Agility, we have all heard of it (especially when we have a dog). But what is it really?
Agility is a fun and sporty activity that combines timed obstacle courses with dog obedience. It offers an excellent opportunity for owners to strengthen their bond with their companion while providing dogs with physical and mental exercise. Whether for leisure or competition, this discipline is suitable for a wide range of breeds and ages.
The Benefits of Agility for Your Dog #
Agility brings many benefits for dogs, both physically and mentally and socially. It is ultimately the equivalent of a good workout for humans!
✔️ Improvement of Physical Fitness #
Agility works almost all the muscles of the dog. By overcoming obstacles such as hurdles, tunnels, and bridges, the dog develops its agility, endurance, and strength.
It is an ideal activity for dogs that need to expend energy, maintain their weight, or stay in good physical shape, especially if they tend to lead a sedentary life. Regular exercise also helps improve the dog’s cardiovascular health.
✔️ Mental Stimulation #
In addition to engaging the body, agility stimulates the mind. Each course requires the dog to think and follow its owner’s instructions to overcome obstacles in the correct order and as quickly as possible. This activity enhances the dog’s intelligence and concentration. By practicing regularly, your dog will become more attentive to your commands and more obedient in daily life.
✔️ Strengthening the Owner-Dog Bond #
Agility is also an excellent way to strengthen the bond between you and your dog. By working together on a course, the dog learns to trust its owner and follow their instructions. This teamwork improves obedience while creating a unique bond between the owner and their dog. More than just a physical activity, agility becomes a moment of sharing and connection.
Agility is truly a discipline where the dog has a blast. It’s a moment of fun for both him and me, and it has really brought us closer together.
Patrick on the forum chien.com, agility enthusiast with his dog
✔️ Socialization and Stress Management #
Agility sessions, especially in clubs or during competitions, expose the dog to a social environment where it interacts with other dogs and new people. This helps to improve its socialization and reduce anxiety.
For shyer or more nervous dogs, this gradual exposure to new stimuli can help them better manage their stress, all while having fun.
Which Dog Can Do Agility? #
In theory, all dog breeds can practice agility, although some are particularly suited for this activity. Medium-sized, energetic, and intelligent dogs often perform the best. Among the breeds often cited for their agility aptitude, we find:
- Small dogs: The Dachshund, Jack Russell, or Shetland.
- Medium-sized dogs: The Border Collie, Australian Shepherd, or Springer Spaniel.
- Heavier dogs: The Labrador, Golden Retriever, or Malinois.
While these breeds can excel in the discipline, it is not recommended for everyone. Indeed, some breeds may be less suited for this activity, particularly due to their morphology or health issues:
- Brachycephalic dogs: French Bulldogs, Pugs, and Shih Tzus may have breathing difficulties due to their short snouts, making agility more demanding for them.
- Heavy or very large dogs: Breeds like the Saint Bernard or Great Dane, while powerful, are not as agile as lighter breeds. Additionally, agility can put excessive pressure on their joints.
- Older dogs or those with health problems: Dogs suffering from hip dysplasia should avoid jumps and overly intense courses to prevent worsening their joint issues. Therefore, caution is needed: even if your dog has practiced agility before, it may become impossible as they age.
What Age to Start Agility? #
To ensure your dog practices agility safely, it is recommended to wait until it has finished growing. A general range is between 12 and 18 months, depending on the breed. Large dogs, in particular, have a longer growth period and should wait a bit longer before tackling full courses.
However, this does not mean you have to wait all this time to start training your dog. From 4 to 6 months, you can introduce basic obedience exercises, such as recall or “stay,” to lay the groundwork for agility. The sooner you start this training, the better the coexistence with your pup will be!
Agility has made Djump more obedient. Before, he only did what he wanted, but agility classes have really strengthened his discipline and our bond.
Aline P. on the forum Vive les chiens
Where to Practice Agility with Your Dog? #
Agility can be practiced in various places depending on your needs and desires. If you are a beginner, a specialized dog club is often the best option. You will find qualified instructors and equipment suitable for all levels.
For those who prefer a more relaxed approach, it is possible to practice in dog parks that sometimes have free access equipment. If you want to train at home, you can also purchase agility equipment kits and set up a course in your garden.
The Necessary Equipment for Agility #
To practice agility, certain equipment is essential. So if you want to do some at home or bring your equipment to the parks, there are essential items not to forget! To create an effective and stimulating obstacle course for your dog, we recommend the following agility equipment:
- Tunnels: They are ideal for working on speed and building the dog’s confidence.
- Hurdles: They help develop agility and coordination through jumping.
- Bridges: They help improve balance and movement precision.
- Slalom: It enhances precision and fluidity of movement.
When choosing equipment, ensure it is suitable for your dog’s size and abilities. For example, small hurdles are ideal for small dogs, while larger tunnels will be better suited for bigger dogs.
How to Start Agility with Your Dog? #
To start agility with your dog, it is important to begin gently. It is recommended to introduce basic obedience exercises, such as “sit,” “stay,” and “come,” so that your dog is attentive and ready to follow your instructions on a course.
Then, start with simple obstacles, such as a hurdle or a tunnel, and reward your dog with treats or encouragement for each success. Progress should be gradual, increasing the difficulty of the courses as your dog gains confidence and agility.
Track Your Dog’s Activity to Meet Its Needs with Minitailz #
Training in agility means many hours of activity. And it can be easy to lose track of time when both dog and owner are having fun! The American Kennel Club notably reminds us that a dog needs on average:
- 1 to 2 hours of exercise per day, with varied activities such as games, walks, and more intense exercises for active adult dogs (e.g., Border Collie, Labrador, Australian Shepherd)
- 30 minutes to 1 hour of exercise per day is sufficient for small or less active dogs (e.g., French Bulldog, Chihuahua). These activities are more in the form of leisurely walks and light play.
- 30 minutes of gentle activity per day for older dogs or those with health issues. They should remain active, but shorter walks are preferred.
To help you keep track of this and assess your dog’s needs, there is a comprehensive device: Invoxia’s Minitailz. It offers activity and health tracking boosted by artificial intelligence. With its daily reports, you know if your dog is overexerted or can expend even more energy. A very interesting tool for all owners interested in agility while respecting their dog’s limits!
Learn MoreAgility is above all a fun and enriching activity. Whether to strengthen the bond with your dog or to participate in competitions, it is essential to respect its pace and abilities while creating an environment of play and enjoyment.