Common Myths in Dog Agility Training
There’s a lot of noise out there about what “good” training looks like. So let’s clear up a few things that might be holding you (and your dog) back.
🐕 Myth 1: You need to train every day to improve
Nope. You need consistency, not constant pressure. Short, focused sessions beat long, sloppy ones every time.
🐕 Myth 2: If your dog isn’t fast, you’re doing something wrong
Speed comes from clarity and confidence, not hype. A calm, confident dog will always outshine a frantic one in the long run.
🐕 Myth 3: High drive equals good dog
Drive is only useful if it’s channeled. Control is what makes drive powerful, not the other way around.
🐕 Myth 4: Perfect runs = perfect training
Perfect runs come from imperfect sessions. Messy moments are data, not failure.
🐕 Myth 5: You have to train like everyone else
No. You and your dog are a team. Your system should fit you, not the trends.
The truth is, the best handlers don’t follow rules. They understand principles.
They know when to push, when to pause, and when to laugh and just let their dog zoom for fun.
Agility is supposed to be a partnership, not a checklist.
The moment you stop chasing myths and start trusting your process, everything changes.
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💭 Wisdom Wednesday: The smartest thing you can do in agility is keep learning, keep adapting, and keep it fun.