Throw a wobbly

I’ve recently rehomed a gorgeous collie cross and we attended our first beginners’ agility class last week. The trainer mentioned a wobble board can be helpful for new starters, so I’ve had a Google but I don’t really know where to start and was hoping you could point me in the right direction.

If any of your readers has used a wobble board I’d be grateful for their advice, too.

Thank you.

Paula and Tess, by email

A case in joint

Hi,

I own an eight-year-old Toy Poodle who trains hard and competes at both agility and canine freestyle and has done since he was 18 months. He has never substained an obvious injury but this past year has been showing stiffness in his joints after training. This is usually in the evening and with a rest he seems fine by the morning.

I was wondering if anyone could reccomend a supplement for him as he is not currently on anything. Or do any of your readers have experience of other techniques helping, such as physio? I'd be grateful for any feedback.

Thank you.

Ruth Harris, Norfolk

Realising potential

I’ve recently started doing local agility classes with my Golden Retriever, Milo. I purchased some of the Rosewood mini jumps so we could practice in the garden – he LOVES it! At home he is attentive, he watches me and listens to commands and is a pleasure to train! But, once we get to the class, he turns into a different dog! I can’t keep his attention on me, he runs off between obstacles - the temptation of other dogs is just too much!

It’s so disappointing to think I’ll have to go back a step and put him on the leash again. Is there anyone out there that had this problem or anyone who can give me some help! - I don’t think the other members of the class believe me when I tell them how good he is at home!

Milo’s mummy, by email

Limbering up

Where can I find printable dog agility plans? And beginner courses/practise turns etc?

From Celine BP, via Twitter

Head start

Hi all,

I’m looking into agility classes in my local area and wondered if there are any skills I need to teach my dog before we start and if there’s anything else I should consider?

I would be grateful if you could help.

Diane Ryan, by email



Lauren Langman, Devon Dogs, advises...

Agility is one of the fastest growing trends in the country. It is active, fun and both the dogs and their handlers become hooked very, very quickly.

The skills that are required early on all revolve around reinforcement. It actually is very simple. Does your dog like food? Will he work for it? Does he want to do tricks and is he willing to generally hang out with you? Does your dog play with toys, do you have a special toy? Do you have one that your dog is desperate to work for? If your dog enjoys coming back to you for food and toys you will leap ahead in any group and make super progress as training is so easy when your dog wants to work for you.

In terms of the skills required to make a good start you could start to teach a wait, we call it a startline wait, a solid recall, a spin both ways (like a small circle left and right), to race ahead to a toy on the floor and to retrieve a toy back to you to play. If your dog doesn’t play don’t worry I am sure your new trainer will have lots of other ideas. You could also teach your dog to follow you both sides chasing you to get to your leg, similar to very fast heelwork. The other thing we like to do with our own dogs is allow them opportunities out and about on walks to jump logs and low natural jumps to see that they enjoy the process of jumping.

There are loads of innovative games to play at home and in the garden, ask your trainer once you have mastered the above how you can push forward and take it to the next level. Good luck and happy jumping.

Casing the joint

I’ve been doing local agility classes with my 7 year old Lab x for the last three years and he loves it. However I’ve noticed that he’s started showing signs of stiffening up, especially in this cold weather. It’s not severe enough for medication but I’m looking into supplements...

What would you advise to help keep him supple, we’d both love to be able to carry on with the classes?

Thank you,

Jill, by email

Is agility the answer?

I have a Labrador-collie cross who may have some other breeds mixed in with her. However, she is a rescue and was once a stray so her age is unknown. She is approximately seven years old. I understand dogs of this type need lots of mental stimulation as well as physical exercise. I try doing different activities with her having recently taken up clicker training, which she thoroughly enjoys. I try to play with her lots and have always wanted to do agility. But I don't know how I would go about doing this. I have tried searching the internet for clubs in my area but are there any specific sites that can inform you of agility clubs in your area? Also, would this activity be suitable for my dog? I have often thought of doing agility at home but the prices of equipment are too high! Another thing I would like to know is, will agility (or other activities) make my dog more active? When she first arrived she was very active but has now become very lazy! Any advice would be appreciated.

Lauren Bulmer, by email