Hi

I was at an agricultural show yesterday and a local agility display team were doing their stuff with their dogs. I got talking to them afterwards and they were encouraging me to bring Tiger along - even after I told them that he isn't always great around other dogs (some of them are also behaviourists so im sure any problems could be dealt with in time) and after giving it a thought over the last 24 hours, i've decided that I might as well give it a go, he is built for something like that and I think he would have the time of his life, as well as finding it great fun myself

So I just wanted to ask on here because I stupidly didn't ask them yesterday...

Does your dog have to have some sort of obedience already before starting? The people from the agility team mentioned them having their KC good citizen gold awards... I know it's not a 'rule' or anything but is it preferred that they have prior experience in obedience or can they just turn up and start?

I only ask because Tiger isn't very 'obedient' (he can sit and lie down but that is all) and I was going to take him to classes again anyway but now thought I may go for the KC certificates and try that bit harder for him because I really think he will love agility!

Oh and also, all you agility people - do you have any of your own equipment to practise between sessions or do you just use what your club/class has during training time?

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R.I.P Buster - Causing mischief over the bridge, sleep tight soldier

I think having good obedience to start with is good, because it's off lead so a good recall is good. Also, things like sit and stay are good so you can ahead of the dog when running the course. They will teach you how to get the dog to sit on the contacts correctly. Most dogs follow your body language anyway and you teach them commands, like Over for the hurdles and Walk On for the dog walk.

I bought a few jumps for my garden, a tunnel, some plastic sticks for weaves and a door to act like a dog walk for contact training. I think it helps because once a week is not much for practicing commands. Like in obedience classes, they usually send you home with work to do with your dog during the week, its the same with agility.

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RIP David xx Run free at the bridge. Love you always xx 19th February 2011
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Thank you

I've been eyeing up the P@H agility stuff for a while now... probably not the best quality but I suppose it would be okay for a bit of practice between classes

May invest in one or two pieces, mainly the jump and the weaves.... although I could probably make my own of them from something


I do hope we get involved, Tiger can be very stubborn when he wants to be so i might be on a hiding to nothing with it but i do want to give it a try, gonna get him some obedience classes sorted first though

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R.I.P Buster - Causing mischief over the bridge, sleep tight soldier

Most agility clubs require the dog to have at least a good recall before starting classes, a good wait is also handy. If you do do obedience classes make sure your dog is as comfortable doing things on your right side as well as your left if you are thinking of doing agility, my 1st dog would only do things on my left (especially weaves).
I have a few jumps, a tunnel, weaves and an a-frame at home, but I wouldn't recommend you do them at home until you are shown how to do them safely in class (I've been doing agility for over 10 years).

I would say a good stay and recall are imperative. It's very embarrasing trying to get a disobedient dog back when everyone is waiting for you (makes you more anxious too, which isn't good for the dog). I also would stress the importance of the dog being able to work both sides (a good trainer will insist on teaching each excersise on the left and the right.)

It's amazing what you can "rig up" from some brush shafts and upturned buckets- they make acceptable jumps. Garden canes pushed into the ground and covered with plumbers plastic pipe (available from B&Q very cheaply) over the top make good weaves (make sure there is no cane poking up. It could cause a nasty injury)

Good luck and enjoy! It's the best fun you can have with your clothes on!!

I forgot about this thread

Well we are finally starting Agility on Monday!

His recall and stay aren't 100% but he can do it, and hopefully with the aid of a toy he will be even better at recall lol! His stay is quite good, we can get him to sit and stay in the living room and walk upstairs before shouting him up & he runs straight to us, but whether this will work in an 'exciting' environment full of strange people, dogs and objects I don't know - but at least it's a start!

We are also starting his KC Good Citizen Bronze class on Tuesday so hopefully doing both of these in conjunction will really get it into his head

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R.I.P Buster - Causing mischief over the bridge, sleep tight soldier

wwell done you.

Agility has a habit of grabbing you and before you know it you own a van and caravan. I love it and it is the best fun you can with you and your dogs.

If you want equipment for the garden steer clear of the PAH stuff - its not particularly good quality.

Try here: Jump 4 Joy Dog Agility

Reasonably priced but extremely good quality. I have their stick in the ground weaves and they stay outside all of the time, 3 years on and they are as good as new, I also have the stick in the ground jumps as well - again still look great.

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Starting agility tonight

I am really nervous now, just hoping he is okay with the other dogs

Wish us luck!

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R.I.P Buster - Causing mischief over the bridge, sleep tight soldier