While it’s more common to train dogs in basic ways like obedience commands, house training, and simple tricks, not all fur parents consider agility training. Dog agility is a sport where handlers lead dogs through obstacles like tunnels, weave poles, hurdles, pipe tunnels, and tire jumps.
Dog agility training may only seem like a simple obstacle course where your dog can actively participate, but it comes with surprising benefits for you and your furry companion. So let’s discuss what you’ll gain from dog agility training.
Benefits of Agility Training for Dogs
If you’re a proud fur parent of a brainy pup, dog agility is something you should not miss. If you’re planning to engage your dog with agility training, below are five amazing benefits you may expect.
1. Burns mental and physical energy
Agility training is excellent for helping dogs release energy in an enjoyable and safe manner. Moreover, it’s ideal for all dog breeds, especially the ones with high drive and energy, as it allows them to run at their full potential while remaining laser-focused during the entire course. Agility helps dogs gain lean muscle, improve their coordination, and strengthen their joints.
As for burning their mental energy, a short agility training session can leave your dog entertained and exhausted. Do you suspect fractured or damaged bones judging from your dog’s movements following agility training? Take your pet to a veterinary surgeon in Leighton immediately to attend to the situation.
2. Keeps them physically fit
The amount of practice involved in dog agility training means your dog will develop muscles and strength as they go through obstructions and various obstacles. The speed required to finish the course also means your dog gets a cardiovascular workout, which yields essential benefits. Since agility training involves running, jumping, and crawling, sometimes sprains and strains are inevitable.
Do you notice your dog not feeling well after exercising with them? They could be experiencing exercise intolerance. You may take your dog to the nearest veterinary lab to examine what’s disrupting their health and ensure they receive immediate treatment.
3. Develops self-control
Untrained dogs will jump and run at any obstacles they find attractive. Some dogs would even be nuts about tunnels, jumps, and seesaws. Others might run everywhere at full speed. However, your dog will learn to develop self-control and commit to the task you want them to do in agility practices, with or without equipment.
Does your pet have a lung condition that keeps you from engaging them with agility training? Taking them to a cat internal medicine professional can help address their condition. Vet internists will create a tailored treatment plan for your pet to give them the best chance to recover and live a normal healthy life.
4. Increases confidence
As dogs continue to practice, excel and learn agility training, they also develop confidence. During an agility course, you show your dog they can climb, run, jump, and go through any obstacles. This helps shy dogs overcome their nervous tendencies.
5. Strengthens dog/owner bond
A dog won’t successfully complete an agility course without its owner’s assistance. This means that your dog will rely on your physical guidance and verbal instructions throughout the entire course. This will help increase your dog’s trust in you, which will strengthen your bond with them.
