11/07/2025
In Agility we've never seen a perfect dog yet in all these years! Even the extremely fast and talented Border Collies you see in competitions on TV have had their training struggles and issues. Each dog has its own issues and when you look at the dog next to you - it's not perfect either! Some dogs have trouble with barking, excitement, fear, sniffing after mushrooms, ducks or grass, getting distracted with people, lack of energy, excitement with other dogs, body limitations or stubbornness! The thing I love about agility is that SO MANY different types of dogs can do well at agility and really love it. Many dogs can overcome a lot of their challenges to go on to complete - no matter their age, temperament, breed, personality, motivation level. Some dogs might never get to competition and that's totally ok too. (I have one of those - he has about 5 minutes of energy and focus! And I have owned some in the past who couldn't complete - due to excitement over other dogs, or lack of desire/being overcome with desire to do their own thing!) Some dogs and types of dogs may naturally have more desire to please or more motivation and focus, but its so fun to see so many dogs just have fun with their owners and learning and trying hard things. Don't be ashamed if you have a dog with issues - we ALL do! Everyone who succeeds in agility puts in HOURS of work and training. And some teams have to work even harder! And agility isn't right for some dogs either due to a variety of factors. Hopefully you can find something fun to do with YOUR dog and enjoy their companionship no matter how "successful" in agility you ever get to be.