Newbie agility questions

C

chase's dad

Forums Regular
OK first let me say I know nothing about agility training so I have lots of questions but I'm not even sure where to start.
I always loved watching this on TV but have never been. I want to attend some to see what all goes on.
1-Do you guys do all your own training or did you have professional help?
2-I don’t know what all the course consists of, so where is the best place to read up on it.
3-Where is the best place to find training aids and info on training.
4-Is this worth doing just for fun or do you have to be serious and spend tons of time and money?
5-Chase still needs just basic training as of this point and I was looking at some local classes, and saw they also have agility classes. After the basics are the agility classes worth it or should we just work with him here?

Right now I'm looking at this as something that we can do together and have a great time doing it. Chase loves to get out and run from time to time so I think we both could enjoy it. I just need to know they best way to get started at this and do it right from the beginning. I know after I get responses I will have a lot more questions so Thanks for your help, The rookies, Dave and Chase
 
chase's dad said:
OK first let me say I know nothing about agility training so I have lots of questions but I'm not even sure where to start.
I always loved watching this on TV but have never been. I want to attend some to see what all goes on.
Click to expand...

Let's see if we can help you out.

If you want to attend a trial, you can check Agility Events (http://www.agilityevents.net/index.php?page=Home) for a summary of what may be going on in your area. This site lists the dates and locations for agility trials across multiple venues in one place. It may not list everything but it contains a good bit of information.

Now, on to your questions:
1-Do you guys do all your own training or did you have professional help?

I do a combination of both and it actually is important to train at home to some level if you want your dog to actually learn the skills. I started out taking classes at a local agility club and then became a member of that club. I also practiced at home.

Many people who have some sort of set up in their back yard, assuming they have enough space. You can find, buy or build a lot of the equipment yourself. Not everyone who trains competes, they just want an activity for their dog.

2-I don’t know what all the course consists of, so where is the best place to read up on it.

If you've watched this on TV you've seen what the course consists of - jumps. tunnels, a tire jump, collapsed tunnel (aka a chute), a-frame, teeter, dog walk, weaves and table.

You can find basic information about the sport anywhere on line:
Good ol' Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dog_agility
Dog Agility Sites: http://www.dog-obedience-training-review.com/dog-agility-training.html


3-Where is the best place to find training aids and info on training.

There are books on the subject available on Amazon.com and in your local bookstore if you want an actual book.

I just found this site on training and it looks pretty good: http://www.agilityability.com/

To find a facility in your area you can try using Google and do a search like "Dog agility training" +Raleigh


4-Is this worth doing just for fun or do you have to be serious and spend tons of time and money?

You can do just back yard training if you desire but if you think you are may ever want to compete, invest the money for actual training from people who can help you be the best you can be.

There is more to training agility than just training the dogs to work the obstacles, there are handling techniques that you need to learn in conjunction with the dog so you can communicate clearly. Again, if you don't think you'll ever want to compete, then this may not be important for you.


5-Chase still needs just basic training as of this point and I was looking at some local classes, and saw they also have agility classes. After the basics are the agility classes worth it or should we just work with him here?

I'm always taking classes to try to hone my skills as a handler and improve our team. My particular club offers specialized classes in things like distance work, improving contact performance (this would be the weaves, teeter, and a-frame), etc. I also attend seminars with experts in the agility field to learn as much as I can.

Is any of this required? No. It really depends on what your goals are.

Right now I'm looking at this as something that we can do together and have a great time doing it. Chase loves to get out and run from time to time so I think we both could enjoy it. I just need to know they best way to get started at this and do it right from the beginning. I know after I get responses I will have a lot more questions so Thanks for your help, The rookies, Dave and Chase
Click to expand...

Agility is a great way to spend time with your dog. I hope some of this helped.
 
1 I train with several professionals and then do field rentals for course work and drills at home on my own.
2 AKCs website in the rulebook has good descriptions of all of the obstacles with descriptions of how they are to be performed.
3 books such as agility right from the start, developing jumping skills, developing handling skills, and flatwork are good books.
4 It can be done just for fun or as seriously as you wish. The amount of time Money and effort put into it is up to your goals. If you are satisfied with just doing it casuLly for fun then you are accomplishing what you set out to do... But I cant really answer that for yOu as each person is in it for different reason
5 Classes are worth it. Even if you decide you only wish to do it very casually, it is important to learn how to use all of the equipment safely and how to get your dog to do the equipment
 
Thanks, I think I will attend some of the trails. I'm going to put Chase in the basic class and may go on to try the agility training. I think it would be a great way for us to spend more time and have fun doing something that would be good for us both. Now time to start doing a lot of reading and studying to start with.
 
