Dog Agility Training: 3 Big Mistakes All Dog Owners Should Avoid

[@DogsThat]

Get my Top Ten for Agility Speed and Success at dogsthat.com/y/agility-speed

[@ivyrose779]

I’m thinking about starting my dog in agility and I’m so glad I found your video before I started! Thank you so much for the great resource!

[@heathervenkat1414]

This is great, I hear from so many folks that they want to do agility to get their dog's energy out, which is true but I try to prep them for all the important foundation and flatwork needed before they even get introduced to the equipment

[@ejgood5498]

In December i went to my first agility trial with my Aussie! It’s her first time competing but I competed with my mixed breed dog nearly two years ago before the pandemic. My Aussie and I have our second trial coming up next weekend and I’m so glad I found this video! My Aussie is the first dog I have ever trained to do agility because I’m just a teenager and I was way too young to get into agility with my other dog so she was trained by my dad and my aunt, and it’s been a large challenge to train my Aussie because of how energetic and clever she is, and based on events that happened at our first trial in December, I’m kind of worried about our trial coming up but this video really helped me and I think it will definitely help me with preparing my Aussie for our next trial and how to handle her during our trial!

[@Amaranthyne]

😂 So relatable! I have three Aussies and it’s so funny how their different personalities come out. I think the hardest one to deal with is the smartest one. She knows how to fetch, but it doesn’t matter how many treats I have-at some point she decides she’d rather just keep the ball! One is super timid and she balks at almost everything. If I want her to do something I usually have her puppy (my third Aussie) do it first. That said, my smartest dog has learned commands without me ever trying to teach her. Things I’ve said out of habit actually became things she understood. Like “eat your food” when she wandered away from her food bowl at feeding time or “bring it here” instead of “fetch” as I had intended. She learned to open doors with handles. She would paw us when she wanted pets, which isn’t unusual for a dog, but she’s the only dog I’ve had who interpreted the lack of attention as a lack of understanding on our part. Then she would try even more to aggressively to get our attention by pawing harder and practically throwing herself at us. Ultimately the solution was simple. I spent an afternoon teaching her “later”-she can have pets later, but not right now. That worked. She will still get increasingly anxious if she gets no response after she asks for attention, but as long as she knows you understood her( even if the answer was no) she’s fine-though she might try again in a minute. Good luck with your dog!

[@annettefry9347]

I'm getting ready to start a pre-agility class in Nov with 2 year old border collie. We are alumni in recallers. I am so thankful for this podcast. What great info for giving me a correct mindset and expectations. Thank you Susan.

[@RippingStars]

Basis of the video, build a relationship with your dog more than sitting with them on the couch, engage with them. Don't free feed, use their food as training, give what they're doing a reason. If you went to work and didn't get paid, you wouldn't go to work. Same concept

[@fionacharles328]

Brilliant.Thank you. All makes perfect sense. I’m so fortunate to be in a super agility school that focuses on the foundations first, which I really enjoy practising with my dog at home & seeing her achieve small steps.

[@Chap17]

You r a very SMART Cookie🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉Great Advice❤

[@sophiesmith5922]

Great tips on feedback. My old girl with a blown knee didnt do agility, so we did rally-o. Half way thru she would stop, lay down and roll belly up and ask for treats and pets.She was done. "That was fun, ma, but not real fun. Rub my belly and feed me meatballs!" BUT take her on visits to an elder memory care unit and WOW! Did she shine! I gave her the job she loved to do, and did limited numbers of tricks to keep her on point but not wear out her interest. SOOO important to take feedback to keep the dog engaged rather than tuned out!

[@luvdaToasta]

Thank you for pointing these out. It's sad how many people make these mistakes, especially wanting to make sure your dogs are just having FUN. That's all I want with my dogs.

[@shannong2014]

Thank you for your videos. My papillon is one Q away from his Novice standard title. This is my first agility dog and I love every second of the sport!

[@ShieldMaiden452]

Thanks for the tips! I use agility equipment to build confidence and use in obedience through fun, but I now realize i was missing alot of the signs my dogs were giving me just in all training.

