How to Train Your Dog for Agility Competitions

By Linda Cole

Agility training is a sport that's been gaining in popularity for some time. It's a great way to give your dog plenty of exercise and stimulation to keep his mind and body healthy. You might be surprised to learn your dog isn't the couch potato you once thought after watching him jump, weave, and run around a course having the time of his life. Agility training requires time and patience, but it's worth the effort to have a sport you can do together. If you've taught your dog basic commands, then he's ready to learn how to navigate an agility course.

Contact obstacles include a teeter-totter, dog walk and A-frame. They're called contact obstacles because in order for the dog to successfully complete the task, he must touch a certain spot on one or both ends with at least one of his feet.

Teeter-totter – If your dog is reluctant to walk on the teeter-totter, begin with a square 4 x 4 piece of plywood on the ground with a small ball under it. Have him move around on the wood so he can get used to movement under his feet. Once he's comfortable with movement, move to the teeter-totter. With your dog on a 6 ft. leash, give him a description command for each obstacle (teeter-totter, A-frame, weave, etc.) and move him towards the obstacle. Make sure he touches any required spots before going on. When he correctly succeeds at each task, give him praise and a treat reward. As he gets used to the movement of the teeter-totter, you can increase his speed.


Dog walk – A balance beam with ramps on both ends. The dog runs up a ramp, across the beam and down the other ramp, making sure to touch required sports.

A-frame – Just what the name implies. The dog goes up the incline, over the top and down the other side. This also has required spots that need to be touched.

Jumps – Start at the lowest level and keep him on his leash so he won't cheat and go around the hurdle. If he is hesitant to jump and wants to go around, block his path with barriers on both sides. Increase the height when he's comfortable jumping over each level.

Tunnels – Have someone stand at the other end of a short tunnel with treats. Move your dog to the opening, use your description command and have the person at the other end call his name to encourage him through the tunnel. When he's comfortable running through the short tunnel, increase the length and add curves. Some tunnels are collapsed, so he also needs to be able to go through a tunnel he can't see through.

Pause table – The dog has to jump onto a table and pause for a specific time in a sit/stay or down/stay position. Pat the table to encourage him to jump up on it. Have him sit or lay down for just a few seconds at a time, and work up to at least 10 seconds.

Weave poles – This is probably the hardest part of agility for dogs to learn. Weave poles are the only obstacle that requires an unnatural movement for your dog. Start by placing the poles off center so your dog can walk between them. Then slowly move the poles closer to the center which will make him have to “weave” through the poles to get around them. Keep moving them closer to the center as your dog gets comfortable bending his body to maneuver through the poles. Once the poles are in the correct position for an agility competition, then you can increase his speed.

Well trained dogs competing in agility events make it look easy, but their owner or handler spent weeks or even months training the dog. Be patient and give your dog opportunities to succeed and lots of praise during training sessions. Any dog can learn agility regardless of his size or age. However, a puppy's body is still growing and an older dog may move slower. Don't force your dog to do something he doesn't want to do, and keep an eye on him to make sure he doesn't overdo it trying to please you.

Since agility is an active sport, it's a good idea to take your dog in for a checkup to make sure he can handle this kind of exertion. Even if he isn't ready for prime time, agility training is lots of fun for your dog, and an excellent way of getting rid of pent up energy.

Read more articles by Linda Cole

The Advantages of Belonging to a Dog Club

By Linda Cole

Dog events are held around the country every year, and they are all sponsored by a dog club. Whether it's an event in obedience, a conformation dog show, agility or field trials – it was organized by a dog club. Even if you have never participated in a sponsored event, joining a dog club is to your advantage and may even inspire you to enter your dog in one of their events.

Before joining any dog club, you must first decide what it is you want from one. You can find a variety of dog clubs, each with their own area of interest, and not all dog clubs are AKC sponsored. Clubs are for people and their dogs who share a love for a specific breed, or an enthusiasm for hiking, surfing, field trials, agility, obedience and many other interests. The one thing they all have in common is a love for dogs and an activity the members are interested in. Some dog clubs have a relaxed atmosphere while others are more demanding and want the dogs to be well behaved. It depends on the individual club, so you need to understand what's expected before joining one. However, all clubs expect dogs to be socialized with other dogs and people.


