Dog Agility: Classes & Training

Dog agility is a competitive sport designed to test a dog's speed, agility, and obedience as they manoeuvre through a course with various obstacles under the guidance of their handler. Obstacles can include tunnels, weave poles, jumps, and seesaws. The goal is not only to complete the course with the fastest time but also with the fewest faults. Dog agility is open to all breeds, offering a versatile and inclusive environment for all participants. 

You will usually find classes sorted into size groups. It would be unrealistic to expect a border collie to complete a course at a similar time to a much smaller breed like a chihuahua so grouping by size gives everyone a fair chance. They may not win any awards for speed but any dog can benefit from some fun agility, even your great danes!  

Agility may not be the sport for everyone. While you shouldn’t go into agility with the mindset of having the fastest or most obedient dog, if your pooch isn’t going to enjoy it then there are plenty of other things to do together. One key element of doing any activity with your furry family member is that you both enjoy the experience together.  

While some may believe that agility is reserved for specific breeds, the truth is far more inclusive. All breeds, from the sprightly jack russell terrier to the larger than life bullmastiff, can participate in agility training. The key lies in understanding your dog's personality. Dogs that are eager to learn, enjoy problem-solving, and have a surplus of energy often excel in agility. If your pooch is an independent thinker and prefers to do things at their own pace or even not at all if they don’t feel like it, they may not enjoy agility. If they’re more of a leisurely stroll than a zoomies kind of pup then it might be a bit fast paced for them.  

Agility is a physically demanding sport, requiring both strength and stamina. Therefore, your dog must be in good physical condition. Puppies and younger dogs will need to wait until they've matured enough to handle the physical stress, while older dogs should be checked for any underlying health issues. Always consult with a veterinarian before starting any new exercise regimen. Most agility clubs will not accept any dogs under the age of one to start training as they should be fully grown with properly developed joints to support them. It’s a physically demanding and high impact sport so they need to be done growing and physically fit to start. Any pups with mobility issues may find courses too stressful to complete so they should do more gentle exercise.  

Since agility often involves training in groups, your dog should be comfortable and sociable around other dogs and people. If your dog is shy or reactive, consider working on socialisation skills before introducing them to the agility scene. Agility can even help with socialisation as you’re often in a room full of dogs who are all excited and focused on the course they’re about to run rather than each other. They don’t necessarily have to love and want to play with every dog they see, in fact, this could make your life harder at an agility class and distract them from the activity itself. A good level of socialisation is being comfortable around other dogs but not overexcited by them.  

Engaging in agility training with your furry friend offers several benefits that extend beyond the agility course. This dynamic activity promotes physical fitness, mental stimulation, and a deeper bond between you and your fur baby. Not only does it challenge your dog's body through physical exercise, but it also engages their mind and encourages them to learn and execute commands.  

One of the most obvious benefits of dog agility is the physical exercise it provides. It's an excellent way to keep your dog fit and healthy, improving their endurance, flexibility, and coordination. It’s a good way to be able to quantify your pooch’s improving physicality as courses are timed and as they learn and get fitter, you will see that time get shorter. A sport like agility helps to build muscle and your pup will be using muscles they don’t always use when going on their normal daily walk. It doesn’t just get your pooch moving but studies have found that it benefits the handlers too. 

Agility challenges your dog mentally as well as physically. Learning to navigate the courses requires concentration and problem-solving, which can help to reduce boredom and destructive behaviours. Many behavioural issues stem from boredom and doing activities with your canine companion is a great way to get them thinking. If you’ve run out of puzzle feeders to challenge your pup or even if they’re just not very food motivated, a physical activity to do together is a great way of both physically and mentally working your furry friend.  

Working together to tackle an agility course strengthens the bond between you and your dog. It's a partnership built on trust, communication, and mutual respect. You both go through the process of learning a course together and you have to find ways to communicate to stay on the course. Agility courses tend to be noisy with both parent and dog often excitedly shouting back and forth. They will have to learn to read hand signals and your body language to understand what direction and activity they need to complete next.  

Successfully navigating an agility course can be a significant confidence booster for your dog. It teaches them to trust their instincts and abilities, which can have a positive impact on their behaviour outside of the agility ring. One great way to build confidence with shy dogs is through giving them easy wins. Something as simple as rewarding a dog’s choice for picking a desirable behaviour will boost their confidence. Completing a course together and knowing they can rely on their own judgement when it comes to navigating individual pieces of agility equipment will be a massive boost to their self esteem.  

Venturing into the world of dog agility is an exciting way to enhance the physical and emotional well being of your canine companion. It begins with understanding the basics and gradually introducing your dog to the concepts of agility training. This process not only ensures safety but also maximises enjoyment for both you and your dog. Starting with simple exercises that build on your dog's natural instincts and abilities can lay a solid foundation for more complex agility challenges ahead. 

Before stepping onto an agility course, it's crucial to establish a strong training groundwork with your dog. Begin with basic obedience training, ensuring your dog can follow commands such as sit, stay, come, and especially 'leave it,' which will be invaluable during agility training. Incorporating fun, play based training sessions will boost motivation and strengthen your bond, making the experience enjoyable for both of you. Focus on building your pup’s confidence in you and in new environments by exposing them to different textures, sounds, and obstacles at a gradual pace. This foundational training sets the stage for a smooth transition into more specialised agility exercises and helps in fostering an attentive, eager to learn attitude in your furry friend. 

Familiarise yourselves with the equipment slowly and safely. Start with simpler obstacles like tunnels and jumps before progressing to more complex equipment like the seesaw and weave poles. Make sure your pooch is comfortable and confident with each piece of equipment before moving on to the next. It's crucial to maintain a positive and encouraging tone throughout this process, rewarding your dog for their progress and reassessing if any obstacles prove too challenging.  

Look for "dog agility near me" to find beginner classes that can introduce you and your dog to the sport under the guidance of experienced instructors. These classes provide a safe and structured environment for learning and socialisation. They also offer a chance to learn from other handlers and their dogs, as well as gain exposure to different training techniques. Don't be afraid to ask questions and seek advice from your instructor and classmates, they can provide valuable insights and support on your agility journey. 

Creating a dog agility course in your garden is a fantastic way to practice at home and keep your dog engaged. Start with basic dog agility equipment like a dog agility tunnel, weave poles, and homemade jumps. There are plenty of resources online to help you DIY your dog agility set, ensuring your furry friend can enjoy the thrill of agility training in the comfort of your backyard. 

Dog agility is more than just a sport, it's an opportunity to connect with your dog on a deeper level, challenging both of you to grow and learn together. Whether you're exploring agility for fun or with competitive aspirations, the joy and satisfaction it brings to both handler and dog are immeasurable. Equip yourself with patience, persistence, and a positive attitude, and watch as you and your dog conquer the agility world together.