Dog agility training is a fun way to help your dog get stronger and smarter. It’s like an obstacle course! If you want a new hobby or a sport to try with your active dog, agility is great for all kinds of dogs, no matter their size or shape.
But what is dog agility training, and why is it good for your dog? Agility training helps your dog stay fit and think fast. Some basic agility training activities include tunnels, weave poles, and jumping.
We talked to two agility experts to give you tips on how to start training your dog today. Whether you set up obstacles at home or attend classes, there’s an agility path for every dog’s speed and personality!
Is Agility Training Right For My Dog?
“The great thing about agility is that ANY dog can participate in some form or other,” says Heather Gillihan (CPDT), a dog trainer and national head trainer at Zoom Room Dog Training. Some dog breeds are naturally better at agility because they generally have good behaviour, lots of energy, and are athletic. These breeds include:
- Border Collies
- Australian Shepherds
- Jack Russell Terriers
- Shetland Sheepdogs
- Labrador Retrievers
- Papillons
For safety, dogs shouldn’t do high jumps until they’re at least one year old and a vet has checked them, says E Foley (CPDT), the owner and lead trainer at Foley’s Dog Training. But dogs of any age can start with easy agility training, which they call “flatwork”, because it doesn’t involve jumps or hard exercises.
What Commands Should My Dog Know Before Agility Training?
Before starting agility training, your dog should know basic commands like:
- sit
- down
- stay
- come
- self-control
While agility is exciting for you and your dog, Gillihan says it stops being fun if your dog can’t control themselves. She explains that they’ll make decisions without listening to you. She suggests finding fun online impulse control games to help your dog focus.
It’s also important for your dog to be comfortable around other dogs and people since most agility classes will be in groups.
How to boost your dog’s confidence
To help your dog feel confident, start with small steps. Gillihan says pet parents should introduce obstacles one at a time, making it fun with treats, praise, and encouragement.
Never force your dog to do something they’re scared of. If they seem unsure, be patient and give them time to check it out. Praise them when they face the obstacle! You can also have another dog go first to show them how it’s done.
What Are the Most Common Agility Training Skills Dogs Can Learn?
Dogs can learn a huge variety of things from agility training. Foley explains that there are “foundational skills and life skills”.
Aside from working with basic agility obstacles (eg jumps, tunnels, weave poles, ramps, boxes), some other foundation skills a dog could learn include:
- Paws up: front paws standing on a step stool
- Feet: back paws standing on a step stool
- Place: all four paws standing on a plank or in a long box
- Pivot: front paws stay up on step stool while back paws walk around it
- Around: dog circles around a bucket or bin
- Wait: dog must stay on or at an obstacle until called off
However, Foley says agility life skills can’t be missed either, especially if you want your dog to compete or take group classes. These are things like:
- basic obedience in distracting environments
- lead walking past other dogs and people
- ignoring other dogs while working off-lead
- settling in a crate in a busy environment
- being left alone for short periods
When Is It Time to Move My Dog To Advanced Skills?
Gillihan says that if your dog can follow commands well, go through obstacles easily, stay focused even with distractions, and seems excited to learn more, they might be ready for advanced agility training.
“At home, advanced agility skills can include working on more complex combinations of obstacles, practising off-lead training, and working on improving your dog’s responsiveness to subtle cues,” she says.
Is my dog good enough to compete?
Deciding if your dog is ready to compete depends on their confidence, ability to follow commands, and enjoyment of agility. Some dogs thrive in competitions, while others may find it stressful. Foley suggests attending a trial without your dog first to observe and learn from other handlers.
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.
What Do I Need For Dog Agility Training?
Pro-level agility equipment can be pretty expensive, but if you just want to practise at home, you can buy some cheaper garden kits online.
Gillihan says you can use lighter equipment for small dogs, but big dogs need stronger gear.
Luckily, she says many pet parents can use things they already have at home 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 one metre apart for weave poles
Just remember, these items might seem normal to you, but they’re new and strange to your dog. Encourage them to check it out, but don’t force them.
iStock/macniak
7 Mistakes to Avoid During Dog Agility Training
Like with any type of training, there are some no-nos to avoid with your dog in agility, especially if you’re just starting out. These mistakes could include:
- ignoring your dog’s fears or anxiety
- forcing your dog instead of letting them go at their own pace
- skipping safety and not preventing injuries
- not noticing when your dog wants to stop training
- ignoring any physical problems your dog might have
- pushing your dog to do harder things before they’re ready
- using punishment instead of rewards
People can make mistakes too. If your trainer doesn’t listen to you, doesn’t follow safety rules, or just doesn’t get along with you or your dog, it’s okay to find a new one. You don’t have to stick with the first trainer or class you try!
What Agility Classes Should My Dog Take?
You can search online, through social media, or sites like the Kennel Club-registered Agility Club to find agility trainers and events near you. You can also ask other dog parents or your vet for recommendations. If there aren’t any local options, there are virtual classes too.
“Since the COVID lockdown, several options for online agility competition have started,” Foley says. “These are great options for dogs (or humans) who would rather not compete in public!”
Your dog’s size decides which classes they enter. For example, Foley explains that your dog’s shoulder height determines jump heights. Shorter breeds don’t compete with taller breeds.
There are even classes for senior dogs, with lower jumps and only competing with other seniors, making agility a sport for dogs of all ages!
