Agility Training for Anxious Dogs

If you have a fearful or anxious dog, you might think competitive dog sports are out of the question. After all, if unfamiliar people, dogs, or environments overwhelm your dog, how can you train them to participate, let alone compete, successfully? However, when it comes to agility, the very process of training might be just what your dog needs to help overcome their anxiety.

What Is Agility?

In the sport of agility, a dog and their handler complete an obstacle course. The dog tackles a fun array of obstacles, such as jumps and a seesaw (teeter-totter), in the order the handler dictates, all while racing against the clock. It requires teamwork between the dog and handler, focus, and self-control. Facing the obstacles also requires confidence. And for a fearful dog, the benefits of training these behaviors and building these personality traits are endless.

During an agility trial, a dog looks to their handler to know which obstacle to approach and in what order. In addition, the dog and handler run beside one another. They coordinate their movements around the course, with the dog reading the handler’s body language and cues. To be successful, the dog must focus on their handler’s instructions, and the two must work as a team.

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Focus, Trust, and Self-Control

The focus and trust fostered in agility training will help an anxious dog off the course, as well. If they’re looking at their owner, they can’t be looking at the other people or dogs that make them nervous. What they are paying attention to is most likely what they’re thinking about. The more they look at their owner, the less they’ll be overwhelmed by the world around them. Plus, if they trust that their owner has things under control, they’ll have less to worry about.

Self-control is another quality encouraged in agility training. While running a course, a dog can’t simply tackle their favorite obstacle first. They need to proceed in the sequence set out by the handler. In addition, some obstacles, such as the Dog Walk — a long, narrow elevated platform — and the seesaw have contact zones. The dog must touch these zones with at least one paw to ensure they’re entering and exiting the obstacle safely. This requires teaching the dog to control their excitement and slow down enough to make the contact. This self-control training is beneficial for anxious dogs. It helps them manage their emotions and think a situation through, rather than act on impulse.

The obstacles on an agility course present a new experience for dogs, and some of them can be scary, such as the A-frame, a tall up-and-down ramp. The seesaw not only moves, but also makes a loud bang when it drops, presenting two challenges. Learning to conquer new and frightening obstacles such as these builds confidence and teaches a dog they can tackle anything. Once your anxious dog realizes they can master these unusual situations, everyday events that were once frightening may become less of a concern.

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Structure at Their Own Pace

The structure of a well-taught and positive agility class is suited to fearful dogs. In a beginner class, dogs will be introduced to the obstacles at their own pace. They won’t pushed into a situation they don’t feel comfortable with. It can take quite some time for an anxious dog to conquer the obstacles. But, if they decide on their own that they’re ready, it’ll be far more beneficial for their self-confidence. Dogs also work the obstacles one dog at a time, so your nervous dog can train independently. They’ll be able to focus on you and the training exercise, rather than being too distracted by the other students.

There are so many advantages to teaching your anxious dog agility skills, from building their confidence to helping them focus on you instead of the world around them. But it requires patience and persistence. While the bold and adventurous dogs in the class move at a faster pace and speed through the tunnel that your nervous Nellie won’t even enter, remember your true goal — to ease your dog’s fears. The two of you may never step into the ring for competition. But, because of your training, your dog will be happier and more confident, and your bond will strengthen. And you never know, your anxious dog might blossom into a champion.