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Dog Agility FAQs
These FAQs are collected from messages posted to the agility lists, and the training methods given herein are in no way supported, endorsed, or otherwise verified by me. While I would not put something here that I feel is completely contradictory to the spirit and intent of agility, I have not had first-hand experience with a good number of the tips given here and thus cannot provide further information on them. The person listed in quotes at the end of each tip is the author of the original post to either of the agility lists.
Thanks to all the people whose posts are found here and have allowed them to be shared with others, and to all those who have helped in adding new stuff, particularly Anne Smith, Ann McQuillen, Henry Blomqvist, and Betsy Hyde.
Introduction to Agility
Obstacles
For each obstacle there is a section on Construction, Training, and Trouble-shooting if information is available.
- Construction Tips
- Jumps
- Broad Jump
- Tire Jump
- Open Tunnel
- Closed Tunnel
- A-Frame
- Dog Walk
- Teeter-Totter
- Pause Table
- Weave Poles
General Training
- General Training Guidelines
- Puppy Training
- When is a dog too old to train
- Assessment for Agility Training
- Teaching Agility Classes
- Dysplastic Dogs
- Training at Home
- Use of Leashes in Agility Training
- Sequencing
- Back-chaining
- Training Contacts
- Call-offs
- Corrections
- Late Commands
- Training Directionals
- Training Tight Turns
- What to do about barking and/or jumping at the handler
- Getting the dog to work ahead of the handler
- Clicker Agility Training
Handling Techniques
- Crossing in front of the dog
- Crossing behind the dog
- Working without verbal commands
- Using the dog's name
- Other handling moves
Showing Your Dog
- What form of agility should I start with?
- At the Start Line
- How to pump dog up for running
- Walking the Course
Game Classes
Problems at Trials
- Attitude
- Dog doesn't work as well as at home
- Dog went to visit judge/steward during run
- Dog spent most of his time sniffing the ground
- Dog is too fast!
- Dog is too slow!
- Running off the course
- Dog won't stay at the start line
- Handler's nervousness is affecting the dog
- Dog is afraid of the noise
Running a Trial
- Score-keeping
- What makes a good trial
- How to keep a trial running smoothly
- What to do if it rains
- Organization of Classes
- Show Checklists
- Setting Courses
- Stewards
- Advertising the trial to the public
- Gifts for the judge
Miscellaneous
- Trials versus Matches
- Runouts and Refusals
- The Cross-Over
- Suggestions for agility games/Fun Day
- Trick Training
- Flying with Your Dog
- Keeping Your Dog Cool
- Hotel Etiquette
- Agility Titles and Abbreviations
- Jump Heights
- Tidbits
- US versus Europe
- Obedience Training and Agility
- Recipes