I was wondering what age would be best to start agility training. I wanted to do it as fun in the garden to start with and see how Ollie gets on. He is only 8.5 months at the moment, so probably a bit young for jumping?

I started my dog at 3 months, but she only did anything involving stress on her joints (such as jumping and weaving) once she was about 14 months.

hi there,

just one word of warning once you get started with agility it becomes very, very addictive!!!!!

the club i go to take dogs from 12 months onwards for pre-agility training. so that would involve stepping over small jumps, using the tunnel, going over planks on the floor, starting to train a nose target, weaves poles etc. they dont introduce the big stuff (dog walk, A-frame etc), until later on. also incorporated is general obedience which is definately needed. let us know how you get on!!!

My springer started when he was about 14 months and started using all the equipment straight away.

My collie pup (you can see how addictive agility is) is just coming up to 12 months old. She started going between sets of wings with poles on the floor and tunnels at about 8 months and at about 11 months the poles went onto mini height.

She has not started doing tight turns yet or weaves but she has started contact training using a mat and clicker.

I will start weaving/full height A-frame at about 14 months

My first agility dog I waited until she was one, because that was the club rules.

However I am now starting with Holly at eight months old. You can do loads of basic stuff, A good start line wait, sitting, stand or in the down. Going through jump and slowley building up the height. I want Hollly to be really tuggy toy focused so I am doing lots of work with her tugging and her understanding it's her reward. My first dog is very treat focused and goes on strike if she is not food rewarded.

I will also leave weaves and full size A-frame till 14 months old.

Have loads of fun.

Jenny