Have you ever seen dogs doing agility courses and thought, “Dang, I wish my dog could do that.” Well good news, they totally can! While we most often think of Border Collies or terrier breeds when we think of agility dogs, in reality, any dog can be an agility dog with the right training.

Here is a breakdown of some of the reasons agility training can be excellent for your dog and how to get started!

What To Know Before Getting Started

If you are not in the know about the world of dog agility, here’s everything you need to know.

Bonding Time

If you are looking for a way to spend some quality time with your dog and strengthen your bond, agility training will be perfect. This sport requires a lot of practice. This means that you will get to spend many hours working with your dog and helping them get better.

Good For All Ages and Sizes

While the most common time to start training a dog for agility is when they are young, you can, in fact, teach an old dog new tricks! No matter how old your dog is, it is never too late to get teach them some easy maneuvers and fundamentals!

And, if you think your dog is too small or too big for agility training, think again. There are a ton of different obstacles and courses that cater to dogs of varying sizes so there is bound to be something for your furry friend to enjoy.

Take Extra Care With Some Dogs

For many breeds of dogs, once they learn the moves, they will be able to do them over and over again. However, not all dogs are capable of the same movements and intensity of training. For example, dog breeds such as pugs and bulldogs have flat- faces that make it harder for them to breathe. Too rigorous of a training session can make it hard for them to catch their breath.

Also, if you are working with an older dog, make sure you don’t push their limits too much. Older dogs can often have joint pain or mobility issues so make sure you aren’t causing any pain for them.

Good For Dogs With Behavior Issues

If your dog is constantly acting out, agility training but be just the thing they need. Behaviors like chewing, excessive barking, or just bouncing off the walls can all be indicators that your dog needs to expel some energy. Taking them to an agility course to run off some steam and make them use their brains could help them behave better at home.

However, if your dog has issues with aggression, agility training might not be for them. Being in an environment with lots of other dogs and humans can be stressful and can cause a dog with aggression issues to act out.

How To Get Started

Now that you know everything you need to in order to decide if agility is the right fit for your dog, here is how to get started:

Know The Basics

Before you take your dog to an agility class or put them in highly stimulating environments, make sure they know the basics. Commands like sit, stay, lie down, and come are all going to be very important for your pup to know before they get out on the course.

Find The Right Teacher

There are a ton of different teachers and training methods out there so it’s okay to try out a few different places before settling on the perfect environment for your pooch. The most important thing is that they are comfortable and having fun!

Try DIY

If the idea of finding a trainer or going to an agility gym seems daunting or like something your dog wouldn’t want to do, try making a DIY course. There are a ton of places where you can buy at-home agility equipment, or, if you are on a tighter budget, check out your local hardware store! Buying some pieces of PVC or a few planks of wood to create obstacles for your dog is totally okay and can produce the exact same results.