Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi I have a 11 week old puppy and after he gets his next lot of shots he will be going to school.
I was just wondering when I could start him in Agility? After he graduates from all his levels? and HOW do I go about it?
I live in Australia.

Thanks
Jipsi

Cute pup! You can start a puppy working on some of the basics anytime. Yet, don't do much jumping or any tall obsticles before he's at least a year old. I tend to wait a bit longer even and don't do full jump heights or full height contacts until the dog is 2 years old. A lot of damage can be done to growing bones and joints if you work a dog very hard prior to that age. I'm not familiar with the organizations in your country. I'm sure you can find a web site that will help out. Yet, the basics are still the same. Work on attention with your dog and "come." Make sure you socialize a lot at this young age to sights sounds and even crowds if you intend to compete. Teach a fast sit and a fast down. Many schools in my area have "puppy agility classes" where they teach the dogs to go through tunnels and basic control with distractions. See if there is anything in your area lke that. Hope that helps a bit. Someone else I'm sure can offer more advice.
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Chelle and the rest of the crew including, but not limited to Kita (the shiba inu), Adi (rescue tabby cat), and all the reptiles

>>Hi I have a 11 week old puppy and after he gets his next lot of shots he will be going to school.
>>I was just wondering when I could start him in Agility? After he graduates from all his levels? and HOW do I go about it?
>>I live in Australia.
>>
>>Thanks
>>Jipsi
>>

What a cutie! You are off to a good start with obedience classes. You want a good solid recall. Also, socialization is a must. You can start walking your pup over boards more than 18" wide, also, if you have a ladder, lay it flat on the ground and coax your pup to go through the rungs/steps. Laying PVC pipe cut about 3' wide on the ground and saying jump or over is helpful. Take things slowly, don't get frustrated and keep it light and fun. Remember this is a puppy and he can do no wrong, especially when he doesn't understand what is expected. Getting him used to key words is great also. Try finding an agility club in your area. Here are a few websites to check out just click on the link below. Good luck and please tell us more about your pup and how he is coming along.

Good luck!

The Dog Agility Page

North American Dog Agility Council

United States Dog Agility Association

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Charlene

My Email

Adopt the pace of Nature
Her secret is patience

-Ralph Waldo Emerson-

OMYGOSH!
(I have no idea about your question, sorry )
BUT THAT PUP LOOKS EXACTLY LIKE MY OLD DOG PIXLE!!!!!!
Is he/she a german shepher, boarder collie cross? or something along those lines?

THANKS
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~*~ Sara~*~
Owner of:
Macintosh-male golden retriever, DOB: 4/5/98
Finnegan-male golden retriever, DOB: 7/16/02
Banff- female calico kitten, DOB: 6/5/03
Casey- male orange tabby kitten, DOB: 7/15/03

~*~ We'll always remember our little Purball: Jasper, June 5th- Spetember 11th, 2003.~*~