Paws For Agility

Clickers are commonly used in conjunction with dog agility training. The clickers are small plastic devices that when pressed on emit a clicking noise. When used properly, the sound can be associated with certain canine behaviors.

For instance, if you want your dog to perform a certain action during dog agility training, give the command and have your dog perform the action. If your dog completes the agility component correctly, press the clicker and give your dog a treat. Repeat the process until your dog has a firm command of the course. Gradually take away clicks and treats until your dog no longer needs the incentives.

Before we got into training our dogs on agility equipment, we first had to create a suitable space. Through research, we learned that large enclosed spaces are ideal as the dogs need to be off leash. Fortunately we have a large backyard, so it was just a matter of erecting a fence and clearing out old tree stumps, both of which are projects that needed to be done anyway.

Once we had our backyard cleared and fenced in we began looking for appropriate canine agility equipment. We selected weave poles, jumps, a tunnel, an A-frame, and a teeter. Rather than buying them separately, we found a reputable dealer who sold them to us in a kit. Our dogs have really taken to the training and we find that they are better behaved over all.