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Member
 
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Last Login: 7/5/2009 10:24:40 AM
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I've always wanted to try agility with my dog Bandit, you know just for fun time hanging with him, but I don't know how to start. I don't really think there are any agility clubs or groups that are buy us. Do you have to join a group to get started. Please Help!!!! 
***Shih-tzus*are*awesome***
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Member
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Last Login: 10/2/2009 4:48:57 PM
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| Hmm, I guess I don't know much of an answer to that. My dog, Luna, would be a great agility dog, she's not afraid of any of the obstacles, except she can't stand sitting through all the demonstrations, she gets bored and that means aggressive... So, um, I guess it's kinda not smart to bring her there. You can buy one of those little kiddy tunnel things pretty cheap, and you can make a bar jump out of almost anything (I like to use a curtain rod) there are also cheap weave polls and stuff you can buy, or maybe build your own i guess. Idk about the a-frames and teeter-totters though. I guess if there are no agility places near you all you can do is buy or make your own equipment and train the dog yourself.
My dog is smarter than yours!!!  
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Supreme Being
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| you can start training agility yourself, but if you are looking to be competitive you should find a class. I started training my dogs myself because the nearest club for me is 1 1/2 hours away, the class is at 8 pm, and it is not cheap. I reccomend the book The Beginners Guide To Dog Agility by Laurie Leach. Depending on how much you are willing to spend you can make the obsticals your self. Most of the stuff is made out of pvc pipes and is fairly easy to assemble. I found a chute at a petco for $30. My biggest problem is I need a bigger yard! you can find plans to build the equipment online just do a search on free agility obstical plans
 
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Junior Member
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Last Login: 8/14/2009 4:54:18 PM
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My dog loves jumping .I've never competed in agility competitions though.You can start by setting up poles and buckets.But, to be good at agility, your dog has to be into just as much as you!
 The bond between the musher and his dogs is truly amazing-Author Unknown
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Member
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rainsmom (7/31/2009)
you can start training agility yourself, but if you are looking to be competitive you should find a class. I started training my dogs myself because the nearest club for me is 1 1/2 hours away, the class is at 8 pm, and it is not cheap. I reccomend the book The Beginners Guide To Dog Agility by Laurie Leach. Hey! I read that book too! It really is a great book for learning how to train a dog for agility and also handler skills. I second that recommendation of yours! And I know how you feel about the distance to the club. The nearest one to me is also an hour and a half away. But I've taken Sam to 3 classes anyway so he can get used to the environment just in case I decide to compete.
   ~Sailor and Salty~ ~Sam~ ~Lady~  
~Rodeo and Sam~ ~Sasha~
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Forum Guru
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Last Login: 11/1/2009 1:31:18 PM
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| My sister did agility with her lab Echo, but sadly Echo was retired after hurting his back. But anyway, taking a beginer's agility class would be a good start whether you want to compete or not. You could try training yourself, but I wouldn't recoment it unless you have been insructed on how. Also buying the equipment is expensive. GOOD LUCK! Keep us updated!
Those who stand for nothing fall for anything.   
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Junior Member
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i LOVE agility, my female border collie mix is great at it. I went to a place near me, k9 country club, but they didnt have an instructor to teach me, so i got my own equiptment and taught my dog myself and shes a natural at it and loves every minute of it. and it really increases a huge bond between you and your bestfriend. 
ive never done a competition with her, but just messing around is fun.
Chester&&Rosie_my babies!<3
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Junior Member
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Last Login: 9/6/2009 7:19:27 AM
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| There are several ways to start agility: 1. Google "Dog Agility Clubs in (your area here)." That's how I found out about my local agility club. 2. Look for dog trainers in your area and ask if any of them do agility- but remember it's NOT cheap. 3. Buy equipment or make some and practice by yourself. 4. Learn about agility by buying "Clean Run" magazine and "Introduction To Dog Agility" book. 5. Attend some local events as a volunteer to learn about the sport and get a good reputation with the people. I've found that if you read, volunteer, and practice, practice, practice, you'll have a great time! But if you say that you just want something fun to do with Fido I don't think agility is for you because it takes tons of time, money, and effort that becomes part of your life! Good luck though! This picture is from the last agility trial I volunteered at! 
 Treat any animal with respect and it will come back one-hundred fold. 
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