Advantages of Dog Clubs

Dog clubs hold around 5,000 events each year sponsored by the AKC. If you're interested in earning points for your dog, these are the types of dog clubs that would fit your needs. AKC sponsored events are more structured and regulated by rules, but if you want to get into showing, agility, herding or field trials, and you are serious about promoting and improving your dog's performance, this kind of dog club would be a good choice. Dog clubs can give you networking opportunities, advice and possible contacts.

Another advantage of belonging to a dog club is that it gives you access to a lot of different people and dogs. It's a great place to take a new puppy to help him learn proper socialization skills. You will meet people who can help you learn the ropes if you are just getting into showing, competing in agility, or any other activity. You can find a huge amount of expertise at a dog club, and most people are happy to help a fellow club member out. Plus, it gives you quality time with your dog in an environment where everyone loves dogs.

Many dog clubs visit schools to help teach kids about responsible dog ownership. It's an opportunity to introduce kids to different breeds, so they have a chance to meet a well mannered dog regardless of what his breed is. Clubs have had good success promoting responsible pet ownership, and if this is something you might like to get involved with, a dog club is the place to go.

Joining a Dog Club is Easy

Once you've found the right club, you will need to fill out a membership application and pay a small membership fee. Some clubs may require someone to vouch for you or have one of their members sponsor you, but not all clubs have this requirement. Don't be afraid to ask questions so you know what you need to do. Once you've been notified of your acceptance into the dog club, you can then participate in club sponsored activities and events, attend meetings and vote. Most dog clubs give you discounts on entry fees for planned events, training sessions, seminars and classes.

Belonging to a dog club does have responsibilities. As a member, be prepared to jump in with both feet and volunteer to help out at sponsored events or share your expertise with others. It's always good to attend monthly meetings so you can stay abreast of what's going on and add to any discussions taking place that are meant to make the club better for everyone. Learn what their rules are and make sure to follow them.

You can find dog clubs for every breed and any activity you can think of, and probably some you've never even heard of. If you're interested in joining a dog club, go to some of their events first to see how they are run and if it's a club you would like to join. It could turn out to be the best thing you've ever done for you and your dog.

Photo by Boxercab

Read more articles by Linda Cole

Agility Training Can Correct Your Dog’s Bad Behavior

By Linda Cole

I love watching dogs and their owners running agility training competitions. The dog and owner work as a team to run through tunnels, jump over hurdles, maneuver over a seesaw and weave through poles as well as completing other obstacles. Agility training is a sport for owners who want to add a little excitement and exercise in their life, and dogs love showing what they can do. If you have a dog that needs more exercise to keep him from being bored, or you have a dog with behavior problems, you might want to consider agility training to help correct your dog's bad behavior.

Dogs are active by nature, but some need more action than others. A dog that is confined inside all day can develop inappropriate dog behavior that's destructive or annoying to the neighbors, such as constantly barking or howling. Providing exercise is the best way to help a dog burn off excess energy. A quick walk in the morning before leaving him on his own all day works well for some dogs, but dogs who love to run and jump need more exercise to ward off inappropriate dog behavior. Agility training gives a dog a chance to do what he loves to do and learn something new which keeps his mind stimulated.

Dog agility was invented by accident in London in 1978 during the Crufts Dog Show. In between events, a horse enthusiast, who was in charge of the entertainment, decided to use dogs in place of horses to do equestrian type jumps. The people loved watching the dogs jumping and the sport began to gain a following in England. In 1986, the U.S. Dog Agility Association was created as agility began to grow in this country.

Agility training not only corrects and prevents unwanted dog behavior, it can also make your dog more alert and confident. His problem-solving abilities improve and he becomes focused on you, and the bond you share with your dog grows stronger. He learns to watch your movements, listen to your voice and read your body language for instructions on what you want him to do. Your little athlete will have better coordination and endurance as he becomes physically fit and healthy. Dog owners who participate in dog agility are passionate about this sport, and it's a great way for humans to stay physically fit as well.

