Agility Classes / Groups

[Warley]

My mum has just taken in 2 pups (toy poodle x pom) and I was thinking about getting them into some sort of Agility group or class when they are older. They are very fast little things even at 8 weeks old and I think they could do very well. Plus its good exercise for me too . I've always loved agility but I somehow dont think Archie would be too good at it - he would probably get stuck in the tunnel Does anyone know of any local groups that do this.

[Sean Benson]

hi Warley,

Im not really aware of any specific local groups but I think you might find that they will want the dogs to be a little older before they start training. 12 months ish.

Agility raises the adrenaline of a dog to a sky high level. You need to have control of your dog in a calmer situation before you attempt to do anything which may make him more reactive. Im not saying you don't have control, but most classes require the handler to have a reasonable level of control before they let the dogs offlead.

It would probably be worthwile trying an obedience class first then when you are happy with the control move on to agility when theyre a bit older, calmer and know who's boss.

[Lisa]

I have been to a club called Rother Valley Agility. They meet at Rother Valley Country Park on Sundays from 10.30, you can just go along to watch/socialise and see what you think. http://www.rvdac.homecall.co.uk

I also heard about a Flyball Club but I haven’t been yet. http://kivetonkatapultz.co.uk/index.html

I agree with Sean – don’t do anything strenuous before 12m as young joints can get strained and it can lead to arthritis. But I think you start with the tunnels and maybe the weave poles earlier– not sure, you should take advice about it.

I’d also be interested to hear of anything closer.

[Warley]

Thanks for the info guys, I'll check out those links. I thought the pups would have to be between 12 & 18 months old before we started but I thought I would get some ideas, maybe see what it takes and see if they need other training such as obedience. They haven't even had their second vac yet (thats next week) but I thought I would check out local groups now as there is no point continuing if there wasn't even one available.

Im not too sure if flyball is for them, they are tiny things and I'm not sure if they would even get over the hurdles let alone get a tennis ball in their mouth

[Sean Benson]

YOU'D BE SURPRISED, ESPECIALLY IF THEY'RE FEMALES!!!!!!!!!

[Drab]

HA HA HA HA, OH you kill me Benson, speaking of what females can get in there mouths, you'd be suprised what men can too - although you know don't you, you've got your foot in yours often enough!!

[Sean Benson]

Good point, well presented! ..........no further questions......

[Lisa]

Quick update – Rother Valley Agility are not taking new members now until 4th August because they have been so busy. I managed to sneak in on Sunday because I had been a few weeks back and the one lady remembered me. I notice there is also an obedience class at the same time there.