Dog Agility and Poodles
Do you love poodles, enjoy being outdoors, and like a little bit of competition? I know I do. That's how my miniature poodle Sammy and I got involved in dog agility.
You already know that poodles are probably the smartest breed out there. But many people, okay non-poodle people, don't realize that poodles are one of the most versatile and athletic breeds around. Remember watching the circus dogs? Poodles, of course.
Well, agility training is one of the most enjoyable activities you can do with your poodle or any dog for that matter. Not only is it great exercise for the dog, but for you as well. It is also a great way to develop a bond between you and your dog.
According to the American Kennel Club, dog agility is the fastest growing dog competition in the United States. And poodles are especially agile and intelligent which comes in very handy when performing at agility trials!
More About Dog Agility
It takes training for both you and your dog to be able to successfully do this. This is why poodles are great in this sport, because they are very receptive to training. But the key here is that even the training is really fun to do. Witnessing the "light-bulb" go off in your dog's head when they "get" what you are trying to tell them with your commands is a great sight to see.
A great place to find a detailed overview on Dog Agility is Wikipedia. You can find that link here: Wikipedia Dog Agility Overview
See Some of Sammy's Friends
Here are a few of Sammy's friends enjoying agility. These dogs are really having fun! And their owners are too :)
Getting Started with Dog Agility
Once you start agility, I recommend Susan's video called "Success with One Jump". This will get you started in agility training. The beauty of this training is that you can train your dog even if you have a really small backyard. And you will be amazed at what you can teach your dog even with only one jump!
Shaping Success (The Education of an Unlikely Champion)
Amazon Price: (as of 10/06/2008)
Success with One Jump
Amazon Price: (as of 10/06/2008)
More About Poodles
Have you ever wondered why poodles are shown with those "weird" haircuts? Well the poodle was originally bred to be a water dog. The name "poodle" comes from the German word "pudel" which is short for "pudelhound" which means "splashing dog". The reason the poodles were cut that way was to prevent the retrieving dogs from drowning. So that's how it got started. Of course, most of us poodle owners keep our dogs trimmed relatively short - especially for running agility. By the way, the photo of the poodle at Westminster is Sammy's dad!
According to the AKC (AKC Link on Poodles) the poodle carries himself proudly, is very active, extremely intelligent, and has an air of distinction and dignity peculiar to himself. I can also tell you from experience that poodles are very sensitive and really strive hard to please the owner. All these traits makes the poodle one of the best agility dogs around.
Champion Poodle Running Agility
Play with my Poodle-(Agility run - musical version)
Master Agility Champion (MACH 2) "Louie" shows his stuff to fun music
Runtime: 1:18
1104 views
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Agility Course from a Dog's Point of View
Dog Agility from Dog's Point of View
The "normal" video looks deceptively slow until you become the dog. Note - this is a simulation of speed and does not take into consideration the angle, color blindness, and sharpness of a dogs vision. This video was produced by smoothmovesagility.com
Runtime: 0:37
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Here's Another Video from a Dog's Point of View
This Part is Written by Sammy the Poodle Himself
My First Agility Trial
Hi. This is Sammy. My Mom's away and I thought I would try this typing stuff myself. Woof - its not easy. Anyway, I wanted to tell you about my very first agility trial. It took place in San Diego last May. Here's what happened:
Okay - Mom just walked me out into the ring and put me in front of a jump and made me sit. Then she took my leash off. Wow - I'm free!!! Now she is walking away towards the next jump. I'm ready to go. Wait, who is that over there on my left? It's some people talking. Are they talking about me? What's that I hear? Oh, Mom says go. Bye-bye talking people, gotta go.
I'm over the first jump and over the second jump and just ran into the weave poles. Left, right, left, right, wheeeeee! Now I'm through and Mom's going right. But there is a girl sitting in a chair straight ahead. I'm going to run to her instead of pay attention to Mom! Hey girl, can you pet me? Can I jump on you? She's ignoring me. But I'm soooo cute!
Oh oh, Mom's yelling at me. Okay - let me run through the tunnel way over here. Wheeee! But Mom looks kind of annoyed. All right, I'll jump on the dog walk. She always gives me treats when I do that. Hey look at me, I'm on the dog walk! But Mom seems to want me to do something else. She's standing by the teeter-totter. Okay, I'll jump on the teeter-totter and then run up the dog walk again because maybe she will feed me this time. But no, she picks me up and takes me off the course. Guess I messed up, but Mom gave me a big hug. I had such fun! When can we do it again?
Learn More About Dog Agility
Where to Get Agility Equipment for Less
Dog agility equipment can be expensive. I have found the best place to buy agility equipment is through eBay. I can get better prices there than buying at pet stores.
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Information on Agility Venues
- AKC Agility
- The American Kennel Club is the "grand-daddy" of all dog organizations. Here you will find information on agility and the National Agility Championships.
- NADAC Agility
- NADAC is an enjoyable agility venue that allows both purebred and mixed-breed dogs to compete in agility. NADAC courses are traditionally more spread out than AKC courses which many people and dogs find easier.
- CPE Agility
- CPE is the venue I recommend for your first agility trail. The judges are really friendly and emphasize fun for both you and your dog. It is open to both purebred and mixed-breed dogs.
- USDAA Agility
- USDAA is open to both purebred and mixed-breed dogs. USDAA is known for having a little more challenging courses than the other 3 venues and is especially fun for the experienced competitors.
More Cool Books on Agility
Here is Another Great Place to Buy Agility Equipment
I have bought a lot of good equipment here at very reasonable prices. I bought a portable jump set, weave poles, a tunnel, and a seesaw here. They have a greater selection of agility equipment than eBay has. I recommend them
Dog Agility in the News
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byWe are Pawsatively anxious to see your comments!
Sammy and I would love to hear from both humans and animals! Please share your thoughts.
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BFuniv.com
Way too much fun. Thank you Posted May 09, 2008 |
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cflynn
great lens. I have a labradoodle who loves to jump and is ery agile=hard to catch!! i would love to get her into agility training Posted April 03, 2008 |
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carocordo
Hey, cute lens - I got onto this byt that Dogs vs Cats stuff. And Sammy's Dad is totally famous - Westminster! wow. SAmmy's piece about his first trial was so funny. A Schnauzer we bred did Agility with his owner - when it was Geoffrey's turn, people would come over to see what he was going to do this time! You have to laugh, don't you? Posted April 02, 2008 |
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lissie
Great lens - I grew up with standard poodles a black one and an apricot one and I not at all surprised that they are good at agility - it looks like a work out for the owner too! Posted March 31, 2008 |
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mayalon
Wow - great info. I have to share Deezel the English Bulldog (search for it on YouTube), probably the most impressive display of Agility when you least expect it! Posted March 24, 2008 |
