Different dog breeds possess impressive traits and characters peculiar to their kind but the Jack Russell Terrier is probably the most assertive and versatile breed there is. They do not cower away from challengers twice their size and have the ability to adapt to extreme environmental conditions. These traits could be traced from their origins as being hunting dogs.
The intelligence and boldness of Jack Russell Terriers make them very competent challengers in Dog Agility, a dog sport which stands true for its name as it is an event where the handlers lead their dogs to jump, weave through, or bound over a series of hurdles. However, on-lead agility is something solely found in the world of Jack Russell agility. It aims to get the canine familiarized to the sport as it recognizes the fact the many owners do not have the chance to work on the agility equipment of their pets besides in such events.
On-lead agility is subdivided into two levels, namely: Novice and Advanced. Novice On-lead Agility is for human-canine teams who have entered the competition for the first time. Dogs that have never scored one hundred ninety and above in any agility contest also fall under this category.
Jack Russell Agility Off-lead divisions include Starters, Agility I, II, and III Certificates, and Youth Agility. Competing dogs must work their way up in order to get to the next Certificate level.
There are a number or rules governing Jack Russell Agility. The most basic one is that no human is allowed to carry any object which can lure the dog and give support to its performance. Food, training devices, and toys are off-limits within ten feet in the vicinity of the agility ring. Although allowed to control the dog, tight leashes as well as leash pulls can be grounds for penalties. Dogs must also be one year old and above to qualify for the competition.
The key to train an energetic dog such as a Jack Russell to follow your commands is to make your training activities fun and interesting. Keep the sessions brief and ending on a triumphant note. Use a specific command for a different obstacle consistently to make it more effective.
Never use a choke-collar when training the dog. To make sure your dogs do not get hurt in the course of the training and competition, assess their health and age first. The hurdles encountered in the course of the competition may injure puppies and expend their energy to much thus they are not qualified.
Jack Russell Agility always keeps spectators riveted because of the contagious wave of energy and excitement these lively creatures exhibit. The terriers perform in their domain of high energy and keen behavior to take on challenges enthusiastically.
