Border Collie Training – Agility

Border collie training is an absolute must unless you want a destructive and dangerously out-of-control pet.  This breed, in particular, does best when they are provided with extensive training as they are incredibly intelligent, are bursting with energy and need something to do.  They don’t enjoy being idle for long periods and will find other not-so-pleasant means of entertaining themselves if not given the proper direction.

The good new is, however, that border collie training isn’t too difficult to achieve because this sheepdog is a fast learner, loves to be given a task and enjoys a challenge.  This is one of the main reasons you often see border-collies in obstacle course competitions and why you may want to consider teaching your dog agility.

This is a sport that involves a handler directing a pooch through an obstacle course as quickly and accurately as possible, without the aid of treats or toys.  It is a true demonstration of a real working partnership between dog and owner.  The course mostly consists of jumps (I.E. tire jump, long jump, double and triple jump, etc.) and may include some or all of the following: A-frame, dogwalk, seesaw, tunnels, weave poles, pause box, and pause table.  Additional obstacles, such as a swing plank and a sway bridge may also exist but usually the diversity depends on which organization is hosting the event.

Regardless of the equipment that is used, understand that the dog’s physical and mental ability needs to be rigorously trained.  Therefore, you have to devote a substantial amount of time to this border collie training and subject your pet to a lot of hard work.  This means you need to think long and hard before deciding if competing is the right choice for you and your buddy.

Dogs can start agility lessons at a young age.  However, you must bear in mind that the safety of your pup is of utter importance.  You don’t want to do anything to injure the bone structure of a young canine because this can shorten his life span.   Hence, your pal should not undergo serious border collie training in the art of agility until they are old enough to endure it.  Usually a collie shouldn’t begin his obstacle course education until he is 18 months old.   That said, you should consult a professional instructor before you begin any lessons to ensure the safety of your pal.

Finally, you should know that you can still include agility in your border collie training even if you don’t want your four-legged friend to compete professionally.  Basic equipment is sold online and in pet stores, which will allow you to create a mini obstacle course in your backyard that can be lots of fun.