Are you interested in trying out dog agility but not sure how to get started? In this blog post we discuss how to start training from home using online courses, and what benefits you will get from trying agility.
Just like us, dogs aren’t merely creatures of instinct. They’re also capable learners who thrive on mental stimulation and physical activity. It’s in the pursuit of this mutual need that dog agility training was born.
Dog agility is a vibrant sport where you and your dog work as a team to tackle an obstacle course together. And while it might seem like all fun and games (which it is!), agility training paints a much larger canvas. It reinforces the bond with your dog and teaches them impulse control, while also giving them an outlet to release their abundant energy. This directly translates into calmer behavior at home.
But there’s something more exciting! what if I told you that you can get all of these benefits without even leaving home? It’s possible! With just a bit of creativity, dedication, and the right tools—like OneMind Dogs’ excellent Starter Kit or our innovative Backyard Challenge — you can have your very own agility training sessions in your living space.
Read on to discover how training dog agility from home can create a meaningful connection between you and your dog.
Key advantages of using online agility training from home
Home-based agility training is conventient, strengthens relationships, promote fitness, and stimulate the mind, both for you and your dog. Even if your dog is not ready to train agility in the presence of other dogs or you are not able to attend in-person classes, you can get the benefits of agility training!
Convenient, personalized training
In this fast-paced world, convenience is king. Home-based agility training offers just that. Gone are the days of having to commute to a park or training center every time you want to train. Plus, the fact that you don’t need much equipment or space means you can practice whenever it suits you.
You also have the flexibility to customize the training routines! Perfectly match your dog’s abilities, skill level, and preferred pace and your own routines and available time.
Saves money without skimping on quality
Are you worried about the cost of dog agility training facilities? Look no further! Home-based agility training is here to take that worry off your plate. OneMind Dogs’ Starter Kit has everything you need to inspire you to get started with quality and professional training from home! Minus the high costs involved with attending regular in-person lessons.
Enhances the dog-owner bond
Online agility training offers numerous opportunities for you and your dog to understand each other better. Each session requires constant communication and mutual adjustments, strengthening the bond and fostering a deeper connection. This trust-based relationship translates to positive interactions in everyday life as well.
Provides mental stimulation for dogs without leaving home
An engaged mind is a happy one. Agility training provides constant mental challenges, requiring problem-solving skills, decision-making, and precise timing. Successfully navigating through these tasks is mentally stimulating for your dog, improving behavior and wellbeing.
Agility promotes physical fitness for dogs and owners
Lastly, it’s important to give dogs their fair share of physical activity. Agility training involves engaging in dynamic exercise routines that include activities like running, jumping, and weaving through poles. These exercises help promote excellent body control and naturally improve a dog’s physical health.
Before you begin training agility from home – Understand your dog’s perspective
Before you get started, pause for a moment to consider our distinctive approach. We focus on gaining a clear understanding of your dog’s point of view.
At OneMind Dogs, we believe that successful dog training is based on empathy and connection rather than control. We encourage you to put yourself in your dog’s shoes and see the world from their perspective. It’s a playful journey full of joyful explorations.
It places immense emphasis on the importance of understanding each other intuitively to work as a team.
Unfortunately, thinking ‘dog’ doesn’t come naturally to us humans. It requires a conscious effort to amend our communication styles. Our online courses are all about teaching you to understand your dog’s perspective, while having a great time learning together!
Starting from home with the ultimate dog agility starter kit
So, you’ve decided to embrace the journey of agility training, awesome! However, initiating this process might seem intimidating. Doubts may arise, such as “Where do I begin?” or “What if space or time is limited?” But fret not – there’s a solution to these questions. Tailored for beginners, it addresses all common obstacles head-on.
Our Starter Kit stands out for its simplicity. It provides a comprehensive package that includes instructional guides, beginner-friendly exercises, and concept training videos. These videos cover the basics of individual skills, with small setups that are suitable even if you have limited space. And they are FREE!
No matter what size yard you have, you can do most of the exercises easily, using every-day household items.
Making progress with our backyard agility challenge
Once you’ve built a solid foundation with our Starter Kit, what comes next? Well, you can move up to the OneMind Dogs Backyard Agility Challenge, where the adventure continues. If you’re already comfortable with fundamental agility skills and are looking to up your game, this challenge could be just what you need.
The thoughtfully designed sequences of our challenge push both you and your dog out of your comfort zone. You’ll find yourself learning more about your team and what sort of handling options suit both of you.
Our Backyard Agility Challenge is a great way to get inspired to train new skills and techniques with your dog!
Finding your motivation for dog agility training from home
Motivation is a crucial but abstract factor when it comes to training at home for you and your dog. It can be challenging to maintain the enthusiasm and dedication needed, especially when you’re tired or overwhelmed with other responsibilities. Here are some proven tips to help you ignite and sustain that motivation:
Set achievable goals
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of motivation that comes from witnessing your partner succeed. It’s undeniably addictive. By setting achievable goals, such as gradually increasing the complexity of tasks, you introduce excitement and anticipation into your routine. Remember, big victories are simply the result of small victories stacking up.
Create a routine
Having a consistent routine helps foster discipline both for you and your dog. Knowing there’s a dedicated slot for training every day creates a sense of responsibility that’s hard to ignore. Try incorporating the agility session at times when your dog is naturally active for best results.
Celebrate progress
Every step forward deserves celebration – irrespective of how tiny it may seem. Use verbal praise or reward your dog with their favorite treat to reinforce positive behavior. This will motivate both you and your dog to continue working towards improvement.
Join a community
Being a member of an online community like OneMind Dogs can greatly boost your morale. You can hear inspiring stories from others, learn from their experiences, receive valuable advice, and connect with people who truly understand what you’re going through. All these aspects make the journey towards online agility training much smoother and more enjoyable.
Keep it fun
Lastly, always keep in mind the reason you started this venture – to cherish quality moments with your beloved pet! Let go of perfectionism. Instead, focus on creating joyous experiences filled with laughter. Your positivity infects your dog, too, making this not just about learning but also about creating beautiful memories together.
Bottom line: Getting started with agility from home is easier than you think
As we wrap up this introduction to online agility training from home, let’s re-emphasize this simple truth – starting agility training at home is easier than you think. With OneMind Dogs supporting you every step of the way, rest assured that you and your dog will have a great time together!
From our comprehensive Dog Agility Starter Kit to the fun-filled Backyard Challenge, you’ll find countless ways to fill your days with shared joy and learning.
