Tired of playing the same old game of fetch with your dog? Do you find yourself acting as matchmaker each time you visit the dog park so that your pooch has a friend to romp with? If your dog's exercise routine feels stale, then you may want to consider experimenting with dog agility training. In addition to the numerous benefits it can bring to your dog, it can also strengthen the bond between you and your furry friend. Read on below for tips and advice on why agility training for your dog may be a good idea.
Here, Shandy Blake, a certified professional dog trainer interviewed for this article, shares what you can expect your dog to gain from dog agility training.
Benefits of Dog Agility Training
1. Physical and Mental Stimulation
All dogs need stimulation for mind and body, in order to keep them healthy. It's great if you already have an exercise routine in place for your dog, but if you sense they're getting restless, then you might want to mix things up and broaden your dog's experience. It can be boring for your dog (and for you!) to follow the same routine day after day. By training them on new equipment, like a dog obstacle course, you can stimulate them both mentally and physically.
2. Better Listening Skills
Agility training is also a helpful way for your dog to learn the important skill of listening. In fact, puppy agility class is a great way to practice commands learned in basic dog training classes and is a smart first step if you're interested in entering your dog in professional competitions in the future.
"Even if you don't think you would want to compete in agility," says Blake, "you'll notice your dog is paying more attention to you ... This results in a dog that listens better in your day-to-day life, from coming when called to doing what you ask the first time you ask them."
3. Increased Confidence
Dogs who learn, practice and excel at agility training develop into confident pets, too. Blake says, "You're showing the dog they have the ability to run, jump, climb things and go through things. This can really help shy dogs overcome some of their nervous tendencies."
Tasty Tips
4. Body Awareness
Agility exercises also help your dog develop body awareness, which Blake describes as "knowing where each paw is" and improving their balance. And, according to Blake, dogs with good body awareness and balance "are far less likely to injure themselves while playing other activities, like fetch or Frisbee."
Things to Consider
If you're interested in dog agility training with a young puppy, Blake suggests first attending basic obedience classes. She says, "A dog that knows to sit, stay and come on cue will be much easier to control on and around agility equipment."
In addition, it's smart to ease into training your dog — especially if they're a puppy or a senior dog. If your dog is under a year old, keep the equipment low to the ground and keep repetitions to a minimum.
Finally, it’s really important to encourage your dog throughout their training! Rewards may be the best way to do so. Depending on what they prefer, you can give them a healthy treat, verbal praise or a gentle pat after they complete a task.
Once you and your pooch get started and you see how fun and effective it is to use dog agility equipment, you'll feel grateful you took the leap to try something new to do together. Plus, dog agility training can be great exercise for both of you, as well as great bonding exercise.
Related products
Adult Small Bites Chicken & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Supports lean muscle for dogs who prefer smaller kibble
Adult Oral Care Small & Mini Chicken, Rice & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Clinically proven kibble technology to reduce plaque & tartar build-up, specially designed for small & mini dogs
Adult 7+ Small Bites Chicken Meal, Barley & Rice Recipe Dog Food
Supports energy level and beautiful coat in mature dogs who prefer smaller kibble
Adult with Beef & Barley Dog Food
Beef & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep Adult dogs active and healthy
Related articles
The Advantages of Wet Dog Food
Learn how today's wet dog food blends have gotten a face lift, and how you'll provide your dog the nutrition he needs in the form he loves.
Your Overweight Dog: When Bigger Isn't Better
Extra pounds can cause problems for your dog's overall health. Learn the signs that your dog might be overweight, and what you can do to manage its weight.
Choosing the Right Food For Your Small Dog's Life Stages
As small and toy breed dogs age, their nutritional needs change.
Hill's Puppy Food: Quality Ingredients for Health & Nutrition
Selecting the right food for your puppy is a key to quality nutrition and a long, healthy life., Learn more about how to select the right puppy food.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.