Agility Training Homepage

Question: How do i get my dog into agility training?

(Posted by: Gracie on 2010-01-01 23:26:38)

I just adopted a 2 year old border collie and want to keep her active and happy so my sister who's a vet suggested agility training. i'm going to enroll her in a regular training class at petco but after that i think agility training would be a lot of fun for the both of us. how do i get into this? where can i find one of those obstacle courses? i'm really in the dark here lol

Posted by: tiptoptraining on 2010-01-02, 09:19:30

To find a trainer or club near you, go to googility.com and also check your phone book, flyers at pet stores, and ask around. Also check agilityevents.net and see if there are any upcoming events you can go watch, or look at a premium to see who hosted a past event and contact them for information. I strongly suggest you go watch a class or two (and an event if possible!) before signing up, as there is a lot of variability in the quality of instruction. I much prefer finding a class that does foundation work before allowing dogs on the actual equipment- as Marna commented, it is much more about the working bond between you and the dog, than about the ability to go over or through a piece of equipment. Browse around the googility and cleanrun websites, and also youtube- speedoggie and cflyrun both have some good videos posted (there are plenty of other good vids by others, just can't remember them right now!)

Posted by: antoinette on 2010-01-01, 23:32:58

Before starting agility training, schedule a check-up with your vet to make sure your dog is physically able to participate. Breeds prone to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, or vision problems should be carefully evaluated. dogtime.com/ agility.html

Posted by: Teresa on 2010-01-01, 23:33:51

I found one at meijer for $35 but couldn't find it online. it had like 4 or 5 things in it.

Posted by: Heather's mom on 2010-01-01, 23:47:15

The dog park we attend has one set up during the summer, so maybe a local dog park in your area might have one. I found several agility items for sale on eBay (slalom gates, tunnel among other things). I don't know how their prices compare to online retailers, you should probably search and compare. You can probably find books on the subject and make some of your own course, if you're handy. It looks like a lot of fun!

Posted by: ladystang on 2010-01-02, 02:14:50

Ask your trainer they may know of a class.

Posted by: Cookie on 2010-01-02, 03:44:37

Border collies excel in agility and I'm so pleased you're looking in to it. Check with your petco trainer as she/ he might have a contact for you. If not, find your local kennel club (your trainer or vet or even your groomer should be able to put you in touch with someone.) Most kennel clubs have agility courses and instructors. Glad your doing a basic class first, as you really need a good come,sit,down command before starting agility. What fun you'll have.

Posted by: Marna O on 2010-01-02, 08:47:29

Agility training is great fun! But it is a competitive sport, which means there are rules; a right way. Also, "agility " is NOT just about the dog running through tunnels and over the A-frame. Agility is about the "working bond " between person and dog...teamwork. So, you aren't looking for an obstacle course. A person can not train, or teach, what they do not know, so you are looking for a trainer. I recommend you first locate an agility trial in your area. Go and watch in person. It is highly entertaining, lots of action, and you will get a better feel for agility and learn. while there, you can also ask people who the local trainers are. For trials, go to the following sites and look in their "calendar of events ". akc.org usdaa.com k9cpe.com For trainers, go to cleanrun.com and look in "clubs and trainers ". Good luck! Agility is a great activity to help pacify a Border Collie's need for a "job " to do. A lot of physical and mental exercise. I know, I have a competitive agility BC and am also an agility trainer. nadac.com