Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi there everyone! I was wondering if anybody could tell me what they would look for in an agility dog? I think I have a potential competitor in my mixed breed pup. We go out on daily (weather permitting) walks out in the wooded trails (about 600 acres). He runs off leash through the woods and will jump anything, climb into any small space, loves to jump over the brook, walk the stone walls or large fallen trees, and is FAST! He is also becomming quite agile now that he fits into his paws a bit better lol! He's also extremely intelligent although his mind is constantly going, I have to stay one step ahead of him. His hand signals are really good for his age (only 5 months), comes, stays, sits, downs, heels pretty well in an active situation (will heel off lead with horses and other dogs running around), and now will sit when given a hand signal from a distance of about 30ft. These are all things that make me want to do it.

But I was wondering if anybody could give me some incite on showing a mixed breed dog in the sport (he's due to be neutered next month so he can be registered and help with the overpopulation)? Also, how do you find competitions (getting ahead of myself)? Are there any in the MA/NH/ME area for mixed breeds?

And here is where I'm probably going to cause some controversy (probably just against me lol). I'm currently in college, and a horse owner...basically broke lol! I was wondering if anybody has trained there dogs for agility or any other dog sport without going to classes? I really want to do this, but can't afford nearly $500 to go through all of the classes. And on top of the agility, most places require you to take their puppy obedeince, basic obedience, etc...although he knows it all. Can anybody give me suggestions? I can easily make a makeshift course of my own right in my yard. But any training trips, perhaps somebody doing the same thing that we can stay in contact and help each other out? Any suggestions welcome!

Thanks!

>>Hi there everyone! I was wondering if anybody could tell me what they would look for in an agility dog? I think I have a potential competitor in my mixed breed pup. We go out on daily (weather permitting) walks out in the wooded trails (about 600 acres). He runs off leash through the woods and will jump anything, climb into any small space, loves to jump over the brook, walk the stone walls or large fallen trees, and is FAST! He is also becomming quite agile now that he fits into his paws a bit better lol! He's also extremely intelligent although his mind is constantly going, I have to stay one step ahead of him. His hand signals are really good for his age (only 5 months), comes, stays, sits, downs, heels pretty well in an active situation (will heel off lead with horses and other dogs running around), and now will sit when given a hand signal from a distance of about 30ft. These are all things that make me want to do it.
>>
>>But I was wondering if anybody could give me some incite on showing a mixed breed dog in the sport (he's due to be neutered next month so he can be registered and help with the overpopulation)? Also, how do you find competitions (getting ahead of myself)? Are there any in the MA/NH/ME area for mixed breeds?
>>

Hi there! What a cute puppy picture Unless you plan on showing AKC events it doesn't matter if your dog is mixed or not. Agility is all about the ability of the dog/owner team. My BC gal is not registered.

There are web sites for USDA (United States Dog Agility Association) and NADAC. These web sites would help you find out more.

>>And here is where I'm probably going to cause some controversy (probably just against me lol). I'm currently in college, and a horse owner...basically broke lol! I was wondering if anybody has trained there dogs for agility or any other dog sport without going to classes? I really want to do this, but can't afford nearly $500 to go through all of the classes. And on top of the agility, most places require you to take their puppy obedeince, basic obedience, etc...although he knows it all. Can anybody give me suggestions? I can easily make a makeshift course of my own right in my yard. But any training trips, perhaps somebody doing the same thing that we can stay in contact and help each other out? Any suggestions welcome!
>>
>>Thanks!
>>

$500 is really expensive! I would do some checking around. Also, remember, agility is all about having fun with your dog. Good luck and I'll continue to try to answer any questions you may have

United States Dog Agility Association

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Charlene

My Email

Adopt the pace of Nature
Her secret is patience

-Ralph Waldo Emerson-

yep, I think your pup would really enjoy agility. However, don't start real training until at least a year (is he a small, medium, or large breed, because there bones and joints and muscles are still growing, and they could be easily injured as pups! I have taken a few agility classes, but I do a lot at home too! PVC pipe is wonderful for agility, and you can find lots of plans on the internet! good luck!
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Hannah- who loves her cranky old rabbit, (Oreo) her goofy Paint horse, (Buddy), and her devious Australian Terrier, (Bonzer)

Thanks for your replies, glad to hear that not everyone is against me not taking him to obedience classes or formal agility training (if we decide to do it, which I'm pretty sure we will). As far as the cost goes, in the area (the ones I've found anyway), have about 4 or 5 different levels at about $140 a wack. At the fourth level is usually the "competition" phase. Plus most places want your dog to have graduated from their obedience courses before moving to agility. It's all about the green lol!

Well, as far as how big he'll be, I have no clue lol! The vet said 50lbs at most...he's already 40-45lbs. I'm guessing a larger medium dog perhaps. His mother is a lab/cattle dog...father is anyone's guess so it's really hard to say.

I'll start looking online for information, and perhaps visit the book store, thanks!

>>Thanks for your replies, glad to hear that not everyone is against me not taking him to obedience classes or formal agility training (if we decide to do it, which I'm pretty sure we will). As far as the cost goes, in the area (the ones I've found anyway), have about 4 or 5 different levels at about $140 a wack. At the fourth level is usually the "competition" phase. Plus most places want your dog to have graduated from their obedience courses before moving to agility. It's all about the green lol!
>>
>>Well, as far as how big he'll be, I have no clue lol! The vet said 50lbs at most...he's already 40-45lbs. I'm guessing a larger medium dog perhaps. His mother is a lab/cattle dog...father is anyone's guess so it's really hard to say.
>>
>>I'll start looking online for information, and perhaps visit the book store, thanks!
>>

I cannot believe how much things cost where you are? Thats and amazing price to pay. Our agility club offers and 8 week class, once a week for 2 hours for only $65! You can teach your dog just as easily. Yes, it is recommended that your dog jumps nothing over 8" or 12" until they reach age 18 months to 2 years. You cannot even compete until after 18 months of age. Good luck to you and keep us up to date
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Charlene

My Email

Adopt the pace of Nature
Her secret is patience

-Ralph Waldo Emerson-

OUCH! 500 dollars? You're getting ripped off! My training club has classes for 50 dollars a pop for an 8 week long session, training once a week. If you do more than one class at a time then the first class you pay full price and all subsequent classes for that particular "season" are half price. So, I am paying 50 dollars for my Rally-O 2 class and 25 for my Adv. Beginners Agility class (or vice-versa). I decided to take the summer off from formal obedience because Sophie wasn't having ANY fun at all.

One thing about going to classes for obedience is socialization. You get to learn from people who know their stuff on how to train your dog AND your dog gets crucial socialization. A big plus is, also, that the dogs there are under control of their handlers (at least they should be!) because it is an obedience (or other training) class, as compared to a dog park where you have no control of the other dogs present and any multitude of DISASTERS can occur.
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Lesya & Sophie

A Dog Owner's Prayer

Author unknown
Thanks to Pattie Lawler
http://www.behaviour-problems.freeserve.co.uk/2/Poems/dogownerpray.htm