Is your dog the kind of animal that gets jumpy when other people are present? Is your dog shy and reclusive? Your dog may be a victim of low self esteem and lack of self confidence. In such cases a dose of agility training may help build his confidence. Agility training classes provide the ideal environment for dogs to learn about sports and boost their self esteem. However, it may take quite a while before a shy or reclusive dog decides to come out in the open.

Dogs which are timid and reclusive will only pay attention when they are in their safety zone. Thus, their training must start in their special place, and must be taken slowly. It is likely that the first steps in training a timid dog will need to take place at home, in the place where he spends most of his time.

But how do you go about doing training exercises at home? In today’s world, the best place for abundant, free information is going online. The Internet will not only provide useful articles and eBooks with information, but also a great number of videos which range from beginner levels all the way to advanced training at competition levels.

For agility training you will need tools and equipment. Recommendations for equipment will be primarily based on the space available and the layout of your immediate surroundings. Aspects to consider include whether the training location is your garage, yard, or living room. Is your yard large enough to hold a ten obstacle course? Will you need to assemble the equipment and then take it down once you’re done?

Make sure that the equipment in use is well made and tight. The acquisition of a pause table is a good place to start. The pause table should be sturdy, well made and about twelve inches high with adjustable legs. Keep in mind this is agility training for timid dogs, and that it should start in a place he feels comfortable in. If you notice that the equipment makes your dog uneasy at first, let the table stand in place for a few days. Give your dog a chance to smell it and become acquainted with it before your first use, there is no need to rush into anything. Through the use of praise in the form of food, or dog games entice your dog to jump up in the table. This lesson make take some time to teach. Be prepared to be patient and the possibility that your dog may grow tired of it and not want to participate.

In the end, you would like to dog to answer to your command “jump”, or “table”, by reaching for the pause table and sitting on top of it. He should then be able to remain in the table as you walk away and then come back again. Following the success of the above method, try introducing your dog to new equipment. As he completes each course you will notice that your dog becomes more confident and assertive. Always keep it fun, allowing for some dog games here and there.