Agility!

Question
Hello  

I was wondering if its possible to teach 4 and 5 year old terriers to do agility?....I know both Hannah and Luke (Boston terrier and Jack russell terrier purebreds). Do they need to be well obediance trained for agility? can i home train them only before taking them into actual agility trials or events or do they need to go to classes and have the completed certificates to do real agility? I can make most of the equipment at home as I'm fairly handy....where would I be able to get a list or pictures of the things most basic courses have? Thank you.

Answer
Any dog can learn and compete in agility. There are several sources of pre made equipment and you can make your own, mostly from PVC pipe. You do not have to get a certificate from a class to compete. Just attend any sponsored agility rally.  We use agility as part of basic obedience. Since the dog performs off lead, the dog does need to have good obedience training. You can incorporate on lead agility with obedience and off lead for items as the tunnel, hoops and other items.  There are two basic forms for the course. British and American. Purina Farms about a hlaf hour SW of St Louis has agility course set up there and has national and regional meets. They use the equipment daily as part of their dog program. Purina is actually owned by Nestle of Switzerland, but the "farm" part is still open to the public and includes dog and cat as well as farm animal information, a cafeteria, tours, educational exhibits and a store with educational and entertainment items. There is a motel at the I-44 exit (Blue Diamond exit) and 6 Flags is about half way between St Louis Arch and Purina Farms.

Get a couple books at your local book store on agility and go to it!  

Regards,
Henry Ruhwiedel
www.dogkennel.org