Agility-How Do I Start?
Semper Fi Boxers
So, you think that maybe you want to give agility a try? But, you wonder how? Where? With whom? Is my Boxer ready? Am I ready? How do you find out for sure if you and Bubba will like agility, without committing to an eight-week class? Easy. Locate an agility clinic in your area.
A clinic or hands-on seminar is a single, short class that introduces you and your Boxer to agility without a large commitment of time or money. If both of you enjoy the clinic, then you can sign up for regular classes. If you find that neither of you enjoyed it, then you can walk away wiser because of the experience.
At an agility clinic, you and Bubba will be slowly introduced to several different pieces of agility equipment. You may be introduced to the single bar jump, wall jump and tire jump. In addition, you may meet the open and closed tunnels as well as perhaps a low dog walk. You may even be introduced to the A-Frame and Teeter/See Saw.
Most likely, you will discover that little Bubba, with a little encouragement from you, actually likes “playing” on the big “dog toys.” We call our agility field “Doggie Disneyland” because the dogs have such a good time there. When you leave after a class, you and Bubba both should be happy and tired.
A valuable resource for finding a trainer, class or clinic in your area is “Clean Run Magazine.” You can get information quickly from the “Clean Run” website at http://www.cleanrun.com. Also, if you are able, go to an agility trial and talk to the owners/handlers there. You can locate AKC Agility trials in the “AKC Events Calendar.”
If after the clinic, you decide to continue on with agility classes, remember that little Bubba will be doing lots of running, jumping and climbing. With this in mind, you should make sure that he is in good health. A good checkup from your veterinarian is a great place to start. We always recommend making sure that the heart is healthy. In addition, with all of the running and jumping involved, X-rays should be done in order to evaluate the hips.
In training for agility, obedience or conformation, remember, no two people train exactly the same. If you are able, go to a class as an observer. Watch and see how the classes are conducted by the trainer. If you don’t feel comfortable with the methods being used, discuss any issues you have with the trainer. If, after talking with the trainer, you still aren’t comfortable, go somewhere else.
Find out this weekend if agility is the new sport for BOTH of you!
Isn’t
it time you and your Boxer had some fun together?