Dog agility training - obstacles
Dog Agility Training : Standard Obstacles
- Three
contact obstacles, including the A-frame, see-saw, and dog walk
(Contact means an obstacle that has a painted "contact zone" that the
dog must touch with at least one paw.)
1. An "A-frame"
is just two boards placed together in an a-shape. The dog climbs up one
side, and down the other. There are horizontal slats on them for traction.
2. The see-saw is a plank set on a center fulcrum. The dog must move from
one end to the other, while coping with the movement of the board.
3. The dog walk is essentially a balance beam for dogs.
- Set of
ten to twelve weave poles
(These are similar to a slalom course, where the dog weaves back and
forth between a set of vertical poles while going from one end to the
other of a path.)
- Two tunnels,
one collapsible tunnel and one pipe tunnel
- One table
- One tire
or hoop jump
- Three
winged hurdles, one of which must be a spread hurdle.
(Other additional hurdles (primarily of a winged-type) may be added
to meet minimum obstacle standards for each class level.)
Similar to
other sporting events, agility competitions also have different classes
to keep the competition fair and allow for the greatest number of participants.
There are size classes, age classes, experience levels, and events for
purebred dogs, mixed breed dogs, or both.
It is truly
a sport for all dogs, except the very young, very old or exceptionally
challenged. Done well, it provides challenge and excitement for the dog,
as well as physical conditioning and fitness, it provides a mental challenge
for the handler, and it increases the bond between dog and handler for
a satisfying emotional reward.
Agility's
accessibility is part of what makes it so attractive to so many, but as
with any other sport, training is important for enjoyment and the hope
of successful competition. Agility training is not especially difficult,
but as with all dog training, it does require commitment, consistency,
persistence, and a positive attitude.
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Training
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