Agility Is for Big Dogs, Too!

As a semi-awkward Rottweiler-Newfoundland mix, I may not look like the best candidate for agility. However, I mastered the first three levels of alpha agility and was pretty darn good, if I do say so myself.

Agility competitions are typically won by smaller dogs, such as terriers and shelties because they're faster and can rip through the obstacle courses. However, I had an advantage in the early classes: I'm not afraid of anything. So while the terriers were hesitating on the teeter totter (which is exactly like a child's teeter totter but smaller) and the shelties were afraid to run through the tunnels, I was stomping through every obstacle with a gusto. An important part of agility training is how you handle these obstacles. You don't want to drag your dogs across an obstacle they are afraid to do. Instead, use treats and coax them, allowing them to take things at their own pace so they don't feel scared or pressured. Use praise, not punishments, and have fun, even when your dog makes mistakes.

Let me share one of my own, though they were few and far between. I love to chase flies. So one day, we were off leash, and a bee came through my course. A bee! It's like a fly but bigger and louder. Surely, I could catch one of those! So I took off after it like it was a flying steak, tearing off across the field, ignoring my moms calls to return. When I finally did return, I found, much to my delight, that everyone found it hilarious. The trainer just said, "Well, at least we know he can do something fast." Apparently, they were worried I would be slow. Ha! But, no, I didn't catch the bee. Darn wings.

I loved agility because I made new friends, both dogs and humans. When I did a course well, everyone would clap. I loved that. Plus, my mom and I had to learn new skills together, so it was really fun for us to bond in that way. I finally had to stop because I started a new thyroid medication that made me really tired. I didn't have energy for anything. By the time I recovered, I had developed arthritis in my front ankle. And any dog who has an injury should not do agility because the courses are really hard on your joints and stuff.

Anyway, if you are young and healthy and looking for some fun, try agility. I can recommend a great trainer who even laughs when you take a break to chase bees.

Love, Chubbs