[@m4rtin419]

Beautifully explained. In particular part 1, should rewatch this before every training to remind me. Sadly it has been my experience that many local trainers and dog clubs do not understand or apply the importance of the relationship-building and engagement part. That makes it really hard to get local trainers with working dogs.

[@victoriadrowns7059]

This has been so educational thank you so much I am considering training my poodle agility and this has gave me a great idea what I need to focus on to start off.

[@gyrlgeorge]

This was great ! So helpful and funny as hell 😂 My dog is literally insane. I got him 10 months ago. He was FERAL. Grew up stuck in a dusty backyard. Never been on a leash, never in a car, NO training whatsoever! He’s a full grown cattle dog border collie thing with god knows what else with an INSANE prey drive? Like really insane. when I put him on a leash for the first time he acted like a 3 month old puppy would. Except he’s a LOT stronger. He was like a bronco 😂Took quite a while but he heels beautifully now on a walk He’s come so far! He now has excellent recall, I’ve taught him sit, stay, down, roll over and he fetches perfectly. Unfortunately he just sails right over our 4-1/2 foot “dog proof” fence. Our other 3 dogs have never gotten out. However he’s VERY aggressive..and protective. I don’t think we have any agility training classes in our area so I’m on my own Should be interesting 😂 Edited to add : new sub!

[@SD-my9so]

Love you Susan! I learn so much while you make me laugh along the way. Your a great educator.

[@DogsThat]

❤️❤️❤️ Thank you!

[@blondie7740]

I put my Shih Tzu in agility, but the main focus was to build his confidence and help reduce reactivity. But I was really lucky, I found a fantastic agility trainer that I worked with one on one, and all we did was tunnels, run over poles on the ground, and later as he became more confident, the ladder and weave poles. He loved it, and it made a huge difference in being able to work with him.

[@LIVdaBrand]

Thanks for this. My Chihuahua is 10 months and I’m getting him into this. Had him 5 months so taking it slow.

[@ElaineTyler-c5l]

Great podcast as always and Definitely listening to you and my pups ️️️️

[@MuttHouze]

Thank you for educating!

[@carolemuenzer5490]

I like how much you mentioned feed back from the 🐕 dog. So much learning

[@rhylin26]

Definitely needed to hear number one. Want to get my Amstaff into agility, and I am glad I saw this video first.

[@janicejurgensen2122]

Thank you!!

[@sacrebleu1371]

I came here because I was looking for guidance in canine communication and I figured that has to be the backbone of agility training. I also know that I am being told things by my Border Collie that she works hard to communicate, so I want to meet her at least half way! I saw other videos that ignored this, but on listening for just a few moments, I know this person gets it, has it, and is worth our time, mine and puppeh's!

[@DogsThat]

Hi, and thank you for this lovely note. Here are a couple of other videos about agility that may be useful for you and your dog: - Overcoming Dog Training Challenges With DASH: Agility Focus: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iHbZeqJqfbdspsk - 2 Types Of Connection With Dogs: Dog Agility And Daily Life Case Studies: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKmnm2Zoe8tjhMk - Your Dog Agility And Dog Sports Questions Covered: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iHq3q4KipJuorZo - How to Make ALL Training Easier (Especially Dog Agility): kzbin.info/www/bejne/gKbWmaeVmMtkqJo Happy training! And happy 2023 🥳

[@nancyhooper1742]

Great podcast as always and Definitely listening to you and my pups ❤️❤️❤️❤️⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@igudon284]

Wow, I needed to hear this. I've been doing everything wrong. I think I'm gonna have to take that agility class that you offer.

[@nicolelalondebourgeois4394]

Thank you. BTW YOU ARE HILARIOUS . Love it.

[@traveling-2025]

Omg I’m so glad I found you!!! I literally almost signed up for an agility class, but after listening to you, I’m a ways off before either Loki or myself is ready!! Thank you!!!

[@DogsThat]

Thanks for sharing this, Lori, we love to have you in our community! Loki is such a cool name for a pup! 💕

[@traveling-2025]

@@DogsThat awe ty. Loki is a 6mo old Cane corso. I have really been struggling with training. I had none of the current issues with my Old English Mastiff. I knew it wasn’t him, so I hired a 1:1 trainer to come basically teach me!! Lol lesson 1: how to relax, crate training. No he is not crate trained….yet…… my fault. I didn’t do it day 1. Kicking my own butt..

