Dog Agility Training

If you are looking for dog agility training classes, then you could do a lot worse than ‘Running Paws‘, who, as far as dog agility classes go, are up there with the best. The classes are run by Ceri and her husband David, and are based in Isle Lane, Bicton, Shrewsbury.

If you follow me then you know I also live in Shrewsbury, and if I was looking for a dog agility class then Running Paws would be my choice. They run an excellent dog agility class program, which offers something for all standards of dogs and owners who want to compete in dog agility competitions. They have international experience and have a great way of passing their experience and skills on to their clients.

What is Dog Agility Training?

Dog agility is essentially a way to test the speed and flexibility of dogs through an obstacle course which involves a range of obstacles such as jumps, tyre, A-frames, dog walks, seesaws and tunnels. Some of the more advanced courses can include weave poles, tyres and see-saws. An agility course is not only designed to test a dog’s obedience, balance, speed and of course agility, as they navigate the different obstacles, but their relationship with the owner.

In competition’s all jumping classes will include a minimum of jumps and weaves (may also have long jump, tyre, wall, spread, wishing well). All agility classes will or can have the same plus the 3 contact pieces of A-frame, dog walk and seesaw. 

dog agility training

Is Agility Training Good for Dogs?

Agility training can provide good cardiovascular, muscular, and mental exercise for you and your dog. Agility training is a great way to form a fantastic bond between a dog and its owner. Without a doubt, dogs are very smart creatures, but it would be very challenging, if not impossible for them to successfully complete a complex agility course without the aid of their owner or handler.

What age should you start agility training?

Realistically, you can start agility flatwork and tunnel training with a puppy as young as 8 weeks old. However, until your dog is at least 12-18 months of age, he shouldn’t really be expected to complete a full course.

dog agility training

this one is keen but a little too young

What do dogs learn in agility training?

Dog agility is a fast-paced, timed obstacle course completed by a dog and their handler. Courses usually contain around 15 or so obstacles, including tunnels, jumps, weave poles, and ramps, which the dog must complete in a predetermined pattern. The dog will learn a variety of commands, both verbal and visual. Like all forms of training they soon learn that a good performance earns a reward!

dog agility training

Is dog agility cruel?

The simple answer is no – dog agility is not cruel at all. However, like all forms of training, it should only be done with positive reinforcement. It is vital that the dog’s natural ability and athleticism has to be considered at every step of the training process. If agility training becomes too stressful for a dog, he can sustain injuries such as torn tendons, or ‘burn out’ all together. As far as I could tell the dogs absolutely love it.

What is the dog best suited to agility?

Without a doubt some breeds are better suited and far more capable at agility than others. Below is a list, not a definitive list, but a list of what might be the best ten dog breeds for competing in dog agility.

Top Dog Breeds for Agility Training, (in no particular order)

  1. Border Collie. If you were to run a poll for the most popular dog breed for agility training, the Border Collie immediately springs to mind
  2. Jack Russell Terrier
  3. Miniature American shepherds
  4. Australian Kelpie
  5. Working Cockers
  6. Papillons
  7. Shetland Sheepdog
  8. Poodle (toy/miniature)
  9. Malinois
  10. Cross breed (in particular Borderpaps)

dog agility training

What makes a good agility dog?

Without a doubt the two most important traits of a good agility dog are good health and physical shape; closely followed by strong nerves and the ability to remain focused on the handler. Herding dogs are traditionally used the most for agility competitions as they have a natural ability. However, this does not mean that other dogs won’t have fun – most breeds and mixes will enjoy learning and competing in this sport with their owner. It is not all about winning for some. It’s more about keeping active and having fun, as was perfectly demonstrated by the 87 year old!

dog agility training

Can I train my dog myself?

Yes is the simple answer. There are a few basic skills that make life with your dog more enjoyable and they also make the dog’s life with us more comfortable. Training the dog yourself isn’t rocket science. Get the basics down pat and then look for a dog agility class.

What are the 7 basic dog commands?

Before you think about getting involved with dog agility training, and start looking for an agility class for your dog, a well-behaved pup should respond to seven directions. These are:

  • Sit
  • Down
  • Stay
  • Come
  • Heel
  • Wait

If you are interested in attending a great dog traing club then take a look at Longden Dog Training Club which you can find on Facebook. Or call Janet on 01743 860368

During my weekend with Running Paws I learnt a whole new vocabulary. Words like ‘Ketch’, ‘Weave’, were used by nearly all the owners as they led their dogs through some fairly complicated dog agility courses. I even heard one owner use ‘Kill’. One thing that shone through for me though was the sheer enjoyment this sport gave to both the dogs and their owners.

To be honest, I had no idea what any of these commands meant so I spoke with Ceri, who was happy to try and explain.advice from a pro

Interview with Ceri 

Me……I have been unable to find definitions for some of the commands that were being used on the weekend. Any chance you could educate me?

Ceri….Ok, well, it’s almost an impossible question to answer!! Everyone has their own commands and also definitions, some use hundreds, others just a few. Basically you could say ‘bananas’ to mean tunnel to the dog, repetition and consistency in commands and body language are key

Me…..So its not all about the voice commands?

Ceri….Dogs respond to the verbal command and the body language of where we are looking, shoulders, feet, hands etc. They need to have key commands for each of the contacts, such as the tyre, the tunnel and the weave poles.

Me…..Are there any common commands?

Ceri….They need to understand to turn left and right, many of us also have tight wing wrap commands for example this and back. 

Me…..Tight wing wrap commands?

Ceri….Words like ‘tight’ and ‘back’. The dogs also need to know to go ’round’ ie, go past a wing, (the side of a jump), and wrap back round to jump the jump from the far side.

Me….So ‘wrap’ basically means do a tight turn?

Ceri….Yes. It’s useful to also have a command that means move away from me, I use ‘out’ and a word that means travel towards me i.e. ‘come’, and a command that means come between a jump i.e. ‘in’.

Me…..I heard the command, ‘kill’ being used!

Ceri….Yes, that is a command particular to one owner/dog pair and means ‘corner’ in Welsh.

Me….I also herd ‘ketch’? Not sure I have pronounced that correctly?

Ceri….You were close. A ‘ketschker‘ is a type of move, some people put a separate command to it, some don’t (I don’t as can’t remember too many commands 😂) There are various forms, one is the dog goes round the wing, jumps over the pole while the handler is facing forwards and is picked up on the same side that it entered the move. Another is the handler turns their back to jump, the dog jumps the jump and wraps the wing behind the handler. Another is that the dog slices the jump while the handler rotates their back to the jump and is picked up on a blind pick up (the opposite handler side to entering the jump). Not easy to explain in words 😂 equally, lots of people have slightly different interpretations of moves/names so not easy. 

Me….(Looks confused!)

Me….As I understand it, as long as the dog and the owner know the commands, the vocabulary is almost unlimited.

Ceri….Yes. Not sure my answers will totally help you understand, 😂 but it just shows how clever the dogs can be!! What I will say is, the body language far outweighs the jibberish that can sometimes come out of the mouth in the heat of the moment! Dogs are so intuitive to what/where our body is sending them, even if they are ahead of us and in theory can’t see us, they just sense/know! If that makes sense?

Me….Absolutely. Thanks

dog agility training

How do I get Involved in Dog Agility Training?

The easiest way to get involved would be to connect with Running Paws on Facebook. Or better still contact Ceri directly.

If you want to see more images from the training camp I photographed then just follow this link.