Agility: Sports and fun for dogs and their owners

Like human beings, dogs also need the constant practice of exercises to stay physically and, in many cases, mentally. The presence of physical activity means that animals can not only acquire good conditions for their health, but also, stay balanced in terms of their behavior, which makes this aspect a very important characteristic in the life of both the canine and its owner to the point of becoming a sports routine that requires the participation of both to be carried out properly. This sport is known worldwide as AGILITY.

A canine sport that requires coordination, attention and discipline but, above all, a lot of connection between the dog and its owner to be carried out effectively. It combines fun, entertainment, commitment and responsibility, the latter if it is a higher competition. With its origin in the United Kingdom, "Agility" was the term used by the British in 1977 to define the one who, some time later, would become one of the most popular canine sports worldwide. And that it is not only taken as a simple competition, but it is also part of the daily life of a pet and its training because it is an excellent tool for canine education. But what is it? Is it for all pets? What are its benefits? These questions will be answered below. If you do not know this sports discipline for your pet, do not stop reading this information and start practicing this sport.

What is Agility?

The agility is a Sports modality implies the participation of the dog accompanied by its owner. Without a doubt, this is the most distinctive characteristic of this competition. It is essentially that the dog, without a strap and in the least amount of time possible, manages to overcome an entire obstacle circuit only with the indication of its owner, which will accompany him throughout the route, orienting him with his voice.

Although it seems simple, the popularity of this sport is mainly due to the challenge that constitutes both for the CAN, as for its master and coach, to reach the goal overcoming the obstacles and time of other canines, without committing infractions. More and more people with pets who begin in the practice of this sport are more, due to the multiple benefits obtained thanks to this training, which mainly demands a good physical condition and a very close relationship between the dog and its owner. That is why, outside the competitive level, Agility is also an exceptional sport for home practice, because it not only keeps your healthy dog, but also contributes to its behavior by promoting other areas such as education, obedience and attention.

What races can they practice it?

In general, Agility's competition has three categories: large, median and small. That is, that It is a sport arranged for any canine breed, because the circuits are adapted to the aforementioned categories, taking into account the height to the canino cross, making the fair competition. It is important to note that, for participation in official competitions, dogs must be registered in a club in this modality. In general, that the dog is active and sociable is sufficient requirement to start the participation of the CAN in the Agility.

However, characteristics such as the size or age of the puppy, can influence their action in competitions in many cases. However, Agility's practice as a method to maintain canine health and, in addition, perform activities with the dog, either at home or in a special center of this practice becomes increasingly common and beneficial for both the dog and for the owner.

What are its benefits?

Although it is a modality practiced for a long time, its benefits are not surprising, because obviously they go beyond being a simple canine sport, to become a fun and healthy practice for the dog's life and his best friend, man.

The advantages of practicing this sport are increasingly notable. Next we will mention the most prominent:

Improves the own-macota relationship

If there is something to highlight this practice is the connection that must exist between the dog and its owner to properly execute the circuits in the shortest possible time and without errors, only following the indications that this through your voice and gestures that it provides. The strengthening of this relationship is seen more and more in constant practices and remains out of practice, because the canine trusts the instinct of his master and is guided by him. While the master, trusts his pet's skills.

Help emotional balance

The emotional balance of both (dog and owner) is very influenced in the practice of this sport that requires movement, attention, and great agility. While they take care of overcoming obstacles, they release the tension of a bad day, for example. While the dog, if it is a breed that requires a large amount of exercise, remains controlled thanks to Agility.

Mutual training

Another of the undisputed benefits of Agility's practice is that contributes to improve and maintain the physical condition of the dog And of his master. Both will be required increasingly with greater proportion of energy to overcome obstacles. While the dog runs quickly along the track, the owner must continue his rhythm to help defeat the following challenge, so they will maintain a rhythm of exercises quite favorable for their health.

Improve concentration

Aspects such as improving the concentration, discipline and obedience of the dog is another benefit. And it is that the animal needs to stay serene, but at the same time very focused on the track, to Listen properly the voice of its owner While he guides him. This fact makes its sense of concentration, discipline and obedience look more and more strengthened as it advances in Agility's practices.

It is fun for both

Agility is not only demand, fun is also present in this training system, especially for dogs that love to jump or always be active. They will enjoy running accompanied by their owners, while the latter entertain themselves without stopping giving indications and running next to their best friend. For both, the Practice of Agility will mean a real challenge, full of fun and guaranteed entertainment.

When to start in this sport?

Those who wish to practice this sport with their pet, must take into account some aspects. While outside competitions, all dogs can practice this sport, on a daily basis, there are some essential characteristics for it. In the first place it is important that the dog has reached its full development to start this practice, because it requires physical effort and agility.

High weight dogs cannot practice this activity competitively, as they could be injured if the necessary precautions are not taken or is not known on the subject. On the other hand, before Start Agility's practices, it is advisable to initiate adequate training with the canine, where important aspects such as walking together are taught, attending to orders, sitting, walking, throwing and common movements within the sport. Finally, establish a relationship of trust and comfort between the dog and you while the training is carried out, considering as the first point the positive reinforcement, motivation and reward for practices, will give very effective results that will be reflected in the canine performance. Other interesting articles:

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