[@Erikwright-j2m]

haha I am guilty of #2. I do agility with my Chihuahua. Before we started agility we went through 3 levels of obedience, tricks, CGC, and a little rally. By the time we got to agility I was so hyper about it, I was ready to DO ALL THE THINGS! Luckily, I had a trainer that enjoyed putting me in my place She was very clear that in beginner agility, we wouldn't even go on the contacts right away- she had other drills for us and to learn that safety comes first. Now that we've been in agility for a couple of years, I can really appreciate all my trainer's guidance even more. And all of those training classes we took before agility really made a huge difference. When we transferred to another training facility, I could tell which dogs had just been thrown into agility and which dogs actually had training (like obedience) before starting agility. I think my dog and I have really good communication in the ring when we are training, but last month we had our very first agility competition and my dog went a little off script on me. She ran away from me to check out people! I know that is possible, but I was surprised because in all our years of training she has never done that to me. If anyone has any guidance on that it would be appreciated. I do have a video posted about our first competition on our channel.

[@vanessazamora7647]

thank you for sharing all your knowledge with dogs. I have a 13 month old Australian shepherd that's so all energy! so I can use all the help I can get on training, etc. your video was so informative so thank you for that!

[@Jenily111]

haha I am guilty of #2. I do agility with my Chihuahua. Before we started agility we went through 3 levels of obedience, tricks, CGC, and a little rally. By the time we got to agility I was so hyper about it, I was ready to DO ALL THE THINGS! Luckily, I had a trainer that enjoyed putting me in my place 😂 She was very clear that in beginner agility, we wouldn't even go on the contacts right away- she had other drills for us and to learn that safety comes first. Now that we've been in agility for a couple of years, I can really appreciate all my trainer's guidance even more. And all of those training classes we took before agility really made a huge difference. When we transferred to another training facility, I could tell which dogs had just been thrown into agility and which dogs actually had training (like obedience) before starting agility. I think my dog and I have really good communication in the ring when we are training, but last month we had our very first agility competition and my dog went a little off script on me. She ran away from me to check out people! I know that is possible, but I was surprised because in all our years of training she has never done that to me. If anyone has any guidance on that it would be appreciated. I do have a video posted about our first competition on our channel.

[@ash.lou613]

i am just starting my agility journey with my 6lb chihuahua. he has the speed. and he is learning the little things. he has 99% perfet recall, and can do sit stay for however long I require him too. then in feb I will getting a bigger dog, and will do agility for them as well, on top of sled training and cart pulling.

[@Lynn2715]

I ❤ U Susan 😘. Thank you 🙏 I am so glad I saw this. I want to have fun with my dog & puppy not to speed around at agility shows but to have fun!! Everything you said makes perfect SENSE- Common sense even LOL! I appreciate what you are telling us. I will work hard to get my flat work done and correct FIRST!! And the dog feedback is outstanding! Again thank you and my beautiful kids- dogs thank you too. Mom needed to Hear you and she has👏. I will continue to watch and learn but I am going to the beginning and work my way to where this is pleasurable for both of us!!😘

[@VTJane]

This is a good clip to watch for anyone teaching at or training at a Zoom Room. Safety first!!

[@carolemuenzer5490]

It’s exciting, it’s amazing, it’s so much fun!! My trainer was so amazed my dog loves it goes right over the course.

[@fitflute59]

So glad I bumped into this video!! Thank you so much for very clear information!

[@DogsThat]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Thegirlnamedsomthing]

Thank you, this is great. Me and my Border collie are self thought in agility, and it really shows. I never fault her for misunderstanding my instructions. I know it's me, my lack of knowlegde and frankly lack of interest in running and positioning myself correctly on the court. Thankfully I've worked alot on building a good relationship and basic obedience. She always so focused on me, does not at all care about other people or dogs that happen to be around. Easy to refocus if she goes into overdrive. A lot of fun even though we will never compete.

