While general training methods are the same for all dogs, training the very small or very large dog for agility has its own rewards and challenges. Special mention is made where it is applicable. New info. is added to the bottom of each section. You can use Ctrl + End to get to the bottom quickly.

Photo: Margaret Bryant (Click on the thumbnail to see an enlarged version of the photo)

What's Agility? Discussion of standard and non-standard agility classes, including sample courses.

Getting Started Find Agility Clubs. 

Agility Links Links for courses included.

Talk Agility E-mail lists to join.

Treats Recipes you can make yourself for your partner.

Glossary A very nice list of agility terminology from Clean Run.

Additional links for training pages provided at the end of this page.

The most important aspect of any dog training is to learn to read one's dogs and to apply training methods appropriately to each. Learn to be a good trainer and well trained dogs follow no matter the technique, or the sport. There are a multitude of ways to go about any type of training, but nothing beats the trainer's knowledge of the specific dog. Study each method and apply it appropriately to the dog's individual needs, more importantly...study the dog!

The Dog Trainer

....Behold, there came through the gates of the city a dog trainer from far off, and it came to pass as the days went by, that he trained his dog plenty.

....And in that city were laggards and complainers, they spent their days in adding to their alibi sheets.  Mightily they were astonished at the performance of the stranger's dog.  They said to one another, "What the heck, how doth he do it?  He must have
an easy dog to train."

......And it came to pass that many were gathered and a soothsayer came among them, a very wise man.  And they questioned him thusly, "How is it that this stranger has such a well trained dog?" Whereupon the soothsayer made answer: "He of whom you speak of is one hustler. He arises very early and goeth forth full of pep to train his dog.  He complainth not.  Neither doth he despair.  While you lie in bed and say verily this is a terrible day to train a dog, he is already abroad.  And when the eleventh hour cometh, he needth no alibis."

......"He taketh with him two angels, persistence and perspiration and worketh mightly.  Verily, I say unto you, go and do likewise." Author Unknown

So now may be the time to make those New Year's Resolutions.
Cindy Brick, Night Flight Border Collies

© 1994 - 2003 Katie Greer and the noted authors of some of the individual listings.  

Other sites with good training pages.

Agility Training Tips from Pawsabilities.

BAD Advice a collection of articles from the Beardie Agility Diehards.

Cheryl May's Agility Page has a few training articles.

Power Paws Agility Articles by Nancy Gyes.

Power Paws Commandments good advice for everyone!