How to Make a Dog Walk With Agility
Dog agility is a fast-growing competitive sport for dogs. In this sport a dog is timed as she goes through, over or under a number of obstacles. Speed and overall performance are central to dog agility competition.
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Instructions
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Figure out if you want your dog to compete or if you want him to learn agility just for fun. Some dogs aren't able to compete because they are older or have health problems. But they can still learn agility as a way to have fun and get exercise.
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Enroll your dog in an agility class. Most instructors will understand if your dog is older or has health problems that you are just enrolling him in the class for fun and for experience. If you've decided you want to compete, though, a class is the best place to start.
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Make your own agility course in your backyard to practice with your dog. You don't have to spend a lot of money to do this; about $150 can cover the costs of a do-it-yourself agility course. At the very least you'll need weave poles for your dog to weave in and out of, a tire jump, a standard jump, a teeter board, a pause table and a tunnel. For instructions on how to make each of these items yourself go to www.caninecrib.com/dog/training/agility-course.asp.
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Practice as much as you can. The more you practice taking your dog through agility courses, the better she and you will get.
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Tips & Warnings
When your dog does well on an agility course give her a treat. If you can't afford to make your own agility equipment, consider calling places that sponsor agility classes to see if they'll be retiring any equipment soon. You may be able to get a really good deal. Consider buying a kid's tunnel for the tunnel on your home agility course; they are less expensive than what you would find where they sell dog agility equipment.
Never try to force your dog to do an agility course if he doesn't want to. Work with him by positively reinforcing him with his favorite toys and treats instead. It might take a bit to get him excited about your agility course.
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