Things You'll Need:
- Treats
- Toys
- Agility equipment
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Step 1
Take a beginner class to learn proper form and dog safety, unless you are a very experienced agility handler already. If you ever plan on competing, it's unwise to train the dog incorrectly because undoing bad habits can be very difficult. Classes are cheap and fun!
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Step 2
Make sure your Labradoodle has a fairly reliable off leash recall, and obeys basic commands. She should not be aggressive towards other dogs (or people!) Puppies can start with agility practice, but full height jumping is usually done after a year or so of age. Puppy and beginning agility classes are a great low impact way to introduce your dog to the equipment and have fun.
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Step 3
Practice at home once you have an idea of how to handle different obstacles. Your agility instructor will give you homework and you can practice what you learned in class. You can construct your own professional agility equipment if you are handy, or put together some obstacles with basic items. Jumps can be made with PVC pipes (search this site for instructions on making agility equipment) or put together using short boards and buckets. Be creative! Your Labradoodle will probably be jumping 20 to 24 inches, or less if she is a puppy. Don't ask her to jump higher than recommended.
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Step 4
Practice running towards the jump with your Labradoodle by your side and having her clear the jump. Reward her frequently with whatever best motivates her--treats or toys and lots of praise. Don't reward her when she touches or knocks the jump, just repeat it and reward when she clears the jump. Throw a treat or toy over the jump, encouraging her to arc her body to clear the jump. Using what you learned in class, do figure-eight jump exercises and jump chutes with multiple jumps. Practice gradually increasing lateral distance so she will jump without you being right next to her.
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Step 5
Practice with the pause table. This is a sturdy table which your dog must jump up on, sit or lie down on your command, and wait for 5 seconds before jumping off and being directed to the next obstacle. Depending on the size of your Labradoodle, this will be 16 to 24 inches high. They are not difficult to make and available online as well. If you make your own, be sure to either use non-skid paint for the top or glue a piece of carpet there so your dog doesn't slip. Practice directing your dog onto the pause table and having her hold a sit or down for a count of 5 seconds. As she gets proficient, gradually increase your distance until she will comply from 10 feet away.
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Step 6
Start line stays. Your dog will need to stay at the start until you are in position to start running the course. This is something you can easily work on at home. Teach her STAY, starting with short stays of a few seconds and working up to a minute or more. As she gets better with stays, increase your distance from her. Always have an emphatic GO command so she understands she can break into a run towards the first jump when you say so.
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Step 7
Play with your dog! Playing with your dog increases your bond with her. Spend time every day walking her and playing with her. Whether it's fetch, tug of war or chasing games, interact with your dog. Agility is all about interacting and working as a team.
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Step 8
Keep going to classes and practicing what you are learning whether you plan on competing or just want to have a fun outlet for your Labradoodle's considerable energy. Ask your agility instructor about fun matches to put your skills to the test. These are usually low cost, non-competitive agility matches where a full competition course is set out and run under official rules for practice.
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Step 9
Ask your instructor and classmates about local trials and organizations if you plan on competing. Your Labradoodle is eligible to compete in every venue except AKC which, at time of writing, only accepts purebred dogs. Other organizations are UKC, CPE, NADAC and USDAA. Find out which organization holds trials in your area.
