Agility Training

~ AGILITY IS FUN! ~

Agility is a great way of bonding for you and your dog, it also socialises and teaches your dog to behave around others. It is a good way for you to meet like-minded people whilst you are getting fitter.

Agility has been described as Fast, Furious and Enjoyable for both dogs and owners! If you watched the agility competitions at Crufts this year and it has re-awakened your interest, don't hesitate, do it now, this is the time to try out dog agility training. Training together can help build the relationship between you and your dog as well as keeping you both fit! Teaching your dog to work like a Crufts' champion may seem impossible, but with Bea Curtis at Mad About Mutts Dog Agility Club, training can be a fun and rewarding experience for both of you.

An Agility Course is designed for the enjoyment of competitors, and to appeal to spectators. It comprises a series of obstacles laid out as a course; the Kennel Club allows a combination of 20 obstacles to be used.

All sorts of dogs can take part, your dog does not have to be a pedigree, or pure-bred, and neither size nor age matter either.

~ CLOTHING

It is a good idea to wear suitable clothing. Your dog is likely to jump up at you out of sheer excitement, so you might get muddy. Sensible footwear that will not slip on grass or soil is essential.

~ LEADS

For dog agility it is best to use a standard lead and collar, not a harness, and never any sort of choke chain. A long lead is best as for the first few weeks you would be training your dog on-lead.

~ MOTIVATION

You will need either treats or a special toy to train your dog. Use whichever they are most interested in and therefore motivated by.