How old to start agility?

[Duke'sMommy]

HI I was just wondering how old should my dog be till he really starts up agility? I heard you should wait till about a year so there bones can develop properly. Does it depend on the size of the dog? I have a 7 month old dutch shepard/australian cattle dog cross. He already does some agility at the leash free on his own. I figure I might as well get him into it if hes learned most of the course just following the other dogs and seems to enjoy it. I just dont wanna start to early and put strain on developing bones.

[AnimalHouse]

I have been told that as well.. wait at LEAST A year, if not 14 mo. Expecially with Bigger breeds.. so they dont hurt themselve *Since they are still growing*

[Aurora]

For large breeds I always thought it was about 18 months.

[retriever crazy]

for small breed 12 months and for larger breeds 18 months...
i started my golden reriever, Lilly when she was 22 months old....
good luck with agility!! hope you and your dog have alot of fun with it.....

[sheplovr]

For German Shepherds one should wait till sixteen months old, let the hip joints form good and ligaments, etc. Even though they are Medium size dogs they are prone to HD and why promote it early by the human being in a rush. You can always walk the course and practice some, but do not jump the dog nor run hard and fast.

[doby]

Its good you brought that up my dog is about a yr old now, so i should wait to start him on agility right since hes a doberman.

[Duke'sMommy]

Thanks everyone for the replies.

[Agility Crested]

I always start my dogs about 6 mo. I just dont jump them more than what they can step over.

[tessa_s212]

I always start my dogs about 6 mo. I just dont jump them more than what they can step over.

Same here, but mine might be introduced to walking on planks, wobble boards, tunnels, and tables as early as 4 months.

[Pit Bull]

I just finished basic obedience with my pit bull...I never really needed the course as I self trained her, but the agility school I want to take her to next needs proof of basic obedience training.

She just turned 5 years on August 28th. Do you all think that she's alright to start agility? Could she possibly be too old?

[Doberman's]

Pit Bull, your dog is never to old to try agility. I would go for it on an easy course and just take it easy. It is great for you and your dog. :)

[tessa_s212]

She just turned 5 years on August 28th. Do you all think that she's alright to start agility? Could she possibly be too old?

No, of course not! Four of the five dogs I trial and compete with in agility are 6 years or older! And they still have plenty of spunk left in them. As long as your older dog is healthy and full of energy, there is no reason you can't start agility. :)

[mysterydog1]

I just finished basic obedience with my pit bull...I never really needed the course as I self trained her, but the agility school I want to take her to next needs proof of basic obedience training.

She just turned 5 years on August 28th. Do you all think that she's alright to start agility? Could she possibly be too old?

Oakley is 10 and i am just starting her on agility, i think she'll really like it and its just for fun. *yeah, $104 for FUN*

[retriever crazy]

Oakley is 10 and i am just starting her on agility, i think she'll really like it and its just for fun. *yeah, $104 for FUN*

you should try to get into 4H. some dog projects include dog obedience, showmanship and agility. you can even compete with it. it's really cheap, we only paid $25 for the whole summer. some couties even have a dog knowlede bowl which is alot of fun.

[mysterydog1]

Dog 4-h hasn't started here yet, all we got is horses. It is starting soon. never had dog 4-h before. =( i'm sooooo getting into it tho.