The Bottom Line The most important traits of a good agility dog are good health and physical shape, strong nerves and focus on the handler. Of course, all of these can be improved on with some training – so you should not hesitate to start agility even if your dog is lacking in one or more areas.
What age should a dog be to do agility?
The Bottom Line. You can start agility flatwork and tunnel training with a puppy as young as 8 weeks old. However, until your dog can complete a full course he should be at least 12-18 months of age. Agility is a high-impact sport.
What age can dogs compete in agility?
Dogs usually start competing in agility between the ages of 1 and 2. Puppies and young dogs may injure themselves by jumping hurdles. Talk to your veterinarian to figure out when your dog will be ready to attempt the jumps. You can start training your dog before they're of age to compete.
Is agility hard on dogs?
The quick answer is that no – dog agility is not cruel at all. Of course, training should only be done with positive reinforcement and the dog's natural ability and athleticism needs to be considered at every step of the training process. If agility training becomes too stressful for a dog, he can in fact “burn out”.
Can any dog breed do agility?
Just about any dog can enjoy agility in some capacity, but there are certainly some dogs that are a cut above. Whether you're looking to compete across the country or just enjoy some training in the backyard, getting the right dog for the game will make your life much easier.
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