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Why would I want to do agility with my dog?
Agility is a great confidence builder for you and your dog. It is a wonderful way to exercise with your four-footed friend. And best of all...agility is fun!!
Can my dog do agility?
Dogs of all breeds and mixed breeds are welcome to participate. Almost any dog can learn to do agility; however, because this is an athletic sport, dogs with certain injuries or physical problems shouldn't be asked to participate. Also, dogs who are extremely aggressive towards other dogs or people may not be suited to agility.
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Do I have to compete if I train my dog?
No! Agility is a fun sport to do with your dog and many people take classes for the fun of having something else they can do with their dogs. Some owners do find agility so exciting that they decide to enter trials. |
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Dog Walk |
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How do the dogs learn to do all these obstacles?
Agility is taught using positive reinforcement. Trainers use a variety of good things including food, praise and toys to teach the dogs how to perform the equipment. Once the dog understands and enjoys the equipment, they may then go on to running the courses. Agility training takes patience, but the best part is that the dogs are having fun the whole time!!
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What does my dog have to know before we can take agility classes?
Dogs must have basic obedience skills and a good recall in order to take agility classes. If your dog will reliably sit, down, stay and come when there are distractions around, you are probably ready to start learning agility. |
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Jump |
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Where can my dog and I take agility classes?
K9 Basics offers classes in Agility at New Germany, located 15 minutes west of Waconia. Classes are being held one evening per week or on Saturday. Call (952) 353-8006 or e-mail
us at [email protected].
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Agility Skills:
- Jumps
There are many jumps in agility. The height each dog must jump depends on his height at the withers (shoulders). Some jumps are simple bar jumps and some have a solid panel. Many will have side pieces called wings. Some will be double jumps or even triple. These jumps are wide as well as high.
- A-Frame
The dog scales the A-Frame quickly, scrambles over the apex and immediately runs to the bottom, touching the "downside" contact zone. Even small dogs learn to get up and over.
- Open Tunnel
The dog runs at full speed to the entrance of the tunnel from any angle and exits quickly. Because this is one of the easiest obstacles to master, it's a good place to begin. There are two types of agility tunnels, the open and the closed. The closed tunnel has a solid cylindrical opening attached to a fabric tube or chute which the dog must push open.
- Tire Jump
The tire is one of the hardest jumps to teach. The object is to jump through the center of the tire. This sounds easy to us, but it can be difficult to explain to a dog. This is unique in that the dog must jump through, rather than over, the obstacle.
- Pause Table
- Weave Poles
- Teeter
- Dog Walk
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Teeter |
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Shoot |
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Jump |
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To Attend Class, you will need:
- Current vaccinations, including Bordatella
- Buckle collar or gentle leader and leash (no training collars/choke chains)
- Three kinds of treats that can be broken into small bites
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Click here to register for this class. |
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