The Beginner's Guide to Dog Agility [Paperback]

Laurie Leach (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 15, 2006

Digging holes in the backyard, chewing a hole in your favorite sock, running laps in the kitchen---dogs are always on the move. Why not channel some of that indefatigable energy into a hobby that can be fun for both you and your furry friend?

Training your dog (and yourself) for agility competitions will create a fun working relationship that both of you can enjoy. Find everything you need to know in this fun guide that includes information on pre-agility training, detailed advice on correction-free training, and step-by-step agility training techniques. Also learn how to make your own agility obstacles, use a clicker as a motivational tool, and officially enter agility trials.

Participating in agility competitions can build a strong, enduring bond between you and your dog. Read The Beginner's Guide to Dog Agility to learn the ins and outs of this exciting hobby.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

LAURIE LEACH is an agility competitor on the national level. She also competes in obedience trials and has raced sled dogs.She is a member of the Dog Writers Association of America and is a speaker at dog-related events. Laurie lives in Windsor, California.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Tfh Pubns Inc; 1 edition (May 15, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0793805465
• ISBN-13: 978-0793805464
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 6.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (45 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #19,189 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #99 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Animal Care & Pets > Dogs

More About the Author

LAURIE LEACH is an agility competitor on the national level. She also competes in obedience trials and has raced sled dogs.She is a member of the Dog Writers Association of America and is a speaker at dog-related events. Laurie lives in Windsor, California.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

124 of 125 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very well-written, April 4, 2007

By 

Vegan Mom (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Beginner's Guide to Dog Agility (Paperback)

Driving in through the desert a couple years ago, we found a border collie mix who was in great need of food and water. Long story short...he and my 12 year old son are together all the time now. Being a very smart dog, he needs entertainment and to be challenged. My daughter gave this to her brother for his birthday. It has been wonderful!

The pictures are very clear and go along with descriptions and directions. My son did a report for school using this book, and he has had an awful lot of fun working with his dog on the various tricks. The book is clear enough that a 12 year old can figure it out, but is thorough enough to be informative for adults. We have learned so much with this book. It tells the history of dog agility, how to get started teaching your dog, how to do advanced tricks, and how to build the obsticles.

This is a wonderful book to get you started with dog agility. It is also detailed enough to keep you busy with many different activities that will entertain both you and your dog.

If you only get one dog agility book, this is the book for you. My son and I HIGHLY recommend this book!

80 of 81 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Useful for competitors and spectators alike!, July 9, 2006

By 

S. C. Reynolds (Berkeley, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Beginner's Guide to Dog Agility (Paperback)

This is an easy to follow guide to training your dog in the sport of agility. It is also useful to the spectator who would like to understand the fine points of running an agility course. The instructions are clear, with good quality photos that show the dogs in action. There are highlighted boxes calling attention to important points, and tips on how to handle problems that crop up in training. All of the training is positive, and stress is put on having fun with your dog. The author shows a sense of humor that is a necessity when working with dogs! I enjoyed this book.

55 of 56 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Guide, November 9, 2006

By 

D. Jones (Indiana) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Beginner's Guide to Dog Agility (Paperback)

This book is a great guide to beginning agility. Even if you and your dog are taking classes, this is a great re-enforcement of what is taught in the class. It will prevent costly errors in training for the beginner. Not only does the book explain what to do, it explains what not to do and why. I found this book to be very helpful for me.