In case you and your dog are tired and bored of walks, agility for dogs is the sport you need. It is a very trendy dog sport that helps to improve the communication between owner and pet.
What is agility?
Agility is a very popular dog sport that consists of overcoming an obstacle course within a time limit without making mistakes.
Conceived as a complement to the Crufts dog show, it was a great success all over the world. Today, regional and national championships are held.
What can dogs learn?
In this sport, the most important thing is that it is fun for both dog and owner. In addition, the sport strengthens trust between dogs and improves communication with the dogs through body language. According to the rules, the dog must run the course without a collar or leash, and the handler can only guide it through voice and body signals, without touching it.
Agility requirements
Both the owner and the dog require great skill, since there is a great variety of obstacles. In addition, the dog must maintain a good state of health in order not to get sick.
When can you start?
It is important that the dog’s growth phase is completed. When the dog is 18 months old it can participate in the official competitions of the Royal Canine Society of Spain (RSCE).
Which dogs are good for agility?
Breeds that like to run, such as the Siberian Husky, love the sport. This does not mean that other breeds cannot participate.
In principle, any dog that likes a challenge is suitable. In fact, it is not about achieving a clear goal, it is about having fun and doing different things. Logically, this presupposes the dog’s interest. If the dog is not interested in the least, the handler’s ambition will be in vain.
What is needed?
There are a lot of accessories for dog agility: tunnels, teeter-totters, tires, slalom poles, wheelbarrows…
Is agility good for dogs?
Agility is a healthy form of physical training that stimulates the dog both physically and mentally. He learns to slalom between poles, jump over obstacles and avoid obstacles such as teeter-totters and tunnels. All this requires a lot of concentration, flexibility and coordination. For dogs who spend a lot of time indoors, it’s a great activity to let off steam.
Training also strengthens the bond between dog and handler. You have to guide the dog through the course with gestures and verbal commands. This requires good communication between the two. Obedience is trained here, which makes dog agility a sport with a training factor.
When is it not recommended?
There are breeds that are not suitable for agility because of their special characteristics. These are mainly large and heavy breeds such as Newfoundlands and Saint Bernards. For them, the physical overload caused by agility is exaggerated.
Small, long-backed dogs, such as dachshunds and basset hounds, also need less strenuous exercise.
Another exclusion criterion is joint diseases such as hip dysplasia. It is not healthy for these animals. If in doubt, talk to your veterinarian before you start training.
If you are interested in owning a dog of this wonderful breed, find out the price of a cane corso or Italian Mastiff puppy and click on the following link:
cane corso puppy price