Equipment For Agility Training Your Dogs
By Derek M. Williams

Many people have decided to learn about the benefits of agility training their dogs. There are several different benefits to agility training your dog and one of the most important is health. When your dog is active and exercises often, he or she will be healthier, in better shape, will sleep better and will live longer! It is as important for dogs to exercise and be healthy as it is for humans. Another benefit to agility training your dog is their behavior. When you work with your dog and teach him or her to respond to your commands, they have structure and discipline. Because of this, they listen better in general and not just when you're doing tricks and such. If you're not familiar with agility training, you should most definitely consider it. Here is some information on equipment used.

Basic or Beginner Equipment -

Perhaps one of the very first thing that most agility trainers would introduce a dog to is a tunnel. A tunnel is simply what it suggests - a canvas or other material tunnel that rests on the ground. The point is to have your dog run through the tunnel and out the end either alone or between other agility trick equipment. Dogs love the tunnels, and it seems to be one of most dogs' favorite equipment.

Another piece of beginner equipment is the bar jump. This basically looks and acts as a hurdle for your dog, so that when he comes to the bar jump he will jump over it. This can also be used alone or as part of a routine. However, it's better to introduce this to your dog alone and teach him or her to go over it separately. Once they become accustomed to jumping over the bar jump, it can be installed into a routine.

Moderate Skill Equipment -

A table is a part of a routine where the dog displays his or her control. This is a piece of moderate skill equipment but because dogs are usually so hyper and playful, it can be a difficult trick to master. Basically, when the table is part of a routine, this is where the dog would stop and stay for a determined count or until the owner gives him or her leave to continue. There are different sized tables, and one based on your dog's own size is the best kind to get.

The tire jump is a great piece of equipment for moderate skill level dogs. This piece is a free standing frame that holds a tire or circle for the dog to jump through. This can be a very fun trick to practice and learn and it looks quite impressive once the dog has mastered it.

Hard Level Equipment -

The dog walk is a bit more advanced, as you must train your dog to balance on this equipment and avoid jumping off and moving on. This is basically like a wider balance beam for dogs. A dog who masters this is a skilled pup!

It is quite fun and entertaining to teach your dog and to agility train your dog. Spending time with your dog and rewarding him will prove that dogs can quickly master most equipment. Don't forget the doggy biscuits!

For additional information on agility training and how to effective train your agility prone dog, please visit http://www.dogagilitytraining.net, your number one resource for dog agility training information for serious dog owners and their beloved agility dogs.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Derek_M._Williams
http://EzineArticles.com/?Equipment-For-Agility-Training-Your-Dogs&id=953436