Dog agility is not for every dog. This is an activity that requires stamina and timed racing around a course, which is hard for some dogs. Some larger breeds also have a hard time because they don't have as much energy as a dog like a Border Collie. It's the medium size dogs who excel at agility training and it's the perfect outlet for these dogs to keep them from developing bad dog behavior from lying around all day waiting for their owner to come home. However, no dog is turned away and if you have a dog who has the right type of personality and is physically fit, go for it. It might turn out to be the best thing you could do for your dog and for yourself.

If you have a bored Terrier, Poodle, Corgi, Border Collie, Retriever or any dog who loves to run and jump, agility training is perfect for them. Except for AKC, all of the dog agility clubs accept mixed breeds. The only exceptions are puppies under the age of 9 months because they are still developing, and dogs who are older than 8 years. This is an endurance sport that requires a dog to think and follow instructions from their owner to complete a course in the fastest time.

Competing in agility training trials is a real workout for you and your dog, but the rewards make it well worth the time and effort. It's not something you or your dog can master overnight, but once your dog learns how to focus on you and follow your instructions, he'll be racing through tunnels, climbing A-frames, flying over hurdles and weaving through poles like a pro. It's a sport that once you've tried it, you'll be hooked when you see the smile on your dog's tired face. A dog that trains and competes in agility competitions has no bad dog behavior because he doesn't have any pent up energy left to get into trouble. Give it a try if you think you and your dog has what it takes.

Would it surprise you to learn that cats can also be trained to run an agility course? It’s true! Julia Williams wrote an interesting article on Feline Agility and how you can get your cat started in this fun sport.

Photo by Ron Armstrong

Read more articles by Linda Cole

Nine Ways to Make Your Pet Happy

By Julia Williams

Many people adore their pets (really, how could you NOT adore them?) and some even treat them “like children.” As a self-described Cat Lady myself, I see nothing wrong with that. I wouldn’t go so far as to say that I live for my cats, or even that I live for their happiness – and yet, I wouldn’t dream of having them in my life if I couldn’t do things that brought them joy. They may not grin wide enough to eat a banana sideways, but they have a pretty good life. Here are some ways you can make your pet happy.

Feed Them a High Quality Food

Good food is the cornerstone of great health, and a healthy pet is a happy pet. Like us, our pets are energetic and in high spirits when they’re healthy. “We are what we eat” may be a cliché, but it’s the truth. Junk food is just that! Premium quality pet food like CANIDAE and FELIDAE, on the other hand, provides your four-legged friend with all of the nutrients they need for optimum health.

Spend Quality Time with Your Pet

Take time to play, each and every day. Pets don't understand “I’m too busy to play with you,” or “I had a grueling day at work and I’m beat.” They’ve been lying around the house all day with nothing to do, and YOU are the bright spot in their otherwise uneventful day. Even if all you can spare is five or ten minutes, it’s time well spent because those precious minutes will make your pet happy.

Groom Your Pet Often

Like playtime, grooming is something that most pets love. Regular brushing doesn't just make Fido or Fluffy look pretty and feel good, though. Routine grooming also helps prevent skin and coat problems, enables you to detect problems in their early stages, and strengthens the bond between you and your pet. (See Basic Dog Grooming for more information).

Give Healthy Treats Once in Awhile

If your pets are anything like mine, it’s easy to see how ecstatic they get when the treats come out. Wildly wagging tails, excited barks, loud meows and nonstop purring communicate the message quite clearly. I’m still waiting for FELIDAE to make cat treats, but CANIDAE offers two natural and nutritious treats for dogs: the bite-sized Snap-Bits™ and their larger cousin, Snap Biscuit® treats.

Take Your Pet to the Vet

Now, I know what you’re thinking – how can vet visits make my pet happy? It’s true that many cats and dogs don't relish a trip to the vet. My cats wail so loud in the car (and more embarrassingly, in the vet’s waiting room) that it sounds like some sort of medieval kitty torture is taking place. Nevertheless, keeping their bodies healthy is an important part of responsible pet ownership, and like I said earlier, healthy pets are happy pets.

