How to Teach a Dog an Agility Course

Agility training is a great way to give energetic dogs something to do. The dog must be able to focus and know commands in order to do agility. Professional agility courses require dogs to be at least 9 months of age, but training at home can start any time. Agility is recommended for working breeds and dogs that are of a medium build. If a dog seems to have a lot of energy and intelligence, then it will probably do well with agility, according to the Complete Guide To Responsible Dog Ownership.

Things You'll Need

  • Leash
  • Collar
  • Seesaw
  • Weave poles
  • Rigid tunnel
  • Tire jump
  • Broad jump
  • Single jump
  • Pause box
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Instructions

    • 1

      Teach the dog various commands to begin with. It will need to know how to sit and stay, to start. Other important commands for the agility course are left, right, up, down, fast, slow, heel and away. To help the dog understand the commands, walk it through the agility course on a lead. Introduce the dog to one piece of equipment at a time, using the proper commands for that particular item, like up for jumping through the tire jump.

    • 2

      Walk the dog through the series of obstacles a few times, using commands, until it seems like she has a hang of it. This is the time to take off the lead and give it a go. Use the pause table to give her a break during the run, and as a time for her to regain her focus. A good way to make sure she understand the goal is to reward her with a treat when she correctly completes a section without the lead.

    • 3

      Raise the difficulty of the course as she gets used to it. This can be done by making jumps higher, adding more items and working with her to go faster through the course. Be sure to use commands specific to each item; do not use up or down when the dog needs to go through a tunnel. Never reprimand her for missing a jump; instead just focus on positive reinforcement for the agility items she does succeed with.