My dog.. and some questions for those who do agility!

[Anatopism]

I have a heeler/lab mix who apparently cannot get tired. Only bored. I can throw the ball for him until he stops chasing it, then take him on a long walk, and then throw the ball some more until he gives up... but he does not get tired. He is a very smart dog, and rather athletic. I've thought of trying to get him into agility training, but am not sure how/where to start.

Does anybody have any particular websites they can point out to me to get started or for good info? Competitions/clubs that allow for mixed breed participants? Even if I construct the props myself and just do it as something to keep him busy, I think it would be beneficial, but it might be fun to eventually try to compete with him in the future as well. I know his brain could use the workout!

[wolfy-hound]

Not sure about local agility clubs(I'd just hit Google), but you could ask at your local vets or groomers.

To help tire a working dog, I always recommend biking. A decent size dog can trot beside a bike while you ride around. Heelers are supposed to run most of the day while working, so just walking or chasing a ball won't do a ton to tire him out.

[JLC]

Agility is GREAT because it exercises the mind as well as the body. I agree with Theresa, just google for local opportunities. I can only speak about my limited involvement, which involved a local trainer I was friends with. It was a blast for both me and the dog. And if you get really into it and want to compete, there are no breed limitations on agility competitions. Any dog with the discipline can compete.

[Dracoluna]

http://topdogagility.org/

That's the link to the agility club in Olympia, WA if your location is correct here.
Agility is a great outlet for an intelligent, high energy dog. With my border collie mix, agility was the only way I could really tire him out but we never did compete. It was just fun to go through courses with him and then when we were out at the dog park, we'd use the natural terrain as obstacles. Nothing like watching a dog run 20 feet up a tree that's half fallen because you tell him 'up' and point. He got along great with the rock climbers!

You can also get started at home with very simple obstacles. Lay down a 2x4 and urge him to jump over while telling him 'over'. Also work on up using either a short table or make a platform out of some wood to practice the 'sit, stay' and 'down, stay'. Hula hoops are great for teaching them to jump through and are cheap tire jumps. Just a few things to get started. Another thing I'd suggest is once you get some of the basics down with him like up, over, and through, use various things for training. Going out in the woods gives a ton of unusual obstacles to work with and will help create more confidence in your dog with the commands and strange surfaces. We had a huge wooded dog park near us and that was something a trainer at our agility club recommended and to this day, I'm glad she did. Cody will jump on anything on command and at 12 y/o, still can be challenged (think one of those rocking ottomans).

Try it and see how your dog takes to it but it's great fun for both owner and dog not to mention a wonderful bonding experience.

[Anatopism]

Thanks lots for all the suggestiongs, guys! Will be doing some more research on the links posted. I think he could do really well at agility training, and it would be good exercise!

[satomi325]

Maybe try signing up your dog for a herding class too? It really helps wind energy down when a dog is given a job and doing what it's bred for. Nothing like seeing a herding dog corral. It is an amazing sight.

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