Tell Fleas & Ticks to Take a Hike

These pesky critters can cause intense itching that makes your dog or cat miserable. Some pets are so sensitive that a single flea bite can create a condition called “flea allergy dermatitis” which causes them to scratch and bite at their skin nonstop. Staying vigilant in the fight against fleas and ticks can help keep your pet happily itch free.

Stimulate Their Minds

Everyone knows how important regular exercise is for their pet, but did you know that mental stimulation is just as essential? Teach your pet tricks (yes, even cats can learn tricks!), participate in dog agility or feline agility competitions, or introduce your dog to fun sports like dock diving, flyball and lure coursing. If pets are left alone all day, buy them a couple of those “pet sitter” videos that play continuously on the TV. 

Talk to Your Pet

You don’t have to believe that your pet actually understands your words to see the value in talking to your pet. Our words have the power to calm, to motivate and to help our pets feel loved. I watched a very touching Youtube video titled “A Dog’s Wish” that said it best: speak to me often, for your voice is the sweetest music.

Do What They Love

This is perhaps one of the easiest ways to make your pet happy. Every animal is a unique being with individual likes and dislikes. It’s up to you to get to know them well, so that you understand what it is they love most – be it belly rubs, ear scratches, petting, being hugged, or sitting quietly on your lap. Do what makes them happy, and they’ll give you unconditional love in return. The “Dog’s Wish” video had another quote I love: treat me kindly my beloved friend, for no heart on earth is more grateful for kindness than ours.

Read more articles by Julia Williams

Feline Agility: a Fun New Sport for Cats

By Julia Williams

Nearly everyone is aware of dog agility, an exciting sport where sure-footed canines race through an obstacle course comprised of tunnels, weave poles, hoops, hurdles, teeter totters and more. It’s entertaining to watch as they maneuver up, over, through and around the obstacles with lightning fast speed and “dogged” determination. Can you imagine cats being trained to run such a course?

Many people can’t, because they think cats are haughty creatures who would never do anything on command, let along jump through hoops or over barriers. I can picture it though, because I’ve seen entire troupes of cats perform all sorts of tricks at cat shows, on television and in youtube videos. I’ve also looked into training cats and have written about it for this blog. Knowing what I know, that cats are definitely trainable, feline agility competitions are not nearly as farfetched as they might seem.

The History of Cat Agility

When dog agility was first introduced more than 30 years ago, as a spectator event at the Crufts Dog Show in London, it was loosely modeled on equestrian stadium jumpers.  Since then, agility has become one of the most popular dog sports, with competitions held worldwide. 

Much like dog agility, a cat agility course is designed to display a feline’s speed, coordination, physical prowess and intelligence. It also showcases the trust and depth of the relationship between cats and their owners (handlers) who train them and guide them through the obstacle course.

The first feline agility competition was held in Portland, Oregon in February 2005 as part of a CFA cat show. “Let the Cats Entertain You” had 45 competing felines, both pedigreed and non-pedigreed, from kittens to adults. The novel event was a big hit with exhibitors, participants and spectators alike, and everyone enjoyed cheering on their favorite cat. Because agility events are open to any cat, the household pets compete alongside the grand championship show cats, and often upstage them. When it comes to cat agility, a pedigree is no guarantee of a win.

How Cat Agility Differs from Dog Agility

The obstacles used for cat agility courses are similar to those used for dog agility, but they’re smaller, for obvious reasons. Another difference is that while dogs are expected to navigate an unpredictable obstacle course by following the commands of their handler, cats are led around a circular course by handlers using a toy on a stick or a laser pointer.

Some cats run the course quickly and confidently, while others take their time and thoroughly inspect each obstacle before tackling it. Depending on the curiosity level of a particular cat, they can complete the agility course in just a couple of minutes, to 15 minutes or more.  

How to Get Started in Cat Agility

Training cats for agility requires patience, practice, determination, respect and affection, along with a supply of cat treats. The most successful agility cats love to play, have an outgoing personality, and are in tip-top physical condition. You don’t need any special equipment to begin training your cat for agility – you can practice in your home by leading them over the bed and around the table legs, or having them jump from one chair to another.