[@MikeMaliska]

Thank you SO much for this video. And any video that can quote the late great John Pinette is a video worth watching.

[@hibiscus09]

I’m doing an agility trial this weekend - my Novice A dog for everything. He’s an almost four year old Golden Retriever. We didn’t start until he was two for everything because of pandemic closures. He has his JH, WC, RN, BN and TKA. We are trialing for his CD in the next two weekends. My beautiful happy boy, who has been training for agility for almost TWO YEARS, and has great recall in hunt test training, doesn’t leave the ring in obedience, his heeling is getting pretty darn good, etc. has visited the bar setters every time and we are four leg attempts in. Two tries in Novice Standard and two tries in Jumpers With Weaves. This dog I have recalled off a running deer is suddenly periodically deaf. I will say this is one happening agility venue with things on every side, tons of noise, etc. When he’s actually running the course, which he is finishing each time, he’s hitting his contacts, doing his weaves, and so on. He’ll string eight obstacles together and then off he goes. I’m surprised the judge is letting us continue, but agility people are very encouraging and lots of fun. Anyway, day three today and then we will add people in chairs to our run throughs. We are having fun, but I’d be lying if I said I thought we were beyond this sort of thing. Silly me. Lol

[@hibiscus09]

We earned one blue ribbon in JWW - just as an update - made us happy!

[@ammi_10]

This was the first episode I saw and I was intrigued by Susan Garrett. It all began when I searched up agility videos to show a friend what agility is. 😉 Now I'm currently watching all of them in order.🙂❤️

[@Doktracy]

What is your foundations class? I haven’t done agility in about 15 years and I have two 3 year old Dobermans that I’d like to start. They are obedience and conformation trained. Great recalls. Their littermate is # Doberman in preferred for AKC for 2023. Thanks!

[@DogsThat]

Hi! Recallers is the foundation for everything, then Handling360 is Susan's agility program that guides you step by step :)

[@dsd-downshiftdave8056]

How do you know what to do with the feedback, i really didn't learn much from this- don't think people aren't paying attention to what the dog is doing- is knowing what to do based on what its doing

[@ModernLady]

I was just thinking: I wonder if there is a good dog podcast out there. Than this showed up!

[@solojoy1600]

Do you advise giving joint support for agility training dogs?

[@DogsThat]

@solojoy1600 Thanks for your question! Joint support is important for agility dogs, and it’s best to consult with a qualified veterinarian or canine specialist to determine what’s right for your dog. Susan’s dogs are cared for by specialists to ensure they receive the best health support possible. (Julie - DogsThat Team)

[@nikkiharris3333]

We have a BC we do agility with - he’s fab - we followed you. My question - We have been offered a 7 month cockapoo, minimal training. Too late in his age to take him on? Bond? X

[@robinrutherfordcost4748]

Just watched an agility competition video of person/dog one right after another, and some of the common themes were that people think they can get to the right place to lead their dog where they need them to be to get over a jump on the backside and invariably they are never faster than the dog or not in the right place in time to prevent a collision, especially with rear crosses or beating the dog out of a tunnel, and you can tell they don't have a cue from a distance for what they need to tell the dog to do or where to go or how to get there. Lot of off course mistakes, taking obstacles in the wrong direction, and the poor dog is just oh, thought that's what your body was telling me to do. What if you fall in a trial? You should be able to get the dog where they need to be without you, right? Some people have crutches and can stand still in one spot and do it, or at least with very little movement. Just an observation. Love when you say, that dog should never know whether you qualified or not - celebrate with your dog no matter what!?! Very few people celebrated even when they actually qualified. Interesting....

[@Twinien]

I'd love to get my dog into agility, she's just over a year old and very open to new things. She listens with and without a lure but most importantly I know when she's checked out for the day/session! I think that's why she's so receptive to trying new things or grasping onto concepts such as a Tunnel or an A-frame. The most important thing is I have a great relationship with her and she stays safe and has fun with the tricks and agility she does. Would I like to put her in a competition? Maybe one day! But I know she's not ready for that. She still has a lot to learn and I have even more to learn. The only downside is I want to take that step and get her into classes to attempt to round out her skills but no one wants to take in a 'mutt'. Which is just so disheartening! She's the cutest corgi/border collie/shih tzu/poodle mix! Hopefully one day we can but until then its on with building the foundations

[@TheMelo1993]

Hello from Portugal! Any clue who the portuguese trainer is at 00:25?

