Agility for Reactive Dogs, Yes or No?

Dog agility is great sport for dogs and people to enjoy together. And it’s often recommended for reactive dogs. But should it be?

I work as a dog trainer in Annandale and Inner West Sydney area.  I run both obedience and agility classes and offer private training. Every once in awhile I’m contacted by someone who wants to join in my agility class with a reactive dog. Usually, someone recommended agility training for them. But why?

Dog Agility Training Is a Mental Workout

The main reason why dog agility is recommended for reactive dogs is that it’s a great mental workout. It gives dogs something else to focus on while teaching them to listen and focus on their owner instead of their surroundings. It’s a great bonding experience and teaches both the dog and owner to work together as a team.

Dog Agility Is Great Exercise

Another reason to introduce your reactive dog to agility is the physical exercise it offers. Very often a dog’s reactivity decreases a lot when physical exercise is increased. A tired dog doesn’t have energy to react and focus on their environment.

Should My Reactive Dog Join Agility Class?

Maybe. Are you surprised? Did you expect me to say yes? The fact is that dog agility isn’t for every dog. First, for it to work a dog needs to like running around and jumping over obstacles. If this is ok, then we need to think about why a dog is reactive and how bad the reactivity is.

Dog agility is a sport that is safest and most fun when a dog is off the lead. If this is not an option due your dog wanting to attack other dogs around, I would rather recommend basic obedience class where the dogs are kept on lead. And some private home training! If your dog simply barks at other dogs, without trying to attack them, agility could be great for you.

Eazy Dog Training – Your Dog Trainer in Annandale

My dog agility classes in Sydney are all about having fun with your dog and learning to work together as a team. Therefore my dog agility class is suitable for everyone. First, your agility training starts with Beginners agility class. You will learn the basics of dog agility training and a safe way to perform all the obstacles.

Then, after Beginners Agility Class you can continue your training towards more challenging courses and dog handling. Because improving your skills takes a lot of practise I will not only train you in your class. I’ll make sure that you go home with exercises you can practise to improve your agility skills without even having any agility equipment.

Call Your Dog Trainer in Annandale Today 0493933613!