Hey there, fellow dog lovers! Today, I'm excited to share a bit about my experience with agility training with Mack. We've been having a blast in our backyard, turning our space into a mini-agility course.
To be honest, I started out feeling a bit overwhelmed. I watched those agility competitions on TV, and the dogs seemed to be flying through the obstacles with such ease. I wondered if Mack and I could ever keep up. But then I remembered, Rome wasn't built in a day, and agility is all about having fun and building a bond with your dog.
So, we started small. I set up a few basic obstacles like a low jump and the weave poles. Despite being a natural athlete, it took us several attempts to get Mack over the jump and not around it :)
It took a bit of patience and positive reinforcement to get him to understand what I wanted. We'd practice for short sessions, keeping it fun and rewarding him with lots of praise and treats.
One of the biggest challenges we faced was getting Mack to focus. The flies are out for summer, the lizards toy with him, and Mack has to protect us from our neighbour's dog. I learned that using a long leash to keep him focused helped a lot.
As Mack's confidence grew, so did our agility course. Kev built a ramp obstacle and we added the tunnel. It was amazing to watch him tackle each obstacle with more and more enthusiasm and confidence.
Agility has not only been a great way to exercise Mack but has also brought us closer together. It's a shared experience that we both enjoy, and it's something we can do together for years to come.
So, if you're thinking about trying agility with your dog, I highly recommend it! It's a fantastic way to bond, have fun, and keep your furry friend mentally and physically stimulated.
For those of you who live local (NSW 2145) we are hiring out the agility set so you can try before you buy. Get in touch with us for more info.
And don't forget, it's all about taking it one step at a time and enjoying the journey with your dog.