Getting Started?

[FarmerGirl2010]

I've always wanted to get one of our dogs into agility. Either Dawn or Velvet, just for fun. I just don't know where to start! Obvioiusly obedience is a start and something I want to start putting more focus on. The past two years of my life have been rough and I now have a lot of extra training to do because I have to make up for the stuff I didn't do before. :/

All the same. Where do you start with teaching agility? I know HOW to teach it I just don't know where to begin. Do you begin with jumps? Chutes? Weaves? Velvet already weaves through my legs in an attempt at "dancing".

[MafiaPrincess]

Best advice anyone can give you is to take a class. Agility is one of the more dangerous sports even to dabble in and learning safely is key.

[CaliTerp07]

Agreed--I think you really need to take a class to get off on the right foot. If you don't have time for that, even a private lesson or two so that the trainer can show you how to properly teach the skills would be valuable.

[adojrts]

Originally Posted by FarmerGirl2010

I've always wanted to get one of our dogs into agility. Either Dawn or Velvet, just for fun. I just don't know where to start! Obvioiusly obedience is a start and something I want to start putting more focus on. The past two years of my life have been rough and I now have a lot of extra training to do because I have to make up for the stuff I didn't do before. :/

All the same. Where do you start with teaching agility? I know HOW to teach it I just don't know where to begin. Do you begin with jumps? Chutes? Weaves? Velvet already weaves through my legs in an attempt at "dancing".

If you don't know where to being, then you don't know how to train it. And agility training starts on the flat not with obstacles.

Agreed, takes classes with a good instructor, stay away from those 'fun agility classes' unless they are offered by people who do compete and title dogs in agility. (many instructors train and may even compete for other events, doesn't make them qualified to teach agility just because they have the equipment).

[FarmerGirl2010]

Originally Posted by adojrts

If you don't know where to being, then you don't know how to train it. And agility training starts on the flat not with obstacles.

Agreed, takes classes with a good instructor, stay away from those 'fun agility classes' unless they are offered by people who do compete and title dogs in agility. (many instructors train and may even compete for other events, doesn't make them qualified to teach agility just because they have the equipment).

I suppose that IS true. I'll be looking into classes then though it's likely not something I can afford anytime soon. Just something I'd love to do with the dogs. Thanks everyone!

[adojrts]

Originally Posted by FarmerGirl2010

I suppose that IS true. I'll be looking into classes then though it's likely not something I can afford anytime soon. Just something I'd love to do with the dogs. Thanks everyone!

Look we're not trying to shoot you down and typically teaching a dog in your backyard over some jumps and stuff should be fine. But get at least some knowledge first, even by reading, dvd's and best taking classes. The concerns are over facing a dog with jumps that are too high and too close together, slippery, too high or unsafe contact equipment (teeter, a-frame, dogwalk) to name a few.
Agility is a riot, very addicting and usually the dogs love it, just be safe and have reasonable expectations of your dog's physical and mental limitation when learning it.

[FarmerGirl2010]

Oh I know that, adjorts. :3 I'd just prefer doing the classes and some research as opposed to just doing in the back yard. I know I COULD set up my own little training area but reading up or going to classes will come first.

[Jynx]

definately take classes first, and then more classes, and then MORE classes, then get some titles on your own dogs.

Most people that want to get into agility, will not pay someone who has not been there done that