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How did agility training originate?
Agility
tests were first seen at Crufts in the early 1970s
and was devised to be 'fun competitions designed
for enjoyment by competitors, their dogs, and for
appeal to spectators'.
Which breeds are most suited to agility?
Most
breeds can be used, but the most is are the Border
Collie
Can a pet dog be trained in agility?
Definitely.
Although many of the successful competitors are
trained in the police and armed forces.
Which breeds are unsuited to agility training?
Large
heavy dogs would find this exercise difficult and
may develop long-term injuries such as tendonitis
as a result. Older dogs should not take part
either and in general all competitors should be in
optimal health and fitness. It would be wise to
consult your vet before entering into training
with your pet.
At what age can agility training begin?
The
first part of any agility training should be
basic obedience training. In this sense,
training can take its normal course of events
until the age when the dog is fully mature.
These exercises should not be contemplated
before the bone and muscle is properly formed.
Otherwise, you risk injuring your dog severely.
No dog is allowed to compete in the UK until the
age of 18 months.
Caring for your unusual animal
There
are three basic requirements for your animal.
The first requirement is food. You must know
what and how much your animal will require. The
second requirement is water. For some animals humidity
is a matter between life and death. You must
know exactly what your pet will require. The
final requirement is heat. Because your animal
will not be able to regulate its own body
temperature, it will require the provision of
heat via a heat pad or a light bulb.
How long does it take to train a dog to
competition standard?
Depending
on the dog breed and individual skills and the experience
of the trainer, this could take anything from
several months to several years.
Do dogs enjoy agility?
Most
dogs will love the experience. If, however, you
think your dog does not enjoy it, the rewards
will not be enough to continue as your dog will
be unlikely to become very good, or indeed to
appeal to judges.
Do competing dogs require a special diet?
All
dogs should have a well balanced diet. The most
important thing is to keep your dog well
exercised and not to allow him or her to become
overweight. Dogs should only ever be fed after
training and never before.
What are the most important points to train
for?
Your
control over the dog is of great importance. If
a dog can react instantly to your commands then
it is a good candidate for training. Above all,
agility training should be fun for both dog and
owner and should be entertaining for
onlookers.
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