Labrador - agility?

Loobyruby · 2024-05-09T09:18:17+00:00

Is it possible? She’s 20 months. Started with obedience then did the next class. Want to do agility but all the other dogs seem… well, fast?

crumpet · 09/05/2024 10:22

My lab would love agility (has dodgy leg due to an accident so wouldn’t be able to) but let’s face it, other breeds are faster.

do it for fun and have a lovely time, but she’s not a collie

Original poster

Loobyruby · 09/05/2024 10:22

@crumpet i like to win things though 😂😂

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crumpet · 09/05/2024 10:24

😄

feelingalittlehorse · 09/05/2024 10:32

Depends what line of lab, I suppose. Two of mine are show type and they are built for feed, not speed 😬

The youngest is working x show type though and to be fair, she can bloody shift. She’s also very small for a lab so probably more collie like in size. Unfortunately she ended up with the working lab body, and the show lab brain, so she’s as thick as two short planks. Any activity that requires any brain power is probably out of the question sigh.

Original poster

Loobyruby · 09/05/2024 10:48

@feelingalittlehorse 😂😂😂

my girl I think is more show type but she’s pretty smart bless her. I just don’t see any labs doing agility and was worried she’s not the right breed? If there is such a thing!

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Lastqueenofscotland2 · 09/05/2024 11:02

You don’t need to compete! It’s a great mental work out for dogs and a good obedience background will really help you both.
My friend competes with two dogs but also does it at a training/enrichment exercise one of her other dogs who is slow but loves it!

Anonanonanon1 · 09/05/2024 11:09

Lots of labs compete in agility, I have 2 in one of the groups I teach.
They are both working type though. Many labs compete in the higher grades and I can think of one who runs successfully against collies in champ classes.

fieldsofbutterflies · 09/05/2024 11:23

Agility is really popular either all breeds of dogs - if you think your dog would enjoy then go for it!

labracadabras · 09/05/2024 11:25

Mine is faster than a collie

user1471459476 · 09/05/2024 11:29

what about gun dog training? Less likely to cause joint problems and gets their brain working. Don’t know if you would win but it has definitely interested our lab

MuscariFan · 09/05/2024 11:31

There are levels and also 'ABC' (anything but a Collie) classes in agility, so you won't have to constantly be competing against the fastest dogs. Not much point worrying about whether you can or can't win though, before you've even started - have a go, see if you both like it, and go from there.

Newpeep · 09/05/2024 11:56

I’ve taught lots of labs. Speed isn’t everything. Plus they get quicker the more confident they get. Taught properly there is no more risk of injury than normal active life (and far less than chasing a ball).

My advice would be go to an experienced trainer. Someone who does or has competed. They’re more likely to understand the physical demands and teