Agility Training: What Fun Is All About!

You and Your German Shepherd

German Shepherds love to work. To the healthy GSD Work is FUN! The more they have to do, the more time spent in their human companions company, the happier they become. Although German Shepherds were originally bred for their shepherding qualities, they have become one of the most versatile well rounded breeds of modern day. They are capable of doing it all, doing it all well, and doing it all with a willingness to please that far surpasses anyone’s expectations. You’ll find a winning combination in the fun, channeled energy, exercise of the mind and body, and close working relationship you can have with your canine buddy in the sport of Agility.

Agility demands one of the highest and most ultimate of team work between the dog and his handler. Under the control of the handler the dog must work his way through a series of obstacles that are arranged within a specified area. The dog must negotiate its way around the course and remain under its handler’s direction. It is through the handler’s ability to direct and maintain the proper positioning of the dog and the timing of his/her commands that allows the dog to respond rapidly and without confusion. Usually the obstacles consist of; tunnels/tubes, an A frame jump, raised board walk, hoops or tires to jump through, hurdles to jump or crawl under, serpentine poles, teeter boards, and many other obstacles of similar type. The dog should traverse the course under a specified time limit. Fun should be the ultimate goal for both the dog and the handler.

If you are a new comer to this sport then you will need to have your veterinarian give a thorough health check in order to establish your German Shepherd’s physical capability. Agility is physically challenging and your dog must be sound and fit, similar to human athletes in order to prevent injuries.  Pay particular attention to your Shepherd’s hips, elbows, weight, and over all bone structure. Your German Shepherd must also have basic obedience skills mastered. Most agility work is performed off leash so your dog has to be consistently obedient to his/her handler through voice and hand commands.

In the past several years Agility Trials and Clubs have sprung up all across the US due to the rapid increase in its popularity. Some of the Agility Clubs include; The North American Dog Agility Council, American Kennel Club, Canine Performance events, United States Dog Agility Association, United Kennel Club as well as many smaller community oriented clubs. They all seem to have their own set of specific regulations and rules that those competing must follow. Finding a club to join shouldn’t be too difficult. Check with your local training clubs, agility only clubs, and local trainers. Look in your local phonebooks under pets or dog trainers. The internet can also be a good place to find agility information in your area. German Shepherds are discouraged by the word NO! The use of positive enforcement, focusing on the positive and the things the dog does right as well rewarding with praise, play, treats, and toys will keep both you and your Shepherd moving willingly towards your goals. It is easy to get caught up in the excitement of the sport and be aware that many new comers will try to do too much too fast. It is imperative that you and your dog spend good quality time working on the ‘flat’ with all six of your feet on the ground. It may seem a bit tedious at first, however, it will be time well spent.

There are several important moves that must be learned on the ‘flat’ including front, rear, and blind crossings. The front crossing technique requires you to ‘spin’ without causing your dog to slow while showing him the new direction to follow. Similarly, performing the ‘rear cross’ is done behind your dog but creates the same results. On a ‘blind cross’ you actually turn your back to your Shepherd and loose temporary sight of him as you cross his path. Learning teamwork is the biggest lesson to be learned. All of the moves that you and your canine partner will learn must be executed correctly before the more complicated obstacles can be added into the equation. What you and your Shepherd are striving for is a fluidity motion and a continuity of teamwork.

Simultaneously you will be working your German Shepherd over the obstacles. It begins slowing by breaking down the steps to negotiate each obstacle. Baby steps with plenty of rewards for progress no matter how slow it may seem to be going is crucial at this point. It takes a great deal of work to reach the level of those competitors we watch at trials and on national television.So what are the benefits of Agility Training?

As Jean Rodoski of J-Mar Kennels eloquently stated ‘Why?’ ‘Because you and your dog have a Blast!’ What more can one say???