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| Qualities Of An Agility Dog? | |
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| Topic Started: Aug 15 2007, 06:01 PM (290 Views) | |
| nicky3981 | Aug 15 2007, 06:01 PM Post #1 |
Squeaker
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Hi just a quick question. Im considering starting agility with my new dog and wondered what kind of dogs make good agility dogs? Im guessing they have to be agile :yes: , but what sort of motivations does a good agility dog have? What skills do the dogs need prior going to classes? And what sort of methods do they usually use? Any advice appreciated |
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| Nic | Aug 16 2007, 09:46 AM Post #2 |
Competition Manager
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Oh you will love it its so much fun! A hyper but well behaved dog is best, one thats quick and agile but who will listen and not be too strong willed (hence y terriers are hard work!!) useful skills before you start are sit and wait as ul need to be able to do this while you walk ahead a couple of jumps or so, also a go on command and if you are really wanting to get top of the class early on, trying to teach them left and right is useful! |
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| Halfpint1775 | Aug 16 2007, 02:05 PM Post #3 |
Chatterbox
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Hi Nicki One of the first things I said to Karen when we walked Jacks was that he would be great at agility. I do agility with my dog Peg (she loved Jack!!) . Jack listens well when on walks and also hes fast, agile and loves to run! He seems to have good basic commands - so I think he'd be perfect. Lots of classes tend to start around the October time - so go onto agility.net to find some clubs near you - and good luck! I'm sure you will both enjoy it :) |
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| PaulaK | Aug 16 2007, 02:16 PM Post #4 |
Moderator
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I don't think are qualities as such, agility is something every dog can do as long as they are reasonably fit and not overweight. It helps if they have a thorough grounding in obedience first as they need a very good wait and recall. The best clubs normally have a huge waiting list so don't be suprised if you have to wait a year before you can get started unless you go to someone who has lessons on loads of different days. There are loads or different methods instructors use but we use targeting our dogs to treats or toys and lots of play. |
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| nicky3981 | Sep 3 2007, 11:18 AM Post #5 |
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Squeaker
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Well I took Jack to a agility taster session the other day to see if he would take to it - and he was brilliant! He did all the equipment first time without even questioning it and can already jump quite high. I think he will have to go in the medium class as he is a few cm over, but he was clearing all the jumps so shouldnt be a problem. We have our first class with other dogs on tuesday, Im very excitied! The man was a bit amazed that Id only had him a few weeks and kept saying how lucky I was to find such a good dog :wub: |
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| Halfpint1775 | Sep 3 2007, 12:15 PM Post #6 |
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Chatterbox
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Awww, bless him. I knew he'd be good at it. He is such a wonderful dog, and this is a great way to keep him active mentally and physically and give you something great to do together. Heh - maybe he will meet Peggy again one day on the agility circuit! |
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| PARSNIP | Sep 5 2007, 05:02 PM Post #7 |
Chatterbox
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Ahh well you must have the magic touch Nicky! Agility is said to be addictive; just wish we could take Jill; still working on the lead issues but she is better with other dogs off the lead! Jacks looks very very happy! :) |
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| WalkTerrier.TalkTerrier | Sep 5 2007, 08:29 PM Post #8 |
Chatterbox
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Saffi & I have only had one proper lesson (been gardening till now, weaves & jumps which she's near on perfect at ... till there's dogs around!), and, despite her yodelling when other dogs are running- mainly a framing!?- and paying practically no attention to me.. i can see myself getting addicted.. she has potential.. and can do it.. its just.. other dogs are.. so exciting! :rolleyes: Though her main problem, recall, didn't prove to be a problem at Agility- dropped the lead, she ran over to the dogs in the improvers section (we're split by orange fencing), i called her once and she came running back. Nuts! <_< :blink: :wub: |
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| nicky3981 | Sep 7 2007, 12:08 PM Post #9 |
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Squeaker
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He went to his agility class on tuesday and it was great fun! He was a different dog to when he had a go without the other dogs, he spent most of the time yapping and wasnt particularly interested in his toys or treats! He still did everything I wanted to though, and Im guessing after a few weeks he will get used to the other dogs? He managed to maintain concentration when it was his go, but watching the others running around was way too much for him! He wasnt too keen on the see saw - ive been trying to find one in a park so we can practice but have had no luck yet. |
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| WalkTerrier.TalkTerrier | Sep 7 2007, 12:28 PM Post #10 |
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Chatterbox
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Maybe a lot of terriers are the same then- that sounds much like Saffi when we went- wouldn't take treats much! :huh: |
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| TracyB | Sep 10 2007, 10:12 AM Post #11 |
Chatterbox
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ooh I know which club your a member of ;) ...... I may just see you tonight! |
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| WalkTerrier.TalkTerrier | Sep 11 2007, 09:49 PM Post #12 |
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Chatterbox
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You'll know which one she is if you're there... pretty obvious really
:o Sounds like she's in a great deal of pain.. though she's improving :rolleyes: |
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