Agility Training I was hoping that some of you who have agility dogs or have considered it could tell me some things to be aware of. I'm thinking of getting Bella Mia into a class or setting up a session for her, but I know SO little about it all. She's great at obedience training and we are fixing to start her intermediate course. I was thinking of starting the training at the end of summer or beginning of the fall. She's a year old now and doesn't appear to have any disabilities or abnormalities (I would still clear this with her vet before starting). Is there anything else I need to know? When is the best age to start? That type of stuff... |
I know nothing.. lol.. but i just want to bump this for you and I'm interested in the answer as well :) |
My dog Max started when he was a puppy (a puppy agility class). He's now two and will, hopefully, start competing this year. A good class would be your best bet. Also be aware that, for the teeter-totter, there is a minimum weight limit (or else the teeter won't totter :) ) I'm not sure, but I THINK it was 5 pounds. Ultimately, I think your dog will let you know if it enjoys the sport or not. Try it and have fun! |
I start my puppies on many things at 16 weeks usually- but no jumping or weaves until 12 mos for a small dog (older for a big dog). Before taking a class I want to have a good recall and a dog that has been trained to sit and down, and that is generally attentive. That you have had a beginner obedience class is great and with that she is probably ready to start agility training. For AKC agility the teeter is to tip in 3 seconds with a 2 lb weight- it just goes slower with my 4 lb girl than with my bigger dogs (6-7 lbs). |
Thanks for the feedback! I was wondering though, do you think it would be good or detrimental to get a few things for my home before the class starts (like a tunnel or something). I can see some pros (would be used to going through the dark tunnel already) and some cons (would get too used to my little tunnel and not the normal one). Having done agility, what would be your opinion? Also, in the future, my husband wants a Great Dane. I was wondering if I could get equipment (full sized of course) that would work for both my little Yorkie and the fully grown Dane. Are they the same obstacles, or would that be two different sets? |
I would start the class first, then see what she has problems with. Being a terrier, she might love the tunnel. |
The obstacles are, for the most part, the same for all breeds. The only change is the height of the jumps (on the same equipment) and the table they use for the down. |
A child's tunnel from a toy store is a good idea. I put big pieces of PVC elbows etc in my whelping boxes so you can never start low impact stuff too early. Another cheap and easy thing to make is to get a 3 x 3 piece of plywood and with a long bolt screw a tennis ball into the center. Paint the top (you might sprinkle sand on it between paint layers to make it rough). Put it tennis ball side down and voila a "wobble board", a good introduction to the feeling of the teeter. The equipment is all the same size unless you are doing TDAA agility. All that changes is the height of the jumps, tire and table. |
I took Izzy to a beginner/intro agility class in the fall but being so busy I haven't kept up with it and then with her getting sick in November with pancreatitis everything got put on hold. But here is a wonderful site to check on. They have agility gear suited for small dogs. mightmitedoggear.com |
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