Training Thursday: Create Your Own Agility Course

Agility is a fun way to keep both you and your dog fit. It gives you quality time together and strengthens your bond as you work together towards a mutual goal. It also challenges the dog physically and mentally, giving them a sense of accomplishment – especially important for working breeds .

Even though buying expensive agility equipment or attending classes is not always an option, it doesn’t mean that we can’t take advantage of daily walks to create our own agility course. Queen Elizabeth Park is one of my favourite spots – full of obstacles and fun design elements perfect for teaching new tricks.

Walking along a narrow bench, once your dog reaches the end ask them to turn around - it will make them more aware of their hind quarters. — Walking along a narrow bench, once your dog reaches the end ask them to turn around – it will make them more aware of their hind quarters.

Climbing logs. Remember wood gets VERY slippery when wet, so do excercise caution whenever asking your dog to jump on logs. Often I will ask Rocco to stand on the ground and put front paws on the log (or wall) do give him a good stretch and strengthen is hips. — Climbing logs. Remember wood gets VERY slippery when wet, so do exercise caution whenever asking your dog to jump on logs. Often I will ask Rocco to stand on the ground and put front paws on the log (or wall) to give him a good stretch and strengthen is hips.

"Nope, not putting my paw on it! It's cold...." — “Nope, not putting my paws on it! It’s cold….”

Use your imagination, there are many tricks you can teach your dog.

I like working with this concrete seat. I ask Rocco to turn around, which challenges his balance, co-ordination and rear-end awareness.

Next we'll be working on sitting with front paws on the backrest. — Next we’ll be working on sitting with front paws on the backrest.

Rocco's favourite trick, which he does without asking, is walking on top of raised curbs or walls. Just make sure there isn't a steep drop on the other side! — Rocco’s favourite trick, which he does without asking, is walking on top of raised curbs or walls. Just make sure there isn’t a steep drop on the other side!

Comments

mollieandalfie says

March 1, 2013 at 2:04 am

That is a great idea, we will look out for things in our park 🙂 ( it’s nothing like your beautiful one ) Have a wonderful day xx00xx

Mollie and Alfie

Basil says

March 4, 2013 at 4:33 am

What a brilliant idea! Typist has just taken her dog to agility and always says she wishes there was a way she could practice but her garden isn’t big enough! She will keep her eyes peeled!

Jodi says

March 6, 2013 at 9:55 am

We use fallen trees on our walks to practice ‘over.’ That is usually about as creative as I get. 🙂 Looks like Rocco is loving your challenges.

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