Benefits of Dog Agility Training
Agility training can be very beneficial for both you and your Cane Corso.
What is Dog Agility?
Dog agility can be traced back to the United Kingdom in the late 1970s. The first prominent and widely documented instance of dog agility is the iconic half-time display at the Crufts Dog Show in 1978.
One of the Crufts Dog Show committee members, John Varley, teamed up with trainer, Peter Meanwell, to create something new and entertaining. Mimicking the equestrian world, this activity was born to demonstrate a dog’s natural speed and agility.
The display received a great reaction from the captive audience. While some merely enjoyed the show, many owners wished to try this new activity with their own dogs!
Today, dog agility has become a worldwide event.
Benefits of Agility Training for Dogs
Competing is only one of the many rewards of agility training. Let’s take a look at some of the other benefits:
Promotes physical and mental health
Keeping physically active is just as important for dogs as it is for humans. Dog agility training is quality exercise for both your pup and for yourself.
It can also keep your curious Cane Corso mentally and physically stimulated to avoid mischievous behavior later from boredom.
Strengthens handler and dog bond
Agility training will create a more obedient dog that is trained to handle a variety of obstacles, stress, and environmental changes. This builds and strengthens their confidence and their trust in you, the pup’s pack leader.
While your Cane Corso builds the confidence to go through any obstacle with their handler, they are also being trained to understand and obey new commands.
As a result, you have an obedient dog you can take anywhere.
Builds sociability
Attending agility training and competing in events allows you to meet like-minded people and make new friends. Your dog also has the chance to socialize with others.
Preparing for Agility Classes
Agility training classes are available for a wide range of ability levels. However, it is not the best choice for extreme beginners. Your dog should come knowing basic commands such as: stay, sit, lie down, and heel. This gives you a foundation, it teaches your pup to respond to your voice, and also allows you to know what motivates your dog as a reward.
You should also know your dog’s physical limitations. A pup under a year should not be taken as the jumps and physical strain can be difficult on their soft bones. If your Cane Corso has any physical restrictions or is older, consulting your vet is always a wise decision.