Does your dog love to run and jump? Do you enjoy being active and having fun with your best four-legged buddy? Then Agility might be the sport for you! Let’s dive into the exciting world of dog agility and learn everything you need to know.
Any Dog Can Play!
Does my dog have to be a herding breed to do Agility? Absolutely not! Any size dog can participate, from the tiny Chihuahua to the giant Great Dane, and everything in between. Mixed breeds are welcome, as well as purebreds. In agility, you get to direct your dog through a numbered course, or sometimes a course you make up yourself, made up of jumps, tunnels, A-frames, and other fun equipment.
Start Training at the Right Age
At what age can I start training my dog? If you have a puppy, start with a basic puppy kindergarten class. Then move on to more advanced classes and introduction to Agility once you have a good foundation. Puppies shouldn’t be allowed to jump until they are 12-18 months old, when they are done growing. But don’t worry, there are lots of other skills to learn in the meantime!
Agility is a sport that is played with the dog off-leash, so your dog does need solid obedience training before starting Agility. If you have an adult dog and have a good basic obedience foundation, then you are ready to go into an Agility class. If the obedience could use a little refresher, then do that first, or at least concurrently with the Agility class.
Dogs do not interact with each other, but they do have to tolerate other dogs nearby. They also ideally need to learn to ignore the dog who is actually running in the ring, so they don’t interfere with that dog’s performance by barking or otherwise causing commotion on the sidelines.
Find the Perfect Agility Venue
Where do I find an Agility venue? The Portland area, and the Pacific Northwest overall, are wonderful for this sport, as there are six venues to choose from. Many people and their dogs compete in multiple venues. Here are some popular websites to check out:
- AKC.org – Official site of the American Kennel Club
- K9CPE.com – Canine Performance Events
- NADAC.com – North American Dog Agility Council
- USDAA.com – United States Dog Agility Association
- UKAgilityinternational.com – UK Agility International
- k9tdaa.com – K9 Training and Dog Agility Association
Each venue has its own style of courses and rules, so explore them and see which one suits you and your furry friend the most.
Get Recommendations from the Pros
Do you have any recommendations for an Agility trainer? There are several trainers and training facilities around Portland. One great resource is Columbia Agility, an organization with several trainers and two training facilities in town. They also have links to many more trainers in the area under the “resources” tab. Don’t hesitate to reach out and find the perfect trainer for you and your dog.
Discover the World of Agility
There are lots of videos of Agility on YouTube. Check them out and see if you and your dog might find a new, fun sport to play together! Agility is a fantastic way to bond with your furry companion, stay active, and explore a whole new world of excitement.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your dog’s leash, put on your running shoes, and embark on the thrilling adventure of dog agility. It’s time to create unforgettable memories and have the time of your life with your best friend.
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