Some basic agility questions..

[iwantmypup]

Hiya,


So in chat there was discussion of agility..and it really got me wondering!
I think it would be cool to have Pepper do it, and I think it would be fun for both of us.
Before I start asking you all some Southern California agility places, I just have some basic questions..

I would imagine that you would need a pretty good recall, right?
That's something we definitely need to work on, I mean she comes..but I don't know how she would act will all the different dogs and distractions.

People say that any breeds can do it but I wonder.
Pepperoni is a 37-40 ish pound Shepherd/ something mix, and people tell me that I need to be careful because of the shepherds hips..?
Of course I wouldn't go into agility without making sure everything is okay, but I just wondering about that.
Also..mixed breeds...are there any mixed breed agility?

What else...what else...

Anything else I should know?

Thanks,

-Ali

 

[adojrts]

Hiya,


So in chat there was discussion of agility..and it really got me wondering!
I think it would be cool to have Pepper do it, and I think it would be fun for both of us.
Before I start asking you all some Southern California agility places, I just have some basic questions..

I would imagine that you would need a pretty good recall, right?
That's something we definitely need to work on, I mean she comes..but I don't know how she would act will all the different dogs and distractions.

People say that any breeds can do it but I wonder.
Pepperoni is a 37-40 ish pound Shepherd/ something mix, and people tell me that I need to be careful because of the shepherds hips..?
Of course I wouldn't go into agility without making sure everything is okay, but I just wondering about that.
Also..mixed breeds...are there any mixed breed agility?

What else...what else...

Anything else I should know?

Thanks,

-Ali

Hi;
I agree, agility is wonderful for most dogs and their people, its a blast.
Yes you need a good recall, but having said that, a good agility school will start you in a foundations class, where you work on basic obedience, flat handling skills and a intro to some equipment (depending on the age of your dog) and targeting plus building focus and attention on you.
Most dogs find agility very exciting, but a good class or school isn't going to have all the dogs off leash at once running a muck. That is the last thing you want your dog to learn..........that it can leave you, but if it does there are ways to continue training that improves on that.
In my classes that I teach I have a motto........If you want to play, you have to behave. You would be surprised at how fast the dogs figure that one out. And that doesn't mean we compromize on speed either.

Before starting any dog sport I would recommend you get your dog x-rayed.
Yes there are all kinds of orgs. like USDAA, NADAC, CPE etc where a mixed breed of dog can compete. There are also countless rescue dogs that have become stars in agility that were once deemed aggressive or untrainable.
That is the great thing about agility, it is inclusive instead of exclusive.

 

[Dekka]

Yep that about sums it up. AND even if your dog isn't in 'perfect' shape (ie minor structural issues, etc) Agility classes and trials have special classes where the jumps and A frame are lower so there is less stress on the dog.

 

[iwantmypup]

Hey!

Thanks both for your responses!
It's making me excited!

Yes you need a good recall, but having said that, a good agility school will start you in a foundations class, where you work on basic obedience, flat handling skills and a intro to some equipment (depending on the age of your dog) and targeting plus building focus and attention on you.
Most dogs find agility very exciting, but a good class or school isn't going to have all the dogs off leash at once running a muck. That is the last thing you want your dog to learn..........that it can leave you, but if it does there are ways to continue training that improves on that.
In my classes that I teach I have a motto........If you want to play, you have to behave. You would be surprised at how fast the dogs figure that one out. And that doesn't mean we compromize on speed either.

I am so glad to hear that! Whew!
I was worried that they would be rushing or that you already needed an awesome recall.

Before starting any dog sport I would recommend you get your dog x-rayed.

I definitely be getting her xrayed.

Yes there are all kinds of orgs. like USDAA, NADAC, CPE etc where a mixed breed of dog can compete. There are also countless rescue dogs that have become stars in agility that were once deemed aggressive or untrainable.
That is the great thing about agility, it is inclusive instead of exclusive.

Oh I love that! Awesome!!

Thank you much adojrts,

Yep that about sums it up. AND even if your dog isn't in 'perfect' shape (ie minor structural issues, etc) Agility classes and trials have special classes where the jumps and A frame are lower so there is less stress on the dog.

Oh that's good to hear,

Thanks Dekka,

Also, are there any websites that you guys would recommend checking out?
And even tho both of you are in Canada, not sure if you would know any USA california clubs that I should see? :--)
-Ali

 

[adojrts]

If you pm me with your general location in CA, I can look for a good agility club/school for you.
But the questions you should ask of any trainer is;

Do you compete in agility?
Are you competing NOW? (you don't want an instructor that competed 10 yrs ago, the methods for success have changed for the better and those people are often not up to date)
Do they train with positive reinforcement?
Have they Titled dogs in agility? Where?
Do they have students that have Titled? When/how long ago?
Do they continue with their own education in agility by attending workshops/camps and seminars?
Who's camps/workshops/seminars did they attend? Working spot or auditing?
Who is their trainer?
Do they take regular lessons for themselves?

You will be paying good hard earned money and you shouldn't settle for a trainer that is not successful recently, with their own success and with their students.
Avoid at all costs the 'fun for agility' classes. There are all kinds of people out that purchase or make agility equipment and have never had a lesson in agility let alone competed in it. But they are jumping on the cash cow of agility lessons, they are not worth the money, especially if you want to compete because they don't have the knowledge or the skills to teach you correctly and safely and in the end you will have to retrain which will cost you more in time and money.

 

[iwantmypup]

Will PM you now!

I would have never thought of many of those questions, thanks!


Yup, that all makes sense!
Even if I don't plan to compete, I still would think we need a really good trainer, right?

Thanks!

-Ali