Introduction to Dog Agility (Paperback)

by Margaret H. Bonham (Author) "Agility is a sport that has wowed audiences since its inception in 1978 at the Crufts Dog Show in England..." (more)
Key Phrases: maximum course time, missed weave poles, paw rule, Elite Gamblers, Regular Agility, Once Ace (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Written especially for beginning canine Agility competition enthusiasts, this manual covers all aspects of the competitive sport. The author starts with instruction on evaluating a dog's physical fitness and overall readiness for Agility training, then makes specific diet recommendations, and advises on treatment of injuries and the use of positive training methods. Advanced discussion describes obstacles used in Agility competitions, then shows how to teach the dog jumps, getting through tunnels, and other competition events. Filled with instructive full-color photos and illustrations.

From the Inside Flap
(back cover)
If you’re among the growing number of canine agility enthusiasts, you’ll find valuable information and advice in this book. The author, a professional dog trainer, tells you how to evaluate your dog’s physical fitness and readiness for agility training, and then covers all aspects of this competitive sport. Here are diet recommendations, advice on the correct use of clickers and other positive reinforcement tools, basic commands, and specific training methods for the various competitive events. Instructive color photos take you step-by-step through the training methods. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Barron's Educational Series (October 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764114395
• ISBN-13: 978-0764114397
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 7.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #83,560 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

68 of 69 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fun Introduction to a Fun Sport, November 13, 2000

By	David Hathaway - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I waited to buy a dog agility book until this was published, and I am glad I did. Everything about the book smacks of quality, from the gorgeous color photos to the full color layout to the little notes and tips. She carefully avoids the impersonal "it" by naming fictional dogs "Ace" and "Sierra". It is a clever invention that really does help in making the material more understandable. It is attention to details like this that make it better than some books I've browsed and declined to buy.

The book covers most aspects of the sport, from selecting a breed to giving the actual agility rules from the various governing bodies (including the UKC!). She gives instructions on how to build some backyard agility equipment; I've already built the tire jump from her plans, and it was effortless. I wish she had given plans for some of the harder equipment, like teeter boards or A-frames, but those are bigger projects requiring some thought anyways.

Her large section on handling and sequencing seems overly long... until you try it on your own. I'll swallow my pride and admit now that it is tougher than it looked. I am glad she spent a lot of space on this important information. I'll now go back and carefully read this section over again.

This is a book I won't quickly outgrow. I feel like it will be useful all the way through my first few trials, and then some. And all the while, it will look dang good on my coffee table!

I'm glad I waited for it!

52 of 52 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wowee! What a great book!, June 16, 2001

By	Chanisco "punkintoze" (New England, United States) - See all my reviews

My newly-aquired shelter dog "Ticket" and I are new to agility. We are taking classes, but I wanted to learn as much as I could on my own. I did some research on books and decided to purchase Ms. Bonham's "Introduction to Agility" - and boy, did I make the right decision! This is an excellent book loaded with color photos, diagrams, and easy-to-follow instructions for training. She gives ideas on how to make agility equipment such as jumps, the tire, weave poles, etc. She also explains the rules of agility according to the various organizations that hold trials. I am very happy with my purchase! This book is so much more than what I thought it would be.

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Perfect Start For You and Your Dog, May 2, 2001

By	Laura S. Culp (Conway, Arkansas United States) - See all my reviews

I purchased this book in anticipation of adopting a mixed breed from my local shelter. Cracker Jack is a australian shepard/sheltie mix who I thought would be the perfect dog for me to start with agility training. This book is so helpful in learning the skills myself and with the teaching of the skills to my dog. The color photos are wonderful, much better than having fuzzy black and white photos as in the other books offered, and the book is a very clear, concise, easy to read, step by step manual. The most suprising thing was that it showed not just the standard breed of dog that comes to my mind for agility (i.e. australian shepards, shelties, border collies, golden retrievers, etc.) but it also showed a wide range of other dogs who can benefit and succeed from agility training and competition like the terriers, corgis, even the bulldog and even the giant great danes! I highly recommend this well planned and designed book for anyone interested in agility training of your dog (no matter what the breed or size!) and for those who simply want to strengthen their bond with their pet.