Take the time to understand the body language of cats, develop good communication with your cat and form a strong bond with them. Most of all, make the agility course fun, like a giant kitty playground. I’ve seen pictures of agility cats in action, and it does look like they are enjoying themselves.

If you’re interested in entering or watching a cat agility event, the CFA show schedule has information on which cat shows will have agility (look for the logo of the three jumping cats). The website for the International Cat Agility Tournament (ICAT) also has information on this cool new sport for felines who are unfazed by crowds, loud cheering and unfamiliar settings. I already know my shy kitties would not put up with any of that, so I guess I’ll have to get my cat agility fix on youtube.

Read more articles by Julia Williams

The Best Dogs for Agility Training and Trials

By Anna Lee

I am sure you’ve seen those dogs on TV, the little lightning bolts that seem to streak across the ground and fly through the air like the wind. I enjoy watching them, and it is amazing how they can move at such speeds and be so accurate! I wish the sport of Dog Agility was on TV more often because it is fascinating.

In Agility events the dogs must complete an obstacle course, which is set up in a large outdoor area. The course has many components to it. Some of the aspects of the course are: the sea saw, tunnels, dog walk, pause (not paws!) table, pause box, jumps, A-frame and weave polls. The weave polls fascinate me the most. Weave polls are a series of poles stuck in the ground, in a line maybe 1 foot apart. The dog works its way through the poles weaving in and out. That is just one small segment of the agility trials, but accuracy and speed are the keys. The course is timed, and if the dog misses an aspect or goes out of bounds, time penalties are added to the score. The dog with the shortest time wins and is proclaimed the champion!

The sport of Dog Agility requires a sure footed and speedy dog with determination and a will to compete. Not all dogs are physically able to run the course due to their size, their breed characteristics and their ability to listen to and follow commands. Three breeds that rise to the top in Agility Trials are:

The Border Collie – This dog was bred to gather and control sheep. He stares down his flock with an intense eye. The Border Collie has unlimited energy and stamina. This medium size dog weighs approximately 30-45 pounds and stands approximately 18-22 inches high at the shoulder, and can live to be 15 years old. I have several friends with Border Collies and they are amazing to watch under normal circumstances.

The Shetland Sheepdog – This dog was bred to stand guard for farmers. He kept birds and hungry sheep from the gardens. They make excellent family pets and they are superstars in dog sports. They only weight about 20 pounds, are 13-16 inches at the shoulder, and can live to be 15 year old.

The Australian Shepherd – This breed originated in the western United States, not Australia, and was bred to herd livestock. This is another great family dog that is full of energy. The Australian Shepherd is 18-23 inches at the shoulder, can weigh 40-65 pounds, and live about 15 years.

If you think you might be interested in Agility Trials and want to get a puppy and start training them, there is a lot of information online regarding this sport. You can start agility training while your puppy is still young. There are many good books and videos available as well. It is important to get proper guidance so that your dog or puppy does not get injured. The website Agility Training for Dogs (www.agilitytrainingfordogs. com) has a lot of very helpful information and is a good place to start.

There are several dog breeds involved in Agility Trials other than the three breeds mentioned above. As to what type of dogs are best suited for agility training, ask yourself: Is your dog the star of the dog park? Can your dog move like a speeding bullet? Can he jump like a jackrabbit? If the answer is yes to those questions, then maybe he should be given a chance at Agility Training and Trials.

For agility training you would not choose a Great Dane or a Mastiff; they are too big and slow moving. You also would not want to use a Dachshund or Yorkie as their legs are much too short. They are lovable dogs, but not quite right for this particular sport! It is important to have your dog checked out thoroughly by your vet first, as you do not want to put undue stress on your pet.

Read, learn, research, ask questions, watch videos, and attend Agility Trials – learn as much as you can before you get involved because it requires a great deal of time and dedication. Six to nine months of solid agility training is necessary before a dog can compete. This sport requires dedication from the dog as well as the owner. If you cannot invest the time required, it may be best for you to leave the agility training and trials to others.

As for Abby, my 11-1/2 year old Lab, we will sit on the sofa and watch the Agility Trials on TV together. The fact that she can still jump on up the sofa means she is agile enough for me!

