Sheltering at home with your dog can be an opportunity to add to your pup’s daily routine. Now that you’re available for more playtime and bonding, you can use it to your advantage.
When you’re home with your dog, add to your daily exercise routine by incorporating agility training. There are simple ways you can create areas for your pup to practice jumping, weaving, and quick responses.
Start slowly by teaching your dog to respond to simple tricks and commands. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recommends running with a treat in your hand to teach your dog to stay beside you. They say to start with a brisk walk, jogging, then working up to a run while your dog follows on one side of your body. When they’ve mastered one side, switch to the other. Or switch as you go. This is helpful to prepare dogs for running through an agility course as you lead.
Next, begin working toward different agility tricks. Have your dog run figure eights through your legs to get used to weaving before you move them to weave poles. Some agility courses include a tire jump. Use a hula hoop to teach your dog this trick!
When you feel confident, set up an agility course in your back yard or set one up at a dog park. You can purchase simple agility courses online or use items you already have to create hurdles, tunnels, and weave pole runs.
Once you’ve mastered at home agility, you can search out places that continue this training and even aim for competition! Your dog will be healthier for it and mentally stimulated too.
Pups who stay at A Ruff Day Bark Club for doggy daycare or overnight in our luxury suites gain access to our agility equipment and specialized trainers. We believe both mental and physical stimulation are important for the dogs who spend time with us and we include this in our care routine. Learning and exercise go hand in hand with fun! Learn more when you check out our schedule for doggy daycare or our luxury staycation suites.
