Where the heck to start???

[wyoung2153]

I am looking at starting my 2 y/o GSD in agility. He is in such good shape and has such high energy, I think it would be really good for him, mentally and physically. He is in SAR and LOVES training. Just watching him manuever through certain obstacles that I have a hard time doing, makes me think he would love agility! Can you guys answer some questions and kinda help me get started?

Are there certain behaviors/qualities he needs to have or possess for this type of sport?

I work full time M-F is that a problem if I were to start Agility?

What would you suggest, as a beginner, I do to start?

I am sure I wil lhave MANY more questions as you all start posting but that's what I have at the moment.

[GSDBESTK9]

I started Agility while working full time, don't see the problem. I found the closest club and joined their beginner's class.
You do not need a special dog to do Agility with.

[MaggieRoseLee]

You and your pup sound perfect to start agility, and with him being 2 years old he's the perfect age to 'jump' (get it? jump like agility ) right in!

Main thing is to find a good club/classes in your area. It DOES make a difference. Even if you don't think you want to go to trials (and why not ??? ) instructors that DO go to dog shows and with students that trial are usually much better. They know how important it is to teach handling skills to the human not just the equipment to the dogs!

If you can go up to the narrow black strip at the top of the forum, click on the User CP and add your GENERAL location, someone maybe able to give specific information on trainers/clubs in your area.

GOOD LUCK! And you better show lots of pictures and give updates when you start!!

[DJEtzel]

Yep, finding a good trainer and entering classes is the best way to start.

I was working 50-60 hours a week when I started training my GSD in agility, most classes are in the evenings during the week so assuming your schedule is open during THOSE times, it shouldn't be an issue.

[wyoung2153]

Ok yay! This makes me excited! I wanted to start ASAP but I am going to have to wait until myt schedule goes back to normal. Right now I leave my house at 0530 and don't get back home til 1800 on a good day. Mid Feb it will go back to normal 0730-1630. Can't wait.

Maggie: Location updated thanks! I will for sure update pictures when he starts and probably bragg a bit or maybe complain a bit. LOL. Any advice from you guys for when I do get started? On my attitude as a handler or expectations I should or shouldn't have?

[MaggieRoseLee]

Originally Posted by wyoung2153

Maggie: Location updated thanks! I will for sure update pictures when he starts and probably bragg a bit or maybe complain a bit. LOL. Any advice from you guys for when I do get started? On my attitude as a handler or expectations I should or shouldn't have?

You should expect to have FUN and love agility!

If I were you I'd start looking for classes ASAP. Agility is a bit different from other dog sports that it takes about 6 months of 'beginner' classes before you move up. Meaning that 'Beginner' classes aren't offered that often! And if they just started a session a few weeks earlier you may have to wait 3 or 4 months until the next one starts up (this is the reason I was attending Puppy Agility Classes a week before I even had a new puppy!).

Plus, most of us have stupid jobs (have to pay for the classes somehow, right?) so many classes don't start until 7 or 8 (or 9 or 10 pm). With them only once a week, I know I can speed home, throw my dogs in the car and be back on the road 15 minutes later to make it to some dog classes!

[Skribbles]

Are there are exercises that can be done in the house (or backyard in summer) to prep for agility? Fun games that will pay off later? I've read perch work is a good start. Anything else?

Chloe is still a pup but in a year or two we will most likely be putting her in.

[wyoung2153]

Originally Posted by Skribbles

Are there are exercises that can be done in the house (or backyard in summer) to prep for agility? Fun games that will pay off later? I've read perch work is a good start. Anything else?

Chloe is still a pup but in a year or two we will most likely be putting her in.

Super good questions.. Say if I miss the window for the classes and have to wait a little, what can i do in the home to kind of prepare him???

Also... where can I look for classes? Are we talking private businesses dedicated to that or things like Petsmart?? <--doubtful.

[DJEtzel]

You could look at local kennel clubs or private training organizations for classes. Petsmart does not offer such classes and I wouldn't personally go to them if they did.

At home you can work on rear end awareness, focus exercises, building drive, and I believe you can find detailed picture/descriptions online for flatwork training involving crosses and send outs. I could not begin to actually describe it though.

[wildo]

impulse control, proprioception, flexibility, conditioning, balance, coordination, drive, focus, strong recalls, hand targeting, nose targeting, and backing up (weight shift) are all key elements to a great agility dog- all of which can be worked in a simple room without agility equipment.

If you want some great examples of games you can play prior to taking agility classes, check out Susan Garrett's book Shaping Success, and/or Sylvia Trkman's tricks