Agility Training

Hi,

I am getting a new rottweiler (female) in a month and I was wondering at what age would you recommend to start on agility training.

Thanks

Mitch




Hi Mitch
Your puppy is gorgeous, beautiful coloring and just look at that face!

As for agility, because Rotties are BIG, fast-growing pups, it's best not to let them take part in any activity that requires much running and any jumping until their bones/joints etc. are fully developed.

Rottweilers generally aren't mature, or fully grown, until somewhere between 18 months and 2 years. Sometimes it takes even longer especially for the big males. So, personally I wouldn't be getting her into agility until she's around 18 months old.

She'll need some basic obedience training before she starts agility.... know how to sit and stay, and to be focused on you at the minimum. You can start obedience training with her as soon as she's had all her puppy vaccinations and I'd really recommend that.

I've found that Rottweilers are one of the easiest breeds to train. They're very intelligent and willing to please, and they tend to be calmer and more focused than many other breeds, even as puppies. I think you'll both enjoy obedience training and you'll then be in the best position to get the most out of dog agility classes.

I'd also recommend that you find some agility schools in your area and talk this over with the instructors there. They will have more detailed information than I do and obviously a lot more relevant experience!

Best of luck with your new puppy. Enjoy her