29Oct/1010
What are some characteristics I should look for when getting a puppy for a pet and an agility dog?
I really want a dog that'll excel. I want a Sheltie (I already have 2). One is very good at agility but the other is just too weary of new things and is on the shy side.
October 29th, 2010 - 05:44
please visit website http://www.workingdogs.com
October 29th, 2010 - 06:40
PARENTS PARENTS PARENTS …Great indication of how your dog will turn out.
Pick of the litter – which one do you connect with?
From there it’s all to do with how YOU handle the dog, teach it obedience, keep it fit!
Good Luck! Loopie x.
October 29th, 2010 - 07:11
a hyper one
October 29th, 2010 - 07:28
You really should take a look and see what Sheltie rescue has – a lot of dogs get rejected from their homes because they are too active and agile, and crave attention – but that is of course what makes a great agility dog.
It is a gamble to get a puppy, and then wait and hope for it to be your next star – why not look around at what is ready and waiting, and needs you as much as you need them?
Don’t forget to ask around at your local agility facility – they often pass around information about dogs that specifically need agility homes.
October 29th, 2010 - 07:34
talking from experience as a military kennal manager most dogs will do agility get your self a good book most of the time its the handlers fault as they dont no what there doing be persistant and confident german sheperds and belguim malanis are good a couple of things you can do are when you enter the room with the puppys call them over the most confident will come first the other thing is you hold them on there back if they want to get up there good if they just wimper then then they might not be confident they can be trained it may take longer have fun
October 29th, 2010 - 08:11
Border Collies are fab for agilty (and practically everything else you could want to do) As long as you’re willing to have a dog that has a massive amount of energy then you’re fine. Borders love anything that’ll challenge them mentally and physically so agilty is a good one, as well as fly ball, heelwork to music etc. Try Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Border_Collie ) for all Border info, choose Dog Sports from the list for a bit of brief about that.
October 29th, 2010 - 08:33
I would look for an out-going pup, one who is interested in you, and your surroundings. Shy or skittish puppies should be avoided. You might try and test you prospective pups, with the breeders permission. You will need, a flat plank about 3 ft long, a paper bag with the bottom cut out, a squeaky toy, clicker, whistle, and a towel. while setting with a pup on the floor, set the plank down let the pup, smell and climb on for awhile. after the pup is comfortable with it being in the area, and while the pup is standing on the board,lift one end an inch or two off the floor, slowly, watch to see the pups reaction. The pup should walk down the plank but not freak out. Then try the paper bag, put it on the floor, open, and let the pup investigate, if when the pup puts it’s head in it doesn’t freak, or it willingly crawls into the bag, great. if the pup freaks and gets scared take the bag away. Next see how the pup reacts to the noise makers. It should perk it’s ears, and look toward the sound but not shy away. And the towel is for draping over the pups back, it should try and get out from under the towel, but shouldn’t freak out. Each time the puppy is tested treats should be given, to make the whole thing more pleasant, for the pup. I’m not saying that this will guarantee a agility champion, but it might eliminate a sweet dog who will find agility a terrifing experience. Most of all the pup should love you and be willing to please. Good Luck PS you might find something fun to do with your shy sheltie, maybe flyball. But make sure that you current dogs get yor attention an time too. You’re going to be a busy girl.
October 29th, 2010 - 08:57
You can work with a shy dog, but it takes time patience and training. Agility is a wonderful way to help a dog develop confidence, but there’s no guarantee how much they’ll improve. Visit this site for info about working with shy or scared dogs.
http://www.fearfuldogs.com
October 29th, 2010 - 09:51
Shelties are notoriously shy. I would look for a breeder that also shows in agility- they probably work harder to make sure that their pups are more confident than most sheltie breeders.
I would look for a confident dog, one that is high energy, one that is maybe even a little dominant.
When we got our last agility pup, we told the breeder we wanted the “baddest puppy in the litter”- and we got him! (In my avatar)- he is curious, he is fearless, and he has no off switch. He is in beginning agility (11 months old)- and he attacks everything with enthusiasm and ferver!
Good luck!
AP
October 29th, 2010 - 10:46
A confident puppy is important –even when startled or confronted with new things and noises it should recover quickly –You don’t need the actual alfa pup just a confident one –you also need to look at the parents –are they good athletes—if not you most likely wont get one –Good structure should equal longevity —agility is tough on the dogs general structure —if they have any weaknesses their career could be drastically shortened which means you have invested a lot of time, energy and money in a pet that can no longer compete. there are no guarantees here but its not practical to start out with poor structure. Have a breeder who is experienced do the puppy puzzle on the dog when they are 8 weeks old and see what they have to say. then also do the temperament thing as previously mentioned and then you have a chance —no guarantee –just a better chance