Getting Started in Agility and Finding a Trainer
The most important question to ask yourself – Will I ever want to compete? If the answer is MAYBE or YES then getting the right foundation can save you a lot of heartache and frustration. Ways to find a facility that trains properly – 1) Start by looking up where competitions are held close to your area. Attend a competition, watch people who compete, if they seem like they are successful ask them where they compete. Ask several people if possible and tell them why you are looking – if they are not getting ready to go into the ring they may be helpful. Competitive Agility organizations in the U.S. - AKC – American Kennel Club CPE – Canine Performance Events USDAA – United States Dog Agility Association NADAC – North American Dog Agility Council 2) Consult with other people who are competing successfully in your area. Ask about not only where they currently train but where they have trained in the past. Find out why they may no longer be training somewhere. Many people start out at the wrong place. 3) Contact a couple of facilities that were recommended. Besides asking questions about their training methods inquire about observing a class or two. Some indicators of a competent training facility - - Handler skills receive as much focus as obstacle skills. Some facilities will teach these skills separately for beginners. - Handling is also taught on the flat (on the ground without any obstacles) for a strong foundation before introducing the obstacle. - Dogs are taught how to jump. - Contacts are emphasized. There are a variety of methods that can be taught but it should be addressed. - An automatic down or sit is taught on the table. Some places just have you run courses but don’t break down the handling even at the earliest stages. When to start training – An adult dog of any age can enjoy the sport of agility as long as it is not too strenuous on its frame or joints. A dog under a year should not be doing any extensive jumping. Since a puppy should not be jumping a good obedience course will be very helpful. Even going a little further in obedience to working off leash will allow you to focus mostly on agility exercises when the time is right. A strong wait, sit, down and recall are all helpful in agility. Plus it establishes you as the leader in your team and that is important when you start in agility. Most of this breed is overly excited when introduced to this sport so having some self control and good listening skills will help you avoid bad habits when first learning. Dogs who are timid will feel less so if you already have a good bond from doing obedience. Strong obedience skills will help dogs of all ages. Don’t sacrifice a good foundation for cost or convenience – you will pay for it in the long run. Give agility a try. We all start somewhere and it is a lot of fun. As another member has pointed out on this forum, anyone can hang out a shingle to teach, it doesn't mean they know what they are doing. You deserve the best start - so do some research before you begin. If it doesn't feel right even after you begin don't be afraid to look for another trainer. Anyone on this forum with some agility experience will be glad to answer questions or refer you to someone who knows – feel free to ask. |
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| Very good post Judi! And I can't emphasize enough........find the right trainers. No matter what area you are training in...agility, obedience, herding or conformation. Preferably someone who themselves competes. I had 2 really good places in my area to train for a long time. One was about 10 minutes from home & the other about 20 minutes. Over the years they closed for various reasons. It took me a couple of years to find a facility where I thought the instructors were really into teaching not only the dog but the handler too. I drive 55 minutes 1 way to class & believe me, it is worth every cent. |
| I am a very new student to this fun sport!!! I was forunate to find a mentor to help me to a good foundation class as well as giving me pointers on how to practice at home. I am going into the ring for the first time in June and I am excited and scared!!! Heart is not the fastest sheepdog, she ambles more like a little bear, but I can see that she is enjoying playing on all the toys. She loves the sit table and is not crazy about the teeter, but with lots of praise and a couple of treats,  she is overcoming her fear of the banging and the falling feeling.((she is such a brave girl!!!  ))I just wanted to add to this thread that, even at 56, I am learning a new 'trick'!!! I see both of us becomimg more confident !! We have a long way to go. but every step of this adventure is exciting. I would strongly suggest, if you have the time, to look into this..It is worth the effort and the dogs have so much fun!!!!!! And take advantage of this wonderful site!! If you have someone in your area that is involved with Agility, I am sure they will be glad to help you!!!!!  |
| thanks for the advice. Gigi begins agility next week. |
oesmom2 wrote: thanks for the advice. Gigi begins agility next week. Congrats!! and have fun with her  Foundation stuff can seem tame, almost boring (for those of us who are impatient!), but it is so worth it in the long run. I don't regret the year+ of training we did before we were even thinking about being ready to compete. |
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