[@DogsThat]

Hi @João it's Luis Sousa & Toffy

[@martinacusack9867]

FUN thats what i'm missing for my new girl. I got stuck is mourning after my soul dog Podge died a few months ago. Time for me to reconnect with her on a different level. Thanks a miill Susan

[@amie6165]

I want to put my dogs into agility. I adopted one in October of 22 and another in March of 23. They need something more than walking and being allowed to run around the yard. I can tell. They have made that perfectly clear by destroying things but they're not allowed to. My one dog ate the wall. Literally we couldn't find the pieces. So I've been thinking maybe if I do agility even if it's just with backyard equipment that I ordered online, I would be giving them what they are asking for which is even more exercise and mental stimulation. I got to work a little more on their commands. Their recall is fairly good. They only don't necessarily listen if they're together but when they're apart they listen, no problem. So I think they would really enjoy some agility. I don't even want to compete with them. I just want to give them what they've been asking for. I love my dogs and I want them to be as happy as possible. I also understand that the training could bring us even closer. I am like 95% sure the one I got in October of 23 would love it. I am about 80% Sure that the other one would love it.

[@roseskatemom8209]

Would love to subscribe but am not finding the subscribe button for some reason! Am so inspired by this video!

[@willowtheaussie8839]

We have been taking agility classes and attempted a couple trials for a few years now but my issue is just getting her to the start line without having major zoomies! So many new people to meet and investigate. She is normally better by the second run but she’s so distracted. Tried working on focus forever but nothing seems to help. The trial or class situation is just overwhelming to her. She is my second agility dog. First one was a little easier.

[@DogsThat]

Hi, we would love for you to join our Free Online Dog Agility Masterclass, it will help! www.handling360.com/y/masterclass

[@aleeyahussain6030]

Teach her ‘look’?

[@bordercolliesdownunder7245]

Thank you. My dog gets over excited doing weave poles😥

[@susanrussell3018]

We did all the bond work, taking obedience class, foundation work, classes were going great, moving like a well oiled team (machine). Great sends, layering. So much fun…doggie Disney world. First time in trial, we were running in sync obstacle after obstacle when she went thru a tunnel and stopped. She came out a different dog! She wouldn’t finish the course. I had to pick her up. Next day, over half the course fine then visits the judge and runs for the entrance. Wouldn’t respond to my voice calling her. Downhill since then. Still doggie Disney world in my backyard though. She always wants more there. 💔

[@phantom_flame]

Any tips on how to get the dog to be more 'level-headed' in the course? My Border Collie is 3 now and she's there and ready to work the second I ask her to, but she just gets to excited that she can't really stay focused. She usually just goes as fast as she possibly can without really thinking, and doesn't really understand the concept of working ahead either. I can tell she's really trying and is most definitely not messing up on purpose, but I don't really know how I can help her. She gets so worked up watching the other dogs that she's probably 'exhausted' and just has a lot of built up frustration by the time it's her turn.

[@DogsThat]

Hi @Phantom Flame we have a playlist to help dogs who get so excited that they can't seem to focus: kzbin.info/aero/PLphRRSxcMHy3tN5Z336OeZkYoF2dJ7gNY

[@phantom_flame]

@@DogsThat Thanks, I'll check it out^^ It's tough because she only gets like that during Agility practice, which means we don't have a lot of opportunities to work on it 😂

[@latosa18]

My 1 year and 2 month old, Zoe is ABCA Registered, comes from good lines and high energy. Smart as a whip and she is starting agility training on Monday. She also needs a little more ovedience training in my opinion. Luckily the agility place I am going to does training too. Two birds one stone. Zoe is SO hyper. I will also check out the video link you posted here. Thanks!

