The Beginner's Guide to Dog Agility

by Laurie Leach

Digging holes in the backyard, chewing a hole in your favorite sock, running laps in the kitchen---dogs are always on the move. Why not channel some of that indefatigable energy into a hobby that can be fun for both you and your furry friend? Training your dog (and yourself) for agility competitions will create a fun working relationship that both of you can enjoy. Find everything you need to know in this fun guide that includes information on pre-agility training, detailed advice on correction-free training, and step-by-step agility training techniques. Also learn how to make your own agility obstacles, use a clicker as a motivational tool, and officially enter agility trials. Participating in agility competitions can build a strong, enduring bond between you and your dog. Read The Beginner's Guide to Dog Agility to learn the ins and outs of this exciting hobby.

Genres: Dogs, Nonfiction, Animals, Reference

256 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2006

Reviews

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

A well written, heavily illustrated, easy to read book which is full of usable information that would be interesting for anyone who would like to learn about the basics of the sport of dog agility. The basics, the how-tos, hints, tips, and most everything a beginner would like to know.

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I have no plans on competing, I do want to teach my dog agility because she seems adept at it already, playing no the back of the couch, walking along a "balance beam" of railroad ties, jumping from bed to bed in hotel rooms, she's a natural. This book gives the proper training to get the dogs, and the trainers, started in the right direction to keep from injuring the dog, letting the dog get bored etc. and most importantly for me, how to build the obstacles and set them up in the back yard. Other reviewers are correct, the author assumes that if you're reading the book you'll be competing, but of course you don't have to, it's up to you in the end. Overall a good, well thought out, training book that gives the steps to an agility dog/trainer team in an order that makes sense.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most helpful dog agility book yet. The pictures and diagrams are colorful and detailed, and the advice is spot on. The beginning of the book has more anecdotes, and as you read through, the content becomes more technical. I’m definitely going to keep this book as a reference as my dog and I continue our beginner agility journey.

[Colleen B McChesney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is definitely a must have book for learning the basics of training your dog for the agility course. Fun little steps of training, tips for getting started on building your own backyard course, and just enjoying some bonding fun time with your dog.

[Libby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very informative for training your dog to do agility. I loved this book and has some great pointers about how to train your dog. 10/10

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author make the assumption that you are reading her book because you want your dog to compete. If you want your dog to compete, then you will love this book. I have no intention of competing with my dog. My dog is energetic and very smart but very nervous. I was hoping for some inexpensive alternatives for agility training just because my dog loves learning new tricks.

[Jennifer W · Rating 3 out of 5]

I always wanted to do dog agility. This was a good book to start thinking about how I would start training. Though, I would kind of need a dog first!

[Ruthie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Covers all the basics

[Thurston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lot of wonderful pictures....not sure why so many books focus on competition part. It so much fun just to do it your back yard/park for enjoyment