How To Start Dog Agility

To start dog agility, first consider whether the sport is a good fit for both you and your dog. You’ll both need to be physically healthy and able to move around the course safely. Next, make sure your dog has a solid foundation in basic obedience; sit, stay, and recall are essential. Once those boxes are checked, the best next step is to enroll in an agility class. Training with a professional not only keeps things safe but also gives you and your dog the best start in the sport.

Can My Dog Do Agility?

While most dogs can start dog agility, it’s important to consider your dog’s breed, age, and physical health before beginning the sport.

Agility is designed for dogs of all sizes. Obstacles and jump heights are adjusted to match the dog’s size, so even the smallest breeds can participate. I have seen everything from Corgis to Dobermans compete. There are even Great Danes doing agility. Don’t let your dog’s height keep you from trying the sport!

However, it’s always best to check with your vet before beginning agility, or any sport, with your dog.

Can Mixed Breeds Dog Agility?

Yes! Mixed breeds, mutts, and crossbreeds can all do agility. The sport is not limited to purebred dogs. At agility trials, mixed breeds are often listed as “All American” dogs, and many of them excel. Some of the best agility dogs are mixed breeds.

Is My Puppy Old Enough To Start Dog Agility?

Puppies can begin foundation training for agility at any age. Many competitive dogs start this early groundwork such as focus, body awareness, and simple skills as soon as they come home.

However, puppies should not run full agility courses until they are at least 12 to 18 months old, depending on their breed size. Puppies need time for their growth plates to fully develop before doing high impact activities. Larger breeds generally take longer than smaller breeds. Again, make sure to consult your vet before starting dog agility training with your puppy.

Is My Dog Too Old To Start Agility?

There is no set age when a dog is too old to start dog agility. Many senior dogs continue to enjoy the sport well into their golden years. What matters most is your dog’s health and mobility.

If your dog has arthritis, joint issues, or struggles with movement, agility may not be the right choice. For older dogs especially, always consult your veterinarian before starting dog agility training.

Basic Obedience To Start Dog Agility

Before starting dog agility, your dog should already know a few basic obedience commands. These skills will make training smoother and set a strong foundation for success.

• Sit – Your dog should be able to sit or lie down on cue. While many trainers focus on sit, knowing lie down is also an acceptable alternative.
• Stay – Your dog should be able to sit or lie down and remain in place while you walk a few feet away. If your dog cannot stay, agility training will be much more difficult.
• Recall – Your dog should come when called. Recall does not have to be perfect, but the stronger your dog’s recall, the easier agility training will be.
• Focus – Building your dog’s focus on you is also helpful before you start dog agility. A dog that pays attention to the handler will progress faster on the course. This article has several great tips to improve your dog’s focus.

Find A Dog Agility Trainer

Once your dog has mastered some basic obedience commands and you have confirmed that both of you are mobile enough for the sport, the next step to start dog agility is finding the right trainer.

Many trainers offer agility classes, but if you are interested in competing one day, it is important to choose carefully rather than simply picking the most convenient location or class time. Poor habits are difficult to untrain, so finding an experienced coach from the start will save you time and frustration. Look for the following key attributes in an agility coach:

• The coach’s dog has titles – Any serious coach should have at least one dog with agility titles. Look for letters before or after the dog’s name. The highest titles are MACH and PACH, followed by MX, MXJ, AX, and AXJ. You may also see ISD, IAC, SSS, or CSS. Dogs that have placed at major competitions such as the US Open or UKI Classic, or that have earned medals in national or international trials, are another strong indicator of a knowledgeable trainer.
• The facility hosts trials – Although not required, an agility center that hosts its own trials shows that the program is preparing students for competition. This is usually a good sign of quality training.
• They have students who trial – If the trainer has students who actively trial and regularly earn titles, it shows they have the experience to guide new handlers and dogs successfully through the sport.
• The agility center is physically large – Dog agility requires space. If the equipment looks crammed into a small room, the coach may not have the space to teach properly. Look for a facility that is at least 8,000 square feet to ensure your dog has room to train safely and effectively.

If you are looking for an agility trainer near DC, be sure to check out my article about the best agility trainers in the area.

Dog agility is more than a sport; it is a rewarding partnership that builds an amazing bond between you and your dog, so get out there and get started!

Questions? Leave a comment below!