Thinking of agility...

[SeaGlassHeart]

I'm interested in possibly doing agility with my Rusty when he's a bit older... right now he's almost 4 months old and home here with me for 2 weeks of that.

He's my first sheltie, and I've never done agility before...but I've been interested in it. The closest thing I've gotten to agility is show-jumping with my Thoroughbreds lol.

I'm coming to those of you who are experienced with the question:

What is a good age to start training for agility?

I'd expect that it'd be only after he's had his initial training to be a good doggie, and after he'd long advanced past the "sit" "stay" "heel" etc. I'm just curious of when about it's good to start.

 

[Sharon]

Agility

Now is the time to start training. You need the bascis like the recall and a good sit stay.Then about 12 months old go to a place that teaches agility and trust me you will have a blast.Once you go to your first show the bug will bite and you wont be able to stop like me. My dog Shadow is incredible in it.So close to his Championship. Sharon

 

[graydawntreader]

Start with little "baby jumps" in the yard. Dogs shouldn't jump the big ones until they are 1 year and 3 months old.. You can also start with the tunnel, like I did with Treader. I used a little kitten tunnel, which fortunately he can just fit into.
If possible, find someone who does Agility clasess and sign up. I plan to start Treader on Agility classes, once we can afford it. Thus far for Agilty commands, Treader knows "tunnel" and "over" (the command for him to clear a hurdle).
Have fun!

 

[tehluhlah]

Definitely get your basic obedience commands down first -- Sit, Down, Stay and Come are the ones you really need. After that, in my opinion, you want to start introducing Rusty to agility obstacles. The ones that you need to avoid until 12-15 months old are jumps and weave poles. Actually, you can still introduce him to those, but you need to make some adjustments for his age. He can learn to jump by going over jump poles that are set down on the ground, and he can start learning weave poles if your training place has a set of channel weaves. You just set the poles all the way open so he is running straight between them and does not need to bend his spine.

Sharon is right, agility is addictive! And it really brought Smoke, who was a little shy, out of his shell and gave him lots and lots of confidence. Good luck to you and Rusty!

 

[Sharon]

Agility

You can also start teaching your dog directionals(left right) very easy to teach.Just got Double QQ number 17 yesterday and am 3 away from his MACH.

 

[OntarioSheltie]

Start Agility ASAP!

I'm interested in possibly doing agility with my Rusty when he's a bit older... right now he's almost 4 months old and home here with me for 2 weeks of that.

He's my first sheltie, and I've never done agility before...but I've been interested in it. The closest thing I've gotten to agility is show-jumping with my Thoroughbreds lol.

I'm coming to those of you who are experienced with the question:

What is a good age to start training for agility?

I'd expect that it'd be only after he's had his initial training to be a good doggie, and after he'd long advanced past the "sit" "stay" "heel" etc. I'm just curious of when about it's good to start.

A good basic obedience is very important in agility so it sounds as if you've started on the right track. You really want to have a good recall! (coming when called and only when called)

After that, begin agility as soon as possible! I started Sadie in a "pre-agility" training class when she was five months old, I was told its best to start agility training when they're still young (but at the same time not work them too hard since they're still growing). They can get used to all of the equipment, at a young age, learn about hitting targets and start on weave polls (very important). As I said above, practicing a good recall is very important too so its good to practice it as much as possible. Just keep in mind that you can't actually do full size jumps/equipment or compete till their a year and a half old, when they've stopped growing.

Sadie is nine months old now, I'm having a ball with her in agility and flyball. Its such a great way to build a relationship with your dog! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!