Agility Improves Your Dog's Confidence

Agility Improves Your Dog's Confidence

Is your dog fearful of humans or other dogs? Is your dog easily startled? Agility training may offer your dog the setting and structure he or she needs to develop confidence. Agility courses are a terrific location for individuals to learn about the sport and how to train, but it may take a long time for the cautious dog to come out from under your chair or off your lap.

A timid or shy dog can only learn in their own environment. As a result, training should start where they feel comfortable, and habits should be taught in very modest increments. Home is most likely the ideal environment for your dog to learn and be trained in.

How do you work out at home?

You will need guidelines as well as equipment. There are several websites that may provide you with information about agility training. There are also books and DVDs available that provide information, visual aids, and lesson plans for beginners and experts.

There is a wide range of equipment that is beneficial and convenient to have at home. The equipment suggestions are dependent on your available space and training location. Do you have a big enough yard to accommodate ten obstacles? Do you have a tiny yard where you'll need to put up equipment and then break it down before setting it up again? Will you practice in your garage, basement, or living room, as some agility enthusiasts do?

Make sure your equipment is safe and robust for fearful pets. The pause table is an excellent spot to start your agility training. A 12" high pause table with adjustable legs for subsequent usage is an excellent place to start for dogs of all sizes. Remember to place your table in an area that your shy dog is quite acquainted with. If your dog barks at anything new, just leave your pause table in your home or yard for a few days, allowing your dog to explore and sniff it on his own or with a little encouragement, but don't push too hard; remember, with an insecure dog, baby steps. Encourage your dog to jump up on the table by placing goodies in a dish or his favorite toy on the table. Be patient, as this may need more than one lesson. If your cautious dog loses interest in food or toys when you try something new, consider sitting on the table with him. If your dog is too large to handle, keep him on a leash while you sit at the table. If he pulls away from you, cajole him, and only treat or praise him when he comes to you, never when he pulls away from you or the table.

Eventually, you want your dog to be able to jump on the table when you say "Table," "Box," "Kennel," or whatever phrase you choose. Stay on the table while you move away, and then come when called. Build your distance gradually so that your dog is not pushed too quickly.

The transition from the Pause Table to the Contact Trainer is ideal for timid dogs. A contact trainer is available in a variety of styles. A 3-piece contact trainer with one tiny A-frame side, a pause table, and a mini dog-walk side is recommended. Your dog may sit on the table before being lured down the A-frame or dog-walk side. Remember that with the shy dog, training should be done in small increments, gently and softly, with just enough pressure to stretch him but not enough to overwhelm him and create a shutdown.

You may repeat the above procedures, adding additional obstacles as your dog gains confidence. Your dog's confidence will improve as he succeeds on each new piece of equipment.

Summary:

With your support and making it an enjoyable event, agility training may help your dog gain confidence. Your dog's confidence will improve as he or she completes each obstacle.