If you are thinking of another activity for you and your dog to participate in then why not try agility. You can have lots of fun with your dog and at the same time build upon a better relationship for the both of you. Perhaps even go in for competitions at a later date.
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It is a sport in which the dog has to negotiate a variety of obstacles laid out in a course. Any dog can take part provided he is over 12 months old and is reasonably fit and healthy The basic skills are needed before commencing agility. These are recall, stay, down, sit, stand, heelwork and sendaway.
The dog runs the course with the handler running alongside guiding him in the right direction. When training this sport handlers use positive, reward based techniques. You will guide your dog over jumps, through weave poles, over an A frame and dog walk, through a tunnel and various other items of equipment. There are contact obstacles on an agility course. Three of these are the A frame, the dog walk and the see-saw. A dog needs to touch each end of the contact equipment with his feet. Instruction is given before tackling the obstacles involved.
Before you begin you need to choose the commands and signals you are going to use on the agility course and apply these to your basic commands. Remember dogs communicate using body language and your posture and mannerisms will have as much meaning to your dog as vocal commands. Whatever commands you use be consistent and use the same tone of voice. Before running a course make sure that you and your dog have warmed up. This reduces the chances of injuries to yourself and your dog.
Book a sessionWessex Dog Training Club provide a wide variety of training courses for dogs and their handlers ranging from Obedience and Agility to Scentwork. Come and make new friends for you and your pooch and learn how to increase your bond and get more from your relationship with your dog.
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