Agility

[houston]

How old should a rottie be before taking agility class.
thanks

[rottiholt]

If you find out the age would you post it
here please? That is one I would like to
know also.
I am sure the age will be close to 2 yrs as
they really should have their hip's x~rayed
first. I know for a CDX my friends wait till
2 to start the jumps.

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[judy v]

Here we start our puppies, not seriously of course. Most of the equipment can be adjusted. The idea is to familiarize them with the equipment, as well as the course. This is a time strictly for fun. Competition? You should be very sure your dog is physically mature and able.

[German Vanegas]

Some basic simple agility exercises can be carefully done during puppyhood. However, I would wait until the dog is at least 18 months old, and OK'ed by a vet, to perfom more demanding agility training. Rottweilers mature relatively slow, physically and mentally, so patience should be a virtue here http://www.rottweiler.net/rottie/smile.gif

[DNeff]

I started Riven with agility at 6 months. I had the vet check his hips then just to make sure they were in good shape. We started not doing any jumps higher than 6". But we worked all the other equipment. I waited until he was 18 months to start him at his jump height. We still don't really work at 24" mainly keep it around 20". I strongly encourage introducing puppies to short fun agility play sessions. It really builds confidence and coordination. Be sure to work with a skilled trainer though since rottie pups are really klutzy. I recommend using a ladder on the ground and teaching the dog to walk between the rungs. This helps them learn feet placement and rear feet movement. The one obstacle to use care with would be the dog walk. Always have two spotters for young dogs, to help keep their rear end in the right spot. But by keeping it short fun and low stress, young dogs can grow to love the sport.
Dawn Neff
dawn.neff@jcnordt.com
dplantier@aol.com