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The Benefits of Dog and Cat Agility
Are you a dog or cat parent looking for a fun way to keep your pet healthy and fit that the two of you will enjoy? Look no further than pet agility! (Yes, there is agility for cats too!)
Pet agility is an excellent outlet for pent-up physical and mental energy and keeps them active. It also allows your dog or cat to exercise their natural hunting instincts, as it mimics the act of them chasing their prey. It also helps to form a deeper, more meaningful bond with your furry friend.
Agility can help improve your pet’s training skills and ability to maintain focus and obedience. In this article, you will comprehend more about dog and cat agility and the benefits for you and your pet.
The Benefits of Dog and Cat Agility
You may think that dogs and cats have nothing in common besides their endearing ability to make our hearts melt joyfully, but that is just one of their similarities! Dogs and cats both like to have fun, and agility can be a “pawsome” activity for them to try. The following include some of the fantastic benefits of dog and cat agility:
It Keeps Them Active
Agility helps dogs and cats stay active and fit and provides adequate mental stimulation. Having your pets weave and bob through various obstacles is great exercise. Any companion animal with excess energy to burn can benefit from agility. Some of the physical benefits for your pet:
Helps with balance- Increases endurance
- Helps prevent obesity
- Strengthens bones and joints
Agility will also release excess energy for your feisty feline or playful pooch. It is a way for them to utilize their natural hunting instincts, and in their adorable little minds, they are moving swiftly through obstacles and narrow paths, jumping, and running to catch their prey.
It Encourages Bonding
Agility requires a lot of trust from your pet. They must go through many obstacles on their own as you cheer them on from the sidelines. Effective communication and training are key. According to the Wolf Education & Research Center, you and your dog must conquer the agility course together, facilitating a stronger bond with your pup.
The same applies to cats. AARP.org reports that a training enrichment program for shelter cats called the Cat “Pawsitive” initiative through Greater Good Charities helps to “cultivate bonding with humans and even reduce behavior problems.” This training can help cats get adopted into loving homes. Agility with your pets helps to nurture a very team-oriented relationship.
It Improves Training Skills
Agility training with your pet helps to improve training skills. If you practice agility with your dog, you can teach them to listen better and follow or obey specific commands. Some of the foundation skills for early agility training in dogs include:
Turn- Come
- Sit and stay
- Go left or right
In line with The American Kennel Club, “If you point your shoulders or feet in the direction you intend for your dog to travel, you are giving them clear body-language directions.” They understand this and will follow suit.
For cats, you can help train them using treats and clicker training. You use the clicker to encourage the desired behavior and reward them with a treat. You get to teach your furry feline all kinds of cool tricks, like jumping through a hoop or fetching a toy or ball.
It Builds Confidence
Agility training can help dogs and cats face their fears. When they master obstacles and receive the praise and rewards they crave, they feel good about themselves and learn to perform independently. Agility is a beautiful way to train your pup to be off-leash but obey commands. It also gives cats bragging rights to show that dogs are not the only pets with star quality; cats can do it too!
It Creates Body Awareness
Agility can help create body awareness for your dog or cat. For example, they must know to keep their back paws close to obstacles to achieve more controlled movement. Knowing paw placement is essential for balance. It helps them not injure themselves and allows them to be more self-aware throughout each fluid movement. It can even help them play games and activities more efficiently.
It Helps Promote Increased Focus
Practicing agility promotes increased focus for your pet. It not only exercises their body, but it also energizes their mind. It can teach pets how to problem-solve, as they must figure out the correct way through the obstacle course. The focus required for agility can help them even when off course, as they can better respond to you and the world around them.
Conclusion
Agility is an enjoyable and meaningful way to bond with your pet and help them get the physical and mental encouragement they need to be happy and healthy. It can sharpen their training skills, help shape your dog or cat’s confidence in themselves, and increases trust in you.
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