thank you. glad to see it helped her become more confident. jobi is already two, and i hope it is not too late for him, i don't think so cause he is a little devil and is always up to something. i will look around in my area for training.. i trained my first yorkie myself by just reading books, but jobi is a handful. i think i need some group support lol

I really want Brooke Lynn to do some recreational agility to help her confidence. We're doing basic obedience now.

I had a poodle in the past - the love of my life - Butch Poodle - and we took recreational agility - she LOVED it! When we repeated the class for fun, she was all high and mighty and wanted to show the newbies how to do it. Very fun.

This post has been reported

what post was reported? you mean the subject was not allowed?
this was last year, but i need to remember all the rules.:)

The post before yours. I missed it myself.