FAST-PACED, HARD CORE AGILITY FOR PEOPLE – WITHOUT THE TREATS!
I could not agree more. One reason most people fail at resolution #2 is because the reward is not tangible. Don’t get me wrong, I love how I feel after a good workout – a form of exercise where I feel I’ve pushed myself to my limits, not towards a ‘near death’ experience. It’s good to feel the reminder of my efforts over the next couple of days, but not to the point where I have to crawl because my legs and back are waving a white flag!
Henry’s agility trainer says
Your dog has to consider you more exciting than dirt!
You may think this odd and yet; it makes perfect sense. Dogs are easily distracted by scent. If someone in the agility class prior to us had dropped a treat, and even if that treat had been picked up, the scent would still be there. Dogs in the following class may find the search and rescue (hope of consuming said treat) far more interesting than you trying to give them a command to do something. Produce a high-value treat however (incentive), and I can get Henry to do anything I ask. By simply showing, and letting him sniff that tiny piece of burger, Henry will ‘jump’, ‘dig’, ‘back’, ‘over’, ‘tunnel’ and ‘target (for a count of 5)’ all for that tiny little reward.
I am, like most people, motivated to do something if I can see even a tiny glimmer of hope soon after putting in the effort. Yes, I realize chocolate and wine are counterproductive incentives. For anyone who has tried circuit training, crossfit, and bootcamp, you know how much effort is required and yes, the results are amazing. In the long run.
If you’re also looking for less ‘hard-core’ methods that you can enjoy from the start, why not try agility training? A form of exercise you can enjoy with your dogs, all year ’round. We work outdoors for as long as we can and when our Ontario winters kick in we move inside to a dome Physical activity for both of you. I know I’m more likely to stick with something that I find enjoyable.
Agility Training
Henry and I have been attending agility classes for more than a year, and we both love it!
Henry squeals with excitement when we turn into the parking lot. Veronica Evers-Doyle, ABCDT from Zephyr Canines Inc., is Henry’s trainer. Veronica has this to say:
“A tired dog is a good dog” may be generalizing, but it often proves to be true. When you share your life with high-energy dogs as I do, you will quickly learn that they are easier to live with when they have a good exercise regime. Every dog has different requirements but most dogs need at least 2 good exercise sessions per day. Some dogs will be content with a 20 minute walk twice a day, while others will require at least 2 hours of vigorous daily exercise. Exercise can be a variety of things. A brisk walk, playing fetch, frisbee, hiking, or a dog sport.
Exercise should also include some daily mental stimulation. Many people work their dog physically, but fail to work their brain. A dog who is tired mentally and physically should be able to truly relax at home. For mental exercise you can do some refresher work on their obedience, trick training, or treat puzzles.
Dog sports can be a great way of exercising your dog physically and have the benefit of involving you in the process. Many dog sports also require some physical commitment from you as their handler, but don’t let that worry you. Most dog sports don’t require you to be a triathlete, just that you be able to direct them as needed.
Activities that are a great physical outlet for your dog while not requiring you to be as active yourself include lure coursing, field (ideal for “sporting” dogs including retrievers, spaniels and setters ) and dock diving. If your dog needs something that is more mentally challenging consider obedience or scent detection.
If you are looking for an activity that will really challenge both you and your dog you might want to consider agility. Agility is a great way to find a balance between working your dog physically and mentally, but it also helps you connect with your dog as you direct them around the designated course. You’ll need to commit to a regular schedule of classes (usually once per week) but the time and effort is well worth it.
A typical agility run will involve directing your dog around a course of obstacles including jumps, tunnels, teeter totter, as well as “contact” obstacles that they must climb. Some agility teams go on to compete in agility trials, but that is certainly not a requirement. Many people do agility just for the love of the game and for the connection they can build between themselves and their dog.
In warmer days
Unfortunately, we’ve been benched lately due to Henry’s ‘condition.’ We’re looking forward to starting back next week!
