The Agility Training for an Australian Shepherd/Border Collie Mix

Dog agility is a sport in which the handler guides a dog through a course of obstacles striving to obtain the fastest time and highest rate of accuracy. An Australian shepherd/border collie mix is an ideal choice for a casual agility dog. According to the Dog Time website, the Australian shepherd and the border collie are both in the top five most popular breeds for agility. A mixed breed dog cannot compete on an international scale, but there are plenty of local competitions where all dogs are welcome.

  1. Age

    • You can begin general agility training with your dog when he is as young as 2 months old. If your dog is young or in its senior years, jumps should be avoided as this can injure the dog's legs. Border collies, in particular, have fragile leg bones in their juvenile and senior years. The American Kennel Club recommends you purchase a reputable book on agility training to take with you on the course.

    Rewards

    • In the beginning stages of training, you should encourage your dog through obstacles with a treat in your hand, rewarding him once he is through. However, in competition you will not be allowed to lead your dog through the course with treats. You must be enthusiastic, encouraging your dog through the course with your voice and inflection. Both border collies and Australian shepherds are working dogs; they enjoy having a task to complete and will find that the course's completion is a reward in itself.

    Equipment

    • You will find slightly different regulations for agility obstacles in each organization, but the basic form of most obstacles will stay the same. The A-frame obstacle consists of two broad ramps hinged together and raised to form a rough "A" shape. The dog walk consists of three planks hinged together, raising the center plank 4 feet off the ground. The teeter-totter is a plank constructed to pivot on a fulcrum and is similar to a child's seesaw. The tunnel is a tube constructed of flexible vinyl and wire that your dog must run through. Jumps vary in size and design, but they are usually constructed of an adjustable horizontal bar that your dog must jump over. Weave poles are a series of 12 upright poles, spaced 2 feet apart, that your dog must slalom through.

    At-Home Training

    • Training from home is common amongst serious competitors and amateurs alike. You must have a large enough yard to allow for a proper course to be constructed and the resources to build or buy your own obstacles. Training at home is ideal if you like to work with your dog daily and you are able to fit it into your schedule. Because both border collies and Australian shepherds enjoy having a task to complete on a regular basis, training at home may be the best option.

    Agility Class

    • If you choose to take your dog to an agility class, you will find a loosely structured environment, usually consisting of six to 10 classmates. If you are a first-time dog owner or without the means to construct a course on your property, this is ideal. The teacher will instruct you how to train your dog appropriately and offer guidance as you both progress. Socializing your Australian shepherd/border collie mix in a class can be beneficial as both breeds are known for being territorial.