How to Get a Dog Enthused for Agility

You can make agility training fun for you and your dog.

In general, dogs are excited and willing to learn new tricks and tackle an agility course, but some may need a little prodding. Whether your dog is shy or simply not interested, positive rewards will help you help your dog enjoy the sport. Mixing up the routine will also ensure your dog doesn't get bored.

Things You'll Need

• Treats

Instructions

1. Train your dog basic commands. These are commands that the dog should know regardless of whether it participates in agility competitions or not. They include: sit, stay, come, heel and lie down. Doing this will strengthen your relationship with your dog as well as prepare the dog for advanced training.

2. Familiarize yourself and your dog with the agility equipment. Decrease anxiety for you and your dog by walking around the course and observing the different pieces of equipment. Allow your dog to smell the equipment.

3. Use treats to reinforce positive behavior. In addition to being excited yourself, praise your dog with treats and verbal cues when it gets near or on top of the equipment.

4. Allow your dog time to evaluate the situation and the venue. Don't push a dog too far in a day if it is reluctant to use the equipment. Move slowly in the training process.

5. Mix up your training routine. Sometimes dogs will become bored with repetitive training on single aparati. Use the A-frame one day and the weave poles the next, for example.

Tips & Warnings

• Professional agility trainers can help you and your pet learn and love agility competitions.

References

• Dog Obedience Training Review: Benefits of Dog Agility Training
• Dog Agility Training: What Does a Dog Agility Trainer Do?
• Whole Dog Journal: Lifelong Learning for You and Your Dog
• Happy Living Magazine: Dog Agility Training
• Team Small Dog: Thinking Different to Make a Change
• Dog Owner's Guide: The Sport of Agility