Dog Agility Competition Tips
Dog agility training is a lot of fun for us and our dogs, but we all know how stressful competitions can be. The stress and tension in your body also goes straight to your dog as well. The most important thing when heading to competition is to keep calm.
Here are some more tips to remember when you’re headed into competition…
- Don’t take your eyes off your dog. You should know where your dog is at all times. If you’re not watching your dog, you may have left him at the last obstacle or he may be in front of you. You need to guide your dog, so keep him in view, even if it’s out of the corner of your eye.
-Make sure you have your dog’s attention before stepping foot into the obstacle ring. He needs to be focused on you so he knows which obstacle to do next. Getting your dog’s attention can include things such as basic obedience practice before going into the ring. Anything that will get your dog’s attention will work.
- Be sure to face the direction you’re going, your dog will mimic your direction as well.
-Be sure not to run past the obstacles. Wait for your dog to commit to the obstacle before you proceed to the next one. Also, say the command for the next obstacle while your dog is the process of doing the current obstacle. Your dog will know what to expect after he’s finished the obstacle if you do it this way.
-When you get to the last obstacle, do not slow down. Keep going until you’re sure your dog has crossed the finish line. Many dogs will screw up the last obstacle because their handlers slow down.
Dog agility training is a lot of fun, but when you’re ready for competition, keep these tips in mind so you don’t let your nerves get the best of you. Also remember that no matter how bad you think your run may have been, everyone always has a bad day.
