Owners should have a status check with their dogs. They may very well be buddies and loving companions but are they able to respond to simple commands such as SIT or COME? If not, then some obedience class would have to be a pre-requisite to starting agility training. The sport needs perfect communication between handler and canine. It isn’t just a run in the park and like any sport, it is discipline.

When introducing the dog to agility training, slowly ease him into it. It wouldn’t be a good idea to have the dog jump through hoops or leap over bars without having him have a feel of them. Impatient owners may end up injuring their dogs in the process because they themselves may not be too familiar with the demands of the sport. It is always a great idea to get do some research on the whole activity from the internet, competitors and even trainers. There are many agility training camps that owners can put their dogs through.

The concept shouldn’t be rushed or imposed on either of the two. Agility requires quick changes in direction and tight turns, running at top speed, a terrific sense of balance, weaving and jumping. It may be “too much information” mentally and physically for both if owners think it can be achieved all in one day. Breaking down the tasks would be best as it would give owners focus on what particular areas are strengths or weaknesses of their dog.

Dogs that join Agility trials are not companions or pets anymore, they are athletes. In order to perform well, there will be more physical and mental demands. But owners should always take the well being of the dog as a priority. They may be the only ones up to the whole sport but the canine may not. Sore muscles and fatigue will be there so it is imperative that there is sufficient time for their bodies to recover in order to perform the next time. Since more energy is being used, the dogs will be hungrier than usual or looking for water to quench their thirst. A diet of protein and nutrients would have to be adjusted to the dogs needs and water should always be available. Doing the routines over and over again may cause abrasions or soreness on the pads which owners should check on a regular basis. Very important factor is motivation. Praise and positive reinforcement is the key to having a dog perform well because he wants to please you. Using scolding methods may make the dog detest the whole sport and simply refuse to participate because he wants to avoid any punishments.

Simply engaging in playtime with the dog is fine on all grounds. But if owners wish to raise the level of competitiveness, much preparation should be taken. Again, owners should know the dog’s feeling on the whole matter and that should mean something.