starting agility

[sj_xc_hannah_]

how would i go about starting to do agility with one of my dogs, hes 2 and a whippet x terrier x something lol

and i have played with him over showjumps etc and runs vvvveeerrryyy fast. would i need to join a club or anything, also, if he ever got good could he still do the big classes as hes a cross? thank you i don't really know much about it just watched it xx

 

[Izzy18]

I'd go to a good club. Try looking at www.agilitynet.co.uk - they have an A to Z list of clubs/regions. The breed of your dog doesn't matter as long as it is reasonably fit, and over eighteen months old, I think. The classes go on the height of your dog and the dog should be registered on the Kennel Club's Activity Register for competitions, if I remember correctly. You might also want to take a look at http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/activities/agility.html
It's a great way to bond with your dog, and most dogs love it! You need a reasonable standard of general obedience before training for agility though; sit, down, stay, wait etc. Hope this helps!

 

[nicknack]

Go for it - its fantatic fun and the dogs love it. Join a club - if you can't find anything on AgilityNet ask around - eg. your local vets, riding schools (many clubs use indoor schools as a training venue).

Doesn't matter about breed - classes are on height restrictions (eg. standard, midi and mini).

Make sure your basic obedience is up to scratch first as that does let novices down. A reliable recall, sit, lie down, wait are all needed. You need lots of stamina in the early stages - I used to find myself hyperventilating

 

[rrose]

I would go for it too, i was lucky enought to have a club near to me and joined. competed for 2 years before i retired my dog. The class heights go on the size of dog. mini, midi and standard. i did midi with my collie x corgi and its great fun. as long as your dog is willing to learn.. you will have great fun. the first few classes you will properly get bored off.. *well i did* but once throught these you are off. good luck x

 

[Dougie]

its amazing fun although i havn t done it since may...broks recall is a little none existant