| Spending time training your Pit Bull can be very | | | | working on agility training while the puppy is still |
| rewarding and fun for you both. It helps build a | | | | growing will put a lot of strain on joints and bones |
| stronger bond between dog and owner that is | | | | that are not fully conditioned yet. It is recommended |
| important for the happiness of both parties. There | | | | to have your dog cleared by a veterinarian before |
| are many different types of training that you can | | | | beginning any type of agility training. |
| choose to do with your Pit Bull, one such is agility | | | | The dog should also understand and obey basic |
| training. | | | | commands before beginning any other type of |
| Agility training is the process of teaching your dog to | | | | training. Any type of training helps dog and owner to |
| successfully navigate an obstacle course. If the | | | | build a better relationship with each other, allowing |
| training is successful, your pet should be able to do it | | | | them to work better and better together as time |
| by only listening to and obeying your commands. | | | | goes on. You should also work through any behavior |
| During an event, the dogs are timed and to win must | | | | or aggression issues your Pit Bull may have before |
| not make any mistakes and must have the fastest | | | | considering agility training. The results will be less |
| time. It takes a lot of practice for a dog to be | | | | satisfactory and take longer to achieve if the dog is |
| successful at this, but can be quite fun for both dog | | | | also working through other issues. |
| and trainer. This activity is especially good for Pit Bulls | | | | Most Pit Bull owners that are serious about their dog |
| because it gives them a good outlet for all the extra | | | | competing in agility competitions will enroll him in a |
| energy they seem to have. | | | | training class, at least to help teach him the basics, |
| Most experts recommend not starting agility training | | | | then work with the dog on their own to enhance |
| until your dog is at least one year old, at least not to | | | | what he has learned. Being in a class will also help |
| enter in a competition before that age. Many owners | | | | your dog work on his socialization, which will make |
| who train their dogs to participate in these events will | | | | him behave better around other dogs. Pit Bulls tend |
| purchase their own equipment to have at home, so | | | | to want to fight when around other dogs, especially |
| that they can begin training the dog at an earlier age. | | | | those of the same gender. |
| Agility training equipment can be quite expensive, so | | | | The most important thing to remember is no matter |
| some trainers prefer to build their own equipment. | | | | what type of training you do with your Pit Bull, you |
| Instructions can be found online and in books that | | | | both should enjoy it. Spending time together will help |
| should be available either in your local library or | | | | build a better bond, leading to a lasting relationship. |
| bookstore. Owners should be careful to watch the | | | | Whether you want your dog to compete or not, the |
| dog for any signs of injury, because occasionally | | | | benefits for both you and the dog are many. |