While it’s more usual to train dogs in basic ways like obedience commands, home training, and basic tricks, not all fur parents consider agility training. Dog agility is a sport where handlers lead dogs through obstacles like weave poles, tunnels, hurdles, pipe tunnels, and tire jumps.
Dog agility training might only seem like an easy obstacle course where your canine can actively participate, but it comes with unexpected benefits for you and your four-legged friend. So let’s discuss what you’ll gain from dog agility training.
Benefits of Agility Training for Dogs
If you’re a proud fur parent of an intelligent pup, dog agility is something you must not miss. If you’re planning to engage your pet with agility training, below are five amazing benefits you may expect.
1. Boosts self-confidence
As pets continue to practice, excel and learn agility training, they also establish confidence. During an agility course, you show your pet dog they can climb, run, jump, and go through any obstacles. This helps shy dogs conquer their nervous tendencies.
2. Develops self-control
Untrained dogs will leap and run at any obstacles they find eye-catching. Some canines would even be nuts about tunnels, jumps, and seesaws. Others may run anywhere at full speed. However, your dog will learn to develop self-control and commit to the task you want them to do in agility practices, with or without equipment.
Does your pet have a lung condition that keeps you from involving them in agility training? Taking them to a vet internist can help address their condition. Veterinary internists will tailor your pet’s treatment plan to give them the best chance to recover and live a healthy life. Why not follow this link to see the common pet conditions vet internists specialize in treating.
3. Keeps them fit
The amount of practice involved in canine agility training means your dog will develop muscles and strength as they go through obstructions and various obstacles. The speed needed to complete the course also means your dog gets a cardiovascular workout, which yields crucial benefits. Since agility training includes running, leaping, and crawling, sprains and strains are sometimes unavoidable.
Fortunately, pet laser therapy is proven efficient for managing sprains and bone fractures and even accelerates healing time. You may take your pet to the nearest veterinary center that offers cold laser therapy for dogs to help your pet recover immediately.
4. Burns mental and physical energy
Agility training is excellent for helping canines release energy in a pleasant and safe manner. In addition, it’s perfect for all canine breeds, especially the ones with high drive and energy, as it enables them to run at their full capacity while remaining laser-focused during the entire course. Agility helps canines gain lean muscle, enhance their coordination, and strengthen their joints.
As for burning their mental energy, a short agility training session can leave your dog occupied and exhausted. Do you suspect fractured or damaged bones judging from your pet’s movements following agility training? Take your pet to a vet surgeon immediately to attend to the situation.
5. Strengthens dog/owner bond
A dog won’t successfully complete an agility course without its owner’s support. This means that your canine will rely on your physical guidance and verbal instructions throughout the entire course. This will help increase your pet’s trust in you, which will reinforce your bond with them.
