Agility Dog Training And Pit Bull Terriers
Spending time training your Pit Bull can be very rewarding and
fun for you both. It helps build a stronger bond between dog and
owner that is important for the happiness of both parties. There
are many different types of training that you can choose to do
with your Pit Bull, one such is agility training.
Agility training is the process of teaching your dog to
successfully navigate an obstacle course. If the training is
successful, your pet should be able to do it by only listening
to and obeying your commands. During an event, the dogs are
timed and to win must not make any mistakes and must have the
fastest time. It takes a lot of practice for a dog to be
successful at this, but can be quite fun for both dog and
trainer. This activity is especially good for Pit Bulls because
it gives them a good outlet for all the extra energy they seem
to have.
Most experts recommend not starting agility training until your
dog is at least one year old, at least not to enter in a
competition before that age. Many owners who train their dogs to
participate in these events will purchase their own equipment to
have at home, so that they can begin training the dog at an
earlier age. Agility training equipment can be quite expensive,
so some trainers prefer to build their own equipment.
Instructions can be found online and in books that should be
available either in your local library or bookstore. Owners
should be careful to watch the dog for any signs of injury,
because occasionally working on agility training while the puppy
is still growing will put a lot of strain on joints and bones
that are not fully conditioned yet. It is recommended to have
your dog cleared by a veterinarian before beginning any type of
agility training.
The dog should also understand and obey basic commands before
beginning any other type of training. Any type of training helps
dog and owner to build a better relationship with each other,
allowing them to work better and better together as time goes
on. You should also work through any behavior or aggression
issues your Pit Bull may have before considering agility
training. The results will be less satisfactory and take longer
to achieve if the dog is also working through other issues.
Most Pit Bull owners that are serious about their dog competing
in agility competitions will enroll him in a training class, at
least to help teach him the basics, then work with the dog on
their own to enhance what he has learned. Being in a class will
also help your dog work on his socialization, which will make
him behave better around other dogs. Pit Bulls tend to want to
fight when around other dogs, especially those of the same
gender.
The most important thing to remember is no matter what type of
training you do with your Pit Bull, you both should enjoy it.
Spending time together will help build a better bond, leading to
a lasting relationship. Whether you want your dog to compete or
not, the benefits for both you and the dog are many.