Read more articles by Anna Lee

Could it be? Look Who's Running Agility!

I've been considering taking Kelly to agility training. She loves to jump, she's quick on her furry little feet, and I think she'd love the challenge. The main hurdle (pun intended!) for us to get over would be her disagreeable attitude toward some other dogs. There is a golden retriever up the street who she adores, though, so maybe there's hope.

Anyway, as I was contemplating Kelly's ability to perform in agility, I discovered this video. Okay, seriously. If THIS animal can run the agility course, then maybe there's hope for Kelly!

Meet the Newest RPO Blogger: Lexi the Pet-Crazy Pet Writer

Hello pet lovers and CANIDAE food fans!

Since you’re reading my first post to this blog, you’re probably as crazy about dogs and cats as I am. Not only do I live with pets, I earn my living by writing about them. What better subject than talking about or helping our canine and feline companions?

My love affair with animals started at the age of eight when I coaxed the neighbor’s kitten out of their yard and into my parent’s house. Because the kitten wasn’t well taken care of, a visiting relative convinced my mother to let me keep the cat. “Princess” lived to be 19.

In the years that followed I have loved and lived with many dogs and cats, and horses (but not in the house!). My husband and I have volunteered with rescue groups, shown in AKC conformation, participated in obedience and agility, and taken our dogs on therapy visits. Today, we have three dogs and six cats, including rescues, Elkhounds, Eskies, and Ragdolls.

Although I’ve been working in graphic arts and publishing for more years than I like to acknowledge, I didn’t start pet writing until later in my career. One day while writing a community news column for a local paper, there was no news to cover. Instead, I wrote a story about my dogs. It was a hit, drawing requests for more pet columns, and my pet writing career took off from there.

I’ve published a couple books, and had articles in most of the major pet publications, received multiple awards, and spoken to groups about pet care, the human-animal bond and our role as stewards of these amazing creatures.

My work is writing, but my life is about animals. In the weeks to come, I hope to offer you interesting, educating, uplifting and entertaining words here about our pets and the love and concern we share for them. Let me know what you’d like to see! And in the meantime, below is one of my first columns about why I write about pets.

Looking forward to blogging for you, from my pack to yours,
Lexiann

All I Do

All I do is take care of dogs and cats, and write, about dogs and cats mostly. I work at home, because I’m a writer, and, because I have several pets, or they have me, I’m not sure which. Another thing about which I’m uncertain is which came first – the dogs and cats, or the writing that evolved into writing about dogs and cats. Either way, my hobby is my profession and my profession is my hobby. That’s my life and I can’t get away from who and what I am.

In the mind of a dog, little events are met with great emotion. On the other side of this character coin is that cats meet great events with little emotion. Maybe this is because in the mind of a dog and particularly a cat, an event focusing on human drama is not considered to be a great event. But even outstanding incidents revolving around one of the dogs are still met by members of our pack with a nonchalant attitude.

One of our dogs was awarded Best-in-Show Puppy at the age of six months. For us, the win was a tremendous thrill. We jumped and screamed and hugged the strangers surrounding us, acting rather like our dogs when someone comes to visit. Our pup’s response was to look at us as if to say, “Well, now that this silliness is over let’s go home and eat with the rest of the pack.”

To our pets, a sense of community is of the utmost importance. This greater fellowship encompasses the little, daily necessities of life, including urination, which is an activity they seem to feel is more enjoyable when done together.

I turn to my personal pet community for relief when I need a break from the tedium of my nevertheless gratifying work. I walk away from the keyboard and we play a game of catch-the-ball-tag-you’re-it-chase-the-fuzzy-mouse-hide-’n-go-seek. Afterwards they take a nap and I return to work.

Somehow, I think the dogs and cats are the ones keeping their priorities in the proper perspective. At least I’ve learned from them not to leap out of bed and race to retrieve e-mail. Instead, I snuggle with as many dogs and cats as can fit on the bed with me. The main problem is that with nine animals, two arms are not enough to pet them all as much as they – or I – would like. Except for the fur I later have to pick out of my coffee beans, it’s a perfect way to start the day in this hurry-up, hectic world.