ABCDT – Animal Behaviour College Certified Dog Trainer (Private College)
I have two doxie mixes who would really enjoy this. Can you suggest one or two pieces to start with. I have a large backyard.
Mary recently posted…Welcome To Hands And Paws-Reiki For All
Hi Mary,
I would suggest the tunnel to start with – one that is weighed down and won’t roll! You can start with it quite short (so they can see both sides) and stretch it out longer as they become confident.
Good luck and have fun,
Sadie
Great post! I tried agility with my Akita and she just wasn’t into it. I really wanted her to like it but she was deathly scared of the equipment. Lol
Henry loves it and Reese comes along as a cheerleader. Lately, Henry has been out of action because of his illness so we’ve been practicing ‘weave poles’ at home. Turns out that’s something Reese likes too lol. I’m sure you’ll find something for your lovely Akita to enjoy.
This is great! I’m motivated to try this – thanks for da inspiration!
Let us know how you get on!
Agility is one of the things we want to dip our toes in. Just for fun, but do plan on doing some of this once the place is ready for it.
Jana Rade recently posted…Our New Year’s Resolution: A Nail a Day
We do it for fun too. No competitions.
Agility seems like such a fun time for both of you!
Aimee @ Irresistible Pets recently posted…Featured Pet Blogger – Rubicon Days
We love it!
Agility would be alot of fun but Rolo has bad back hips so we cant but I would love to try!
Kim & Rolo recently posted…Pet Spotlight Interview – Yoshii
Perhaps a water sport?
Oh my… “your dog has to consider you more exciting than dirt”… sigh. Not gonna happen. Well, mabye I’m better than dirt but surely not better than the treats in my pocket nor better than the German Shepard coming down the walk. Ah, if only!
Yvonne DiVita recently posted…Prioritize For 2015 Blogging Success
So many distractions BOL
Love this post! My mom bought me a mini agility set. Right now I only like the jump!
So much fun!
We get lots of workouts in each day with walks, running, playing, but we also do nose work and tracking that tires us mentally. On the nights we have class, we fall asleep between turns because we are so tired out. Exercise is such a great thing!
Emma recently posted…How To Kill A Banana In Under 5 Minutes
I remember you mentioned ‘nose work’ before. I would like to look into that too!
When Indiana was a puppy we started Agility training. She was too little to start on jumps but we tested out the rest of the equipment and she loved the tunnel. Unfortunately we moved and couldn’t take our instructor with us. She is a lazy old lady now but still very treat motivated.
Felissa (Two Little Cavaliers) recently posted…Separation Anxiety In Your New Puppy
You can never replace a good trainer!
Koly and I used to do agility when he was a young pup with too much energy for his own good. We used to have a lot of fun doing it, but it was just too time intensive/inflexible for our lifestyle.
I hope you’re feeling better and you have so much fun getting back out there next week!
Jodi Chick (+ Kolchak & Felix too) recently posted…Remembering to See Beautiful
Thank you. Henry is really missing it.
I want to get some agility equipment for the fluffies 🙂
It’s Dog or Nothing recently posted…Great Pyrenees in the Media
I can’t wait to hear how you like it!
Great post! Agility (and other dog sports) are wonderful ways for both dog and human to have fun and get some exercise.
I love how you started this post. So true that so many resolutions fail because there is no “treat” for the human. Nothing to make it interesting / worthwhile for the short term in the beginning.
Thanks Mary! I guess we humans are like our dogs. Or was it supposed to be the other way around……………?
Nothing like some good training for your little dogs, it makes them far more loyal and obedient!
dogvills recently posted…Choosing the Best Dog Breeds to Adopt for Your Lifestyle
Unfortunately both of my corgis got injured from agility. So now we do noseworks and some fun runs where we take all the bars out. The jumping is just too hard on the short little corgi legs! They did love it though!
Carleen recently posted…Happy Holidays Jigsaw Puzzle!
That’s too bad about the sports injuries. Glad that you found a new way to have fun!
Good point about small dogs (shorter legs) and modifications.