- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Looking for a new way to strengthen your bond with your dog while adding physical exercise and mental enrichment to their routine? Dog agility training is a great option. It challenges your dog’s focus, coordination, and stamina as they weave around poles, race through tunnels, and jump over obstacles.
Most dogs can learn the basics of agility within 4 to 12 weeks, while more advanced skills may take up to 1 to 2 years, depending on your dog’s aptitude for agility and how often you practice. Beginner competitions typically feature between 12 to 20 obstacles that must be completed in a single, timed sequence.
While you can train your dog at home with simple equipment, attending classes or working with a trainer can help speed up the process, give you access to more advanced equipment, and ensure your dog is learning how to do jumps and obstacles safely with proper form.
With help from Jen Zatorowski, UW-AAB, CPDT-KA and trainer on Rover, we review expert tips to help you get started.
How To Tell if Your Dog Will Enjoy Agility Training
Dogs of all shapes, sizes, ages, and breeds can enjoy agility training and take part in competitions. There are even classes and competitions for senior dogs, with lower jumps and low-impact obstacles—making agility a sport for dogs of all ages!
It is important, however, to make sure that your dog is up for the activity. “First, I like to ensure a vet check has been performed to ensure the physical well-being of the dog. It is important to note that the dog also be a willing participant in the sport; she or he must enjoy it,” explains Zatorowski.
Signs a dog will enjoy agility training
Here are some clues your dog may be a good fit for agility training. You might notice that they have:
- A drive to run and jump when given the opportunity
- A natural curiosity to explore new places and objects
- A desire to participate in fast-paced games or playtime sessions, like chasing a ball or frisbee
- An ability to stay focused or attentive to you, even if only for short periods of time
Breeds that tend to take well to agility
Some dog breeds tend to have more aptitude for agility because of their natural athleticism and stamina. These breeds include:
- Border Collies
- Australian Shepherds
- Jack Russell Terriers
- Shetland Sheepdogs
- Labrador Retrievers
- Greyhounds
- Papillons
But dogs of many different types and breeds can be successful at agility. The key is a combination of temperament, training, and fitness—which opens the door to pups of all shapes and sizes.
iStock/macniak
Basic Agility Skills to Teach
Before your pup starts agility training, it’s important to have some foundational skills:
- Basic cues, including sit, down, stay, and come
- Socialization, to make sure they’re comfortable around other dogs and people
- The ability to focus in a high-distraction environment
Dogs should also wait until they’re at least one year old to attempt any jumps. But puppies can get started before that with “flatwork” agility training, which doesn’t involve jumps or hard exercises.
With that in mind, here are some of the core agility skills to teach your dog when beginning an agility training routine.
Running through tunnels
This skill requires a dog to run forward confidently through a fabric pop-up tunnel. Some dogs may initially be hesitant to enter a tunnel due to a natural inclination to avoid tight, enclosed spaces. If that’s your pup, try luring them from the exit opening with a high-value treat or start with a shorter, smaller tunnel and work your way up to a longer version.
Weaving
To teach your dog how to weave, you’ll want to set up a simple pattern using things like cones or chairs. Make sure to keep the spacing wide and easy to move through to start with; tighter, more advanced weaves will come later with more practice and training.
In the early stages, the goal is to have your dog understand the basic motion of moving around each object, transitioning smoothly from side to side.
Balancing
To prepare your dog to walk on a seesaw or balance beam, start with an object that’s low to the ground, like a street curb. The goal of this exercise is to encourage your dog to stay calm and walk the length of the object without jumping off. Allow your pup to go slowly to build up their confidence.
Jumping over low obstacles
Jumping is a popular early agility skill. You’ll encourage your pup to leap over a low obstacle, like a broom or a pool noodle placed in between two sturdy objects, without hesitating or knocking over the obstacle.
If your dog is hesitant, start with a step-over object and then work your way up to a low jump. For a short dog like a Dachshund, that would mean a 1 to 2 inch jump, and for a taller dog like a Husky, no more than 4 to 8 inches off the ground. To encourage your dog, try stepping or jumping with them.
Jumping onto objects
You can also train your dog to jump onto low-level objects, like a couch cushion or a low stool, to help prepare them for more advanced agility skills.
Start by encouraging your dog to step on the object. Once they’re comfortable, you can start raising the height to encourage your dog to jump instead of step.
Where To Find a Class or Compete
Once your dog can follow basic cues well, go through obstacles easily, and stay focused even with distractions, they might be ready for more advanced agility training.
Check the websites of the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the United States Dog Agility Association (USDAA) to find agility events near you. You can also ask other dog parents or your vet for recommendations.
Not sure you’re ready for primetime? Consider joining an agility class, or enlist the help of a local professional dog trainer on Rover to build out a training plan and work on individual skills.
“Trainers can teach you the foundation skills that are required to help in agility,” explains Zatorowski. “These could be body awareness or a simple stay or wait. Practicing good behaviors and skills helps ensure a good, fun, and successful run!”
If agility is something you and your pup are serious about, don’t hesitate to get help early. “Starting with [a trainer] early can help minimize or prevent some undesired habits or skills from being practiced, to help be more efficient and successful,” Zatorowski adds.
When to start competing
Deciding if your dog is ready to compete depends on their confidence, ability to follow cues, and enjoyment of agility. Some dogs thrive in competitions, while others may find it stressful. You may want to attend a competition or trial without your dog first to observe and see if it would be a good fit for you and your pet.
You can also try a practice event called a “run-thru” to see how your dog handles new environments. Remember, it’s okay if your dog doesn’t enjoy competing—what matters most is that you’re both having fun.
Agility Training at Home
Practicing agility training at home, even for just 10-15 minutes a day, is a great way to hone your dog’s skill in between classes and competitions. For equipment, you may want to invest in an affordable “backyard” agility kit or repurpose things around your home.
“It is best to start with basic foundation skills and basic equipment to see how the dog responds and build from there,” agrees Zatorowski. You may already have some things you can use to make agility obstacles, like:
- Jumps using chairs or buckets and a broomstick
- A sheet over two chairs to function as a tunnel
- Garden stakes with PVC pipe over them, spaced 24 inches apart for weave poles
Keep in mind that while you can use lighter equipment for small dogs, bigger dogs will need stronger gear that can withstand their body weight. Also, it’s a good idea to encourage your pet to sniff and familiarize themselves with the gear first before beginning agility training.
