Can a Training Partner Help with Agility and Tricks?

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Can a Training Partner Help with Agility and Tricks?

Written by Lorrie Reynolds

Lorrie has been an agility enthusiast since 2002 and has taught tricks, family obedience, agility, and canine conditioning since 2005. When she's not writing articles, developing courses, or training dogs, you can find her curled up with a book in her hands and a dog warming her feet.

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Dog Training Journeys are Better Together

When I started developing my online agility distance training course, I knew I couldn’t do it alone. Between the video footage I needed, making sure the exercises were right for dogs at multiple levels of training, finding any foundation items I might have missed, and just staying motivated to get it all done, I knew I needed someone to partner with.

When I asked Kristen to help me, I was pretty sure she wouldn’t refuse. We live in the same area, are both passionate about agility, get along well, and I figured offering her free lessons couldn’t hurt either. I’m not quite sure she knew what she was getting into, but she accepted, and we’ve worked hard together each time we have had a chance ever since I asked.

Two agility handlers and a dog standing in a training building

We’ve played in the wind, in the cold, and sometimes even got lucky with beautiful weather. We’ve laughed together at my dog’s crazy zoomies and worked through quite a few setbacks. She’s been patient when the camera malfunctioned and she had to do something again (and again) and never complained about having to go back to the basics so we could get them all on “film”.

Knowing we had a “play date” has made me accountable and kept me on track. I’d like to think that I’ve been able to help her with a few issues as well. It’s made a process that could have been tedious much more fun.

I opened it up as a beta course, and six dedicated people tested it out (at a very discounted price) in exchange for honest feedback and a commitment to see it all the way through.

I learned one important thing along the way. Having a training partner can mean the difference between success and floundering. Doing this on my own would have taken three times as long.

Today’s Dog Training Tip

Whether it is someone you meet with in person, an online friend you discuss progress with, or a coach, having a training partner will help you hold yourself accountable for reaching your goals and gives you a sounding board for ideas or solutions to roadblocks. I recommend everyone take full advantage of the benefits of training with a friend.

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