How to Select an Agility Puppy

By Stevee LaDuke

Instructions

Things You’ll Need:

Dog crate
Dog toys
Grooming supplies
Collar
Leads
Quality dog food
Bowls
Treats

Step 1:
Choosing your breed of dog is the first step in the path to a great agility companion. Agility is a sport that allows for purebred or mixed-breed dogs alike, so you have a much wider variety of choices in breed. Herding breeds such a Border Collies, Shetland Sheepdogs and Australian Shepherds tend to excel in agility as they are extremely fast and very trainable, but any breed can be successful in the sport.
Step 2:
Look for your dog. Once you decide what breed you want, you can begin looking for a breeder or rescue. Choosing a dog from a breeder is typically the easiest way to get a puppy to start in agility, as rescues and shelters usually have more older dogs available for adoption than puppies.
Step 3:
Contact breeders in your area to see what they have available. Explain who you are, what your experience with dogs is, and what your interest in a pup is. They will most likely invite you to meet their dogs and attempt to match you with a puppy if they deem you a fit owner. Prices for purebreds pups from breeders can range anywhere from $500-$1500, depending on the breed, lineage and titles of the parents.
Step 4:
Getting a dog from a rescue is a different process altogether. Most shelters and rescues allow you to visit potential dogs to see if any of them match your goals. Once you find a dog you like, there is usually an application process during which they will evaluate you, your family and home life to see if the dog will fit your needs. Rescue dogs are usually more affordable, with adoption fees generally ranging from $100-$500.
Step 5:
Making sure your new companion gets home and settled in safely is a vital step. Always be sure to transport your new agility dog in a crate or kennel. This avoids possible injury to the dog and distraction to you while driving. Upon arrival at home, let your dog rest a while and get used to its new home in a quiet, calm setting. The dog will probably want to nap and relax to acclimate to its new environment. You can feed and water your new dog a small amount once it is ready, but don’t overdo it.
Step 6:
Visit the vet's within 48 hours of bringing the dog into your home. This is essential in ensuring the health and well being of your new companion. Your vet will do a thorough exam and will check to make sure the dog is up to date on all vaccinations and wormings. If you have any questions or concerns, you can discuss them with your vet. If there are any problems or illnesses with the dog, make sure to contact the shelter or breeder right away and let them know.
Step 7:
Expose your dog to his new surroundings. Over the next few days you can begin to introduce your new agility companion to its new home and any other pets you might have. Do so gently and calmly to avoid issues. You can also begin basic grooming habits and housebreaking if your new pet is not already used to them. These simple daily routines will help your new agility dog settle in, and you can look forward to many happy years with your new friend.

Tips & Warnings

Be sure to carefully choose your breed. Many successful agility breeds are high energy dogs, who need a great amount of stimulation to stay happy and obedient.
Research your breeder or rescue. Talk to people in the dog world and see if they have ever dealt with your choices. Any information you can gain is helpful.
Allow your new dog plenty of time to relax and settle in before starting any serious training. Letting the dog get used to its new surroundings is very important.
Do not pick a pup or breeder on a whim. You need to be sure you are getting a dog from a responsible, ethical organization.
Do not overfeed or overstimulate your new pet upon arrival. A decent amount of “quiet time” is very important to ensuring your pup settles in well.

Photo/Video Credit

www.flickr.com

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