What sort of time is needed

[jelly8bean]

I'm thinking of moving toward agility (after at least one more round of basic obediance) and while not competitive I was wondering how much time do folks who do it spend to get Ok at it? My blue baby seems to be the type who would do well with this so I am thinking about the once a week classes over the winter time... is this enough to get anywhere? I can't afford to buy agility equipment, but might be able to build some jumps and things. What do you think?

[apollo]

You will find that if you build one it will pay for itself in no time just the cost of gas and I don't know how much they charge for the one day but at least you will have it and can use it at you discression you can change it when he masters certain obstacles you can also take time to work on the things you dobe is laking without worring about time restraints, the dobe will totally focus at the task at hand and not other distractions. the time it takes really depends on you and your dog once the dobe gets use to the training it will pick up new obstacles quicker. Take ideas from that place or from web sites and create your own ,look around your bound to find something.

[jelly8bean]

My lovey has a great trainer in our obediance class who has already had us doing jumps and a simple/low balance beam, plus a low A frame. So Lovey is picking it up very quickly. Distractions are of course another issue. So all that building is in the future.. first we got to get focus on me only :)

[jack]

Well I started agility in January this year with my std poodle, and after attending agility classes every tuesday since then, I am only just entering in Starters (beginners agility here). Starters has weave poles, jumps, tunnels, and long jumps. I also have done obedience and rally-o every wednesday since may. I guess it just depends on the amount of time you are willing to put in, whether your instructor knows what they are doing, and whether you have the energy and enthusiasm to put in.

But I highly recommend you do though, It is a great way to show your dog's skills off, and the dogs love it as well. It gives them something to focus their minds on.

Equipment wise, I have none, except weave poles, which can easily be made by sticking circular wood into ground, plastic fence poles, you do not necessarily have to have top of range equipment, not even equipment that has been made specifically for agility.

Remember, do not do full jumping height unless your dog is 18 months.
General rule is if they are under 18 months, no jumping over things that are higher than their elbows.

[concerned for our future]

I just thought it was funny when you talked about agility. Your profile pic has two very restful dobes on it. I hoped you talked it over with them about agility. LOL

[concerned for our future]

It was just a joke. Ha Ha.