Dog Agility & How Pet Owners Can Get Involved

By Robin Setser


Dog agility, for those that don't know, is a type of sport that dogs can get involved in to test their speed against other canines. It's a popular sport that pet owners should be aware of, especially if their animal friends tend to have ample energy to spare. What should you do in order to prepare your pet for the sport in question? If you follow these tips, you can rest easy knowing that your dog will be able to perform with ease.

Pet owners can get involved in dog agility in many ways, starting with an understanding of the rules. Like with any sport, dog agility has a series of guidelines that must be adhered to by those that are involved. Keep in mind that different organizations will have unique rules, so study as diligently as possible. This will make understanding dog agility easier. This should provide the best start in the eyes of companies such as Assisi Animal Health.

There are numerous obstacles that a dog will encounter during this sport, meaning that exposing your pet to them early is beneficial. Make sure that they know what said obstacles entail and how they will be able to overcome them. If you simply apply your dog for a spot in a dog agility contest, they will be ill-equipped for the trials to overcome. Early exposure goes a long way, so take some time to ensure that this is carried out.

During training, be on the lookout for any signs of injury. If you think that something is wrong with your dog, you will be able to pinpoint it relatively quickly. Problems like a limp, difficulty talking, or an overall change in behavior may be indicative of something more serious, which is why you should examine your pet's behavior. Not only should you keep an eye on them during training, but when they're going about their normal business.

Finally, try not to make the sport too seriously. After all, dog agility is meant to be enjoyed, so it's not going to do anyone any favors if they see it as more than playtime. This is especially important for pet owners that may be competitive to a fault. While it's fine to see your pet succeed, there's a line that shouldn't be crossed. At the end of the day, dog agility should be fun, as this will make the overall experience that much greater.




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