Whats the best age to start agility training?

[DobeGirlWI]

Just curious. Ive been thinking about giving it a try to see if its something he'd enjoy. Right now with his training we are working on some minor fear issues so I may have to get that corrected before we start it. But I at least want to start looking into it now and figure out how much it would cost.

[Panama]

You can start basic agility at any time! They do not recommend any jumps until at least 12 months of age though.

I don't do Agility, but the puppy kindergarten/obedience/agility trainer I used to help (we're going back several years), always incorperated the tunnel and the chute in her puppy classes. Great confidence builders.

I think Jeffer's and PetSmart have Beginner Agility kits. Some of the Dollar Stores also have a childrens play tunnel, or you can make one out of hula-hoops and material or skinny pvc and material.

Always make it fun & rewarding.

[RKCM]

Our dogs that received agility titles, all began with basic obedience. They worked on going through the tunnels which most liked. They were evaluated as young puppies to see if they would walk on a board or showed fear of that. But basically I'd get her out and work on socialization around other dogs and start with obedience since they have to work off lead. The jumps come much later on anyway. We have some equipment that my husband made that all the dogs enjoy. One that is simple is the platform. All of the dogs like to sit on it to be taller especially when out with everyone. Funny dogs.

I'd get her to a class and start as soon as they will let you in. Socialize, teach sit, on lead, and stay. What they can do on lead, they will do off with training. They always want to please us. A class would also help with her fear issues and you'll have trainers there to assist with questions.

Good luck, it something that many of these dogs enjoy.

[Steph&Leala]

If you can't get into a class early start at home. I wish I would have known this with my 7month old girl Leala. She has started agility and was very wary of the tunnel and we had to stay after class to give her extra time to get used to it. I would suggest just getting your Dobe used to doing things that they deem "scary" so they build confidence and get used to it.

[Bites]

Good suggestion. Love the avatar Steph. Always nice to see the doberman laid up and loved.

[nterry]

Training can begin when the dog is born till the dog leaves for the other side. Sslowly and formal training is necessary for all dogs. A trainer can help you until the obedience classes begin or you can continue to use a personal trainer. They are training you to train your dog. That is really the idea.