I have to agree with the four-legged members of my family, that life’s greatest emotional rewards are found in little, everyday events. When I behold the sight of my beloved dogs and cats, my heart is filled with joy, even if only for a moment.

For a short while there are no bills, no deadlines. There is no stress, no anger, no sorrow. My sins are washed clean by the gentle lapping of a dog’s tongue on my cheek or the purr of a cat in my ear. Each lick, each head-butt is a blessing, the moment inviolate, like communion.

Ah, the amazing grace of animals; I once was lost and now am found, by living for, writing about and loving my pack of pets.

Agility Abilities

Have you ever thought that agility training might just be your dog’s thing? How do you tell if your dog has what it takes to succeed in agility competitions? The answer probably lies in your understanding of the dog. Those who are very athletic, eager to please and who have a wonderful relationship with you are the best candidates. 

History of Agility 

Agility training began in England not long ago and was fashioned after horse show jumping. After making its UK debut at Crufts in 1978, agility became the fastest growing dog sport. Not only is it popular among caretakers, its also very popular among spectators, the action is fast and it is always entertaining whether the dog does as the handler asks or not. It's fun for everyone. 

Does My Dog Have What It Takes?

The only way to find out if your dog has got what it takes to do agility is to try it out. Find a good agility club in your area where experienced instructors can teach you what you need to know. This will help you avoid injury to your pup. You will want to learn new tricks in a controlled environment that facilitates good training practice on agility equipment that meets safety criteria.

Pursuing the Sport

Once you establish that you and your dog love the sport, it’s worth it to purchase an agility course, or join a club who has the equipment available. You can find some inexpensive equipment online at Amazon, Ebay or even Craigslist, but if you are purchasing used equipment through these sources, ensure that you use a light solution of bleach and water to thoroughly clean the equipment prior to use. 

Purchasing Agility Equipment

There are many different types of agility equipment available. If you’re just starting out in the sport, you will want to stay on the conservative side of purchases. A complete agility course can be very pricey, so wait and see if it’s something you and your dog really want to pursue. 

Once you’re convinced that this is the sport for you, go ahead and purchase the basic pieces of equipment. These include a bar jump, a tire jump and a tunnel. 

Agility can be a very entertaining sport that’s exactly what your dog needs to release excess energy. It can create a strong bond between both you and your dog, not to mention, it’s great exercise for both of you. 

Additional Resources: 

Is Your Dog Fit Enough for Agility?

US Dog Agility Association

Stacy Mantle

Smart Games to Play with Your Smart Pets

Whether you live in the northwest and are being pelted with rain, or in the Southwest where you’re plagued with heat and allergies, or even the Northeast where there’s still snow on the ground, we all have days when it’s just not too comfortable or safe to go outside.

So how do we keep our very smart pets entertained on days when we just can’t get outside to play? Play a game! Pets need quality time with their parents as much as children do, and these games will keep the entire family entertained!

Here are some “smart games” for you and your “Smart Pets” to play.

Hide A Treat: One of our personal favorites. This game consists of you hiding a treat someplace in your home, and then asking your dog to go find it. In essence, you’re training your dog to become a “tracking dog”. Keep in mind that you’ll need to show your pet how this game works the first few times, but it won’t be long before they take the challenge on themselves!

Hide and Seek: Do I sense a hiding theme here? Anyway – this is a fun game to play when you can sneak away from your pet. It’s even better when you learn to throw your voice and appear to be coming from another room! Either way, you’ll find this game to be entertaining.

Teach a Trick: Teach your pet a new trick! Yep, even old dogs and stubborn kitties can do this. Cats are wonderfully receptive to clicker training, and you can learn more about this method by clicking here or here.

A Day of Dexterity: Remember the great times we all had growing up making a “Front room Fort”? Why not try that with your pet. Be sure the area is safe. Then take a few minutes to set up a short agility course with blankets, chairs and maybe an old box, or a 2x6 plank that they can try walking on (under constant supervision, of course).  Try it out with your pet first by having them follow you through the course, then rearrange it and try something new.

Stacy Mantle