What's a good age?

[MelaneLynn]

Hi all! This is my first post, but i have been lurking for a bit now =D.
I have a 12 week old Italian Greyhound who is crazy smart and very obedient. She knows sit, come and wait already and I just started training her Tuesday (when we got her). Grant it she isnt perfect on these commands, but for her age and how long we have had her she is doing pretty freaking good =D.

She will be starting her puppy classes soon to perfect the basics. I was wondering what/when would be a good time to start her on agility? I dont plan on doing trials, but I would love for her to be course trained.

Thanks a bunch!

 

[adojrts]

Hi;
Congrats on the pup.
It's recommeneded to attend puppy kindergarden classes, then progress to a couple of levels of obedience, then take a puppy foundations class for agility.
Regardless of whether you want to compete of not, it is important that you and your dog be trained correctly for safety reasons.
Puppies are not put on equipment, we don't jump them and they certainly don't learn to weave. But having said that, you and your pup are taught on the flat handling skills, weave ENTRY, how to target, how to play, focus games, hindend awareness etc. All these skills are needed and when your pup is old enough to start learning the equipment, its an easy progression. Plus all those skills only build a great relationship with your pup and you end up with a very well trained dog!!! So its a bonus no matter what your end goals are.

Also be careful in who you choose to train with. Try and find someone who is competing NOW, someone who is Titling dogs and doing well NOW, someone who has students that are Titling and winning. And someone who is up to date on the latest methods. You don't want someone who, competed even 10 years ago, someone who uses methods from years ago. Agility is a fast evolving sport and the methods used today are much better than ones used years ago.

Good luck
Lynn