Do you have a high energy dog? Or maybe your four-legged companion needs some help with obedience? Agility may be the solution!
Agility is a fun sport that you can do with your four-legged friend. It involves directing your dog through a set obstacle course within a certain time limit. The courses are designed to fulfill the hunting and chasing desires of dogs. They usually have between 14-20 obstacles that consist of tunnels, weave poles, tire jumps, seesaws and more.
Any breed of dog can participate in agility, but energetic breeds tend to excel. Common breeds that you will see on the agility course are Jack Russell Terrier, Parson Russell Terrier, Sheltie, Border Collie, and Australian Shepherd.
Aside from being a fun activity that you can do with your dog, it is an excellent source of exercise for both you and your dog. It helps to strengthen muscles, improve coordination and increase endurance. Along with being a fun way to exercise, it also helps to build confidence in your dog. It’s a sport where your dog can work alongside you, and they feel a sense of accomplishment as they master different obstacles.
If your furry companion needs some exercise and loves to have fun, agility may be a great solution. Research in your area to see if there are any clubs or learning sessions to get started.
Written by: Michelle Larkin, RVT
