My point was not to judge or point the finger to people who start to train early, especially the ones who don't know when and how to start.
Even if I think some of those people are aware of the risks starting early. It´s always good to ask other – more experienced handlers – how to start when you don´t know yourself. Advices are there to be given.
I was writing this blog to discuss about this and to hear others, their opinions, just like I shared mine.
I start with my young dogs ´agility ´ in a way to introduce them to the obstacles (running through tunnels, turning left and right as tricks, training them 2o2o positions…).
I am always focused on basic things, which are for me the most important and very helpful in a later stage of training agility with your dog.
I am not impressed to see a young dog doing already combinations, and lately it looks like that is very important and appreciated.
It is also very important that people, who choose to start with a grown up dog, are not trying to be in a hurry and to expect to accomplish a lot in a short time. It's only to start late and then to overreact!
I start with letting my dogs jump when they are 12 months. I think there is enough time - for those who plan to start competitions when the dog is 18 months (or older) - to let the dog getting used to different jumping heights till the competition height is reached. In 6 months a dog can develop a lot in training.
All the things to prepare them for agility life are important for sure. Any kind of tricks, balance training, body awareness are useful, sometimes even necessary, before starting agility.
Long walks, swimming, conditional training and of course warming up the dog before working - cooling down after, are things also not to forget!