Dumpy Dogs

Agility dogs are ideally lean, mean jumping machines, but a lot of times people get into the sport with an overweight dog to help them lose weight. Overweight dogs need to be especially careful in agility, since the extra pounds can cause extra stress on joints. While agility IS great exercise and great fun, think of it as a sport- you don’t just ‘start jogging’. You start out walking, jogging, walking, jogging, and so on, until you can jog those ten miles easily! Do the same for your dog. Do regular exercise in addition to his agility training so his agility will benefit. Take the agility a little slow to start, too.  A conditioning ladder or set of cavallettis are great for conditioning and getting your dog moving! Maybe walk your dog for a bit, play a game of tug, do some agility, walk to cool down, and then belly rub as a reward for doing SO WELL! Just try to motivate all the exercising and training without (or with fewer) treats for a bit, hey? 

Speaking on this subject… What do you all think about doggie treadmills?  Affordable Agility is looking into carrying them.  Would you buy one?  Do you like the idea or no?  We would love to get your opinion!  Click on comments (or see down below) and share your two cents!