Good basic obedience skills are important in agility as you need to be able to work with your dog off leash. So starting with a basic class is perfect. I take agility classes with Lexi and don't think I would have gotten very far w/o them. There is sooooo much to learn about the handling. The first thing you learn is "it's almost never the dog's fault when something goes wrong":smile2:

At this point, I don't think I'll ever be good enough to compete and Lexi has had elbow surgery so we don't jump her full height. But....we both love the classes and working together. Lexi is way better than I am!!! On our team...I am the weakest link:smile2:.
 
chase's dad said:
OK first let me say I know nothing about agility training so I have lots of questions but I'm not even sure where to start.
I always loved watching this on TV but have never been. I want to attend some to see what all goes on.

1-Do you guys do all your own training or did you have professional help?
I do agility classes with an awesome Instructor, workshops and seminar with other Instructors

2-I don’t know what all the course consists of, so where is the best place to read up on it.
Here are an official rules link for AAC (agility association of Canada)
http://www.aac.ca/en/rules/_pdf/AAC_OfficalRuleBookV4-secure.pdf

3-Where is the best place to find training aids and info on training.
If you want to just browse, here is THE best Handler and Instructor in Canada
http://www.clickerdogs.com/

4-Is this worth doing just for fun or do you have to be serious and spend tons of time and money?
It's just for fun, even if you start getting more and more into it, lol. It's a tad addictive, for you and the dog! lol

5-Chase still needs just basic training as of this point and I was looking at some local classes, and saw they also have agility classes. After the basics are the agility classes worth it or should we just work with him here?
Definitely take the classes!! There is SO much to learn if you have never done it, it is mind-boggling! The training after a while really isn't for the dog anymore, but your handling!

Right now I'm looking at this as something that we can do together and have a great time doing it. Chase loves to get out and run from time to time so I think we both could enjoy it. I just need to know they best way to get started at this and do it right from the beginning. I know after I get responses I will have a lot more questions so Thanks for your help, The rookies, Dave and Chase
Click to expand...

Hope that answer some questions?
ALSO agility is the most fun a handler and his/her dog can have together. It's an incredible bonding experience!
 
Everyone has done a great job answering your questions.

I just wanted to send a note to say that I've trialed at an agility club in Raleigh. The name of the club is PBH (Pet Behavior Help). They were really great and seemed really nice. Just a place to consider!
 
Another good book to puck up is Laurie Leach's "The Beginner's Guide to Dog Agility". My agility trainer recommends it to all of her beginning students. It explains each obstacle and how to preform it (and train for it). The best part is that it goes into foundation skills that you can work on at home before taking any agility classes. And it explains agility terms also. I just picked up the intermediate guide, which focuses a lot more on handling skills and breaking down courses.
 
I just wanted to say welcome to the world of agility. I'll answer your questions from my own POV. But I think everyone else did a great job of fully answering them.

1 - I have a professional trainer and we train once a week

2 - It depends on what venue (AKC, USDAA, CPE, etc) you want to run. But the best place to REALLY understand it is their main websites. The rules can be hard to read, but it's very informative.

3 - I think this has been answered well

4 - I think it's worth it to do it for fun. I know a woman who runs a Bulldog. A BULLDOG!! Yup, she's slow, but they have a ton of fun. It just depends on how into you get. I started off "doing it for fun" and got addicted and now I want something out of it (titles).

5 - Definitely take basic obedience, it'll help you a LOT in the long run. Also, when you decide on an agility class, try to find a class that is more serious about agility. The beginning may not be as "fun", however, they also watch out for your dog more so. What I mean by that is....they won't allow your puppy to jump full heights nor weave and stuff until Chase is full-grown, when the growth plates are closed, etc. Recreational classes sometimes don't have those limitations and you could end up hurting him.

You should definitely go watch some trials when you can. Take Chase with you too. As long as you're not being disruptive, I doubt anyone will care that he's with you. In fact, you'll probably have a whole new fan base. LOL. I went to one, hung out, and realized I really wanted to do it. I talked to a few people about where they train and stuff like that.

Good luck. Can't wait to see you more on this board...telling us all about training and your first trial, etc. :)
 
I agree with everything that everyone else said. Agility is an AWESOME sport to play with your dog. No, you don't need to compete. I think that it is worth it just for fun, but beware, if you do compete....it's addicting! :biggrin2: Good luck!
 
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