Agility Training for Dogs: How to Get Started

If you have a particularly athletic dog or want a fun way to bond, consider dog agility training. It’s a fast-growing and exciting dog sport that can help deepen the relationship between you and your dog, and help both of you get more movement into your routine. Here’s what you need to know about dog agility training, including how to get started.

What is Dog Agility Training?

Dog agility training is a competitive sport. Dog handlers or owners guide dogs through an obstacle course of 14 to 20 obstacles, such as tunnels, poles, seesaws, and jumps. The dogs must do the activities as quickly and accurately as possible, receiving commands from their owner. It’s a high-energy activity that provides a full-body workout and a high level of mental stimulation for dogs. It can really seal the bond between dog and handler.  

Are Certain Breeds Easier to Train for Dog Agility Competitions? 

Any breed could compete in dog agility training, but some breeds have a natural inclination to this type of activity. High-energy dog breeds, especially ones that are eager to please and easy to train, excel at dog agility. Breeds like Australian Shepherds, Border Collies, Poodles, German Shepherds, and Corgis could excel thanks to their energy levels, personalities, and willingness to train. Every dog is different, though, so there might be dogs outside these breeds that enjoy agility training or dogs within these breeds that don’t take to it.

How to Start Dog Agility Training

Regardless of breed, if your dog has exhibited characteristics such as high energy, trainability, and an eagerness to please, they might be ready to start agility training. To start DIY dog agility training:

1. Start with basic obedience training. Your dog should know the basics of obedience training and be receptive to commands before moving on to agility training. Start with basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” “come,” and “heel.”
2. Give your dog chances for endurance. Running with your dog and doing physical exercise together will give you a good idea of their stamina and how they might perform.
3. Get agility equipment. You can seek out an agility course or start at home with basic DIY equipment such as tunnels, poles, and jumps. Let them get familiar with it, and use positive reinforcement tactics to get them to understand what to do. Start with lower jumps or shorter tunnels, and gradually increase the difficulty.
4. Practice, practice, practice. Practice sessions of about 15 to 20 minutes can help exhaust your dog daily and help them work up to a full agility course.
5. Consider professional help. Local dog agility and training facilities can help your dog along in the process. Look for dog agility training for beginners courses.

Dog Agility Equipment

Dog agility training requires specific equipment. You can start small at home with a few of these pieces to make sure your dog understands the sport and is enjoying it before seeking out a professional agility course. A few common pieces of equipment include:

• Jumps: Think of jumps like dog hurdles. They come in single, double, and tire jumps.
• Weave poles: Weave poles are upright poles that dogs zigzag through.
• Tunnels: Collapsible fabric tunnels come in various heights for dogs to run or crawl through.
• Teeter-totter: A teeter-totter is similar to a seesaw. Dogs balance on them and walk down them.
• Dog walk: These are like dog balance beams. They have a narrow, raised walk with ramps up and down on both ends.
• A-frame: An A-frame is an A-shaped ramp for climbing.
• Pause table: A pause table is a raised platform where a dog has to pause for a given amount of time.

If you are a novice dog agility course trainer, start with a few simpler pieces of equipment, such as tunnels and weave poles. You can gradually work your way up to more equipment or find a professional course near you.

Advanced Dog Agility Training and Agility Training Classes

There exist advanced agility activities, such as the ones included in the Purina® Incredible Dog Challenge®: dock diving, fetch it, freestyle flying discs, weave pole competitions, and more. These training sessions will help your dog work on more complex tasks like sequencing, distance work, and speed.

Where to Compete in Dog Agility Competitions

Many communities offer dog agility training facilities or courses where you and your dog can work together toward your common goal. Casual competitions, including at the beginner level, exist. Search your area to find one that fits your needs.

If you and your dog are ready to take the next steps and compete in national agility competitions, you’ll want to know about the Purina Incredible Dog Challenge – a type of dog show in which dogs participate in the challenge do awe-inspiring things like agility, dock diving, precision fetching, surfing, and more in a great display of stamina, endurance, and athletic ability. The Purina Incredible Dog Challenge celebrates almost 30 years of showcasing some of the most athletic dogs in the country.

Conclusion

Dog agility can be a way for your dog to get more mental and physical stimulation, and for you and your dog to attain a closer relationship with one another. Some dog breeds are more predisposed to agility, but it’s not a guarantee that they’ll excel at it. Whether you’re doing it to compete or just to enjoy quality time together, dog agility combines physical fitness and mental challenges for an unstoppable combo.

For more expert tips on dog behavior, explore our other understanding dogs articles.