[@phantom_flame]

A little update on my crazy Border Collie: I don't know if I'm just imagining it, but I feel like she's starting to do better? She's still all over the place sometimes, but compared to when we first started practicing 2 years ago she's definitely starting to use her brain a little 😂 We still got a long way to go, but we're finally reaching a point where it's not just complete chaos all the time. I think she's starting to actually understand what she's doing and our teamwork seems to be getting better too haha

[@karlawilson1032]

GEM! Slow is smoothe. Smoothe is fast. ❤️

[@richsackett3423]

Watching a bunch of agility contests, I've observed the limiting factor is almost always the handler. Being slow and giving unclear or incorrect directions is biggest part of it. Your dog can be the smartest, fastest and know the equipment very well but if he's waiting on you, he'll make mistakes and you won't win.

[@Lena-hf6ij]

Thankyou I got a lot out of this video

[@pinaandrocko6183]

I was looking it god agility and I watch so meany of these videos and I do flat work and I train my dog to come,stay,lay down,sit,and to stay down, and stay at my side. I read books about agility and I watch videos for the bace of agility and all he dose if the opposite and more of what I teach him,I don’t know what to do and he loves to bite people especially the nose and ears

[@azogal53]

Loved the discussion on feedback, so so valuable. 🍪 🍪 🍪 🍪 🍪

[@igudon284]

"The sexy things don't matter" Good advice for romantic relationships too 😅

[@Islandflats]

Terrific

[@dalepres1]

I'm back after an hour. I love your "oh, nay-nay" but I had to go hear John Pinette's. He still wins. But the video was an hour long and I couldn't stop laughing to come back to this video. So, where were we? Oh, yeah. Agility. Go ahead.

[@DogsThat]

😂

[@eugenieanddogs]

This video helps

[@suzannejohnson8551]

👍

[@sarahsherman4514]

My border collie bites my boob when i stop running 😆 help

[@bossbear7187]

Not every dog owner wants to be a world champion.

[@Hayleighandheranimals]

Then don't watch it..?

[@purplepenguin43]

i'm trying to pick up what your putting down but you are saying so many words that impart so little knowledge to me that to me its like trying to pick up rice grains in water with a fork.

[@kenfarmer4644]

Too verbose. Get to the point.

[@Shiba_Inu_Mika21]

Really like the Video. I was like my dog can Jump and like it and Has lots of Energy, lets do Agility. As you Said we Had to work on the basement like Focus on me don’t run to Other dogs. Then i Really wanted to do the sexy things but we learned the changing and everything Slow. It is Really Hard Word between the sexy things, i Never thought that. The jumping from the Other Side, Turn left, Turn Right and of cause the changing. And to get an idea how you will run the Parcours which changes you want to do when. It is really NOT that easy how it Looks. We Are just beginner and my Dream is to run a Turnier and don’t be Last 🫣🤗 but it will be Long way

[@AlpherSohaib]

thank you for sharing all your knowledge with dogs. I have a 13 month old Australian shepherd that's so all energy! so I can use all the help I can get on training, etc. your video was so informative so thank you for that!

[@DogsThat]

Thank you so much! You can get started with Susan's games, here's a playlist with lots you can do: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqnHYqaMerajaLs&pp=gAQBiAQB Please, let us know if you need resources on something else ❤️ Happy training!

[@Adrianna-Weeks]

FUN thats what i'm missing for my new girl. I got stuck is mourning after my soul dog Podge died a few months ago. Time for me to reconnect with her on a different level. Thanks a miill Susan

[@DogsThat]

We're so sorry, Adrianna, sending love your way ❤️❤️❤️

[@rosalielewis]

I put my Shih Tzu in agility, but the main focus was to build his confidence and help reduce reactivity. But I was really lucky, I found a fantastic agility trainer that I worked with one on one, and all we did was tunnels, run over poles on the ground, and later as he became more confident, the ladder and weave poles. He loved it, and it made a huge difference in being able to work with him.

[@LelandBable]

I was just thinking: I wonder if there is a good dog podcast out there. Than this showed up!

[@DogsThat]

Thank you, we're glad to have you here! Enjoy the 265 episodes we have released already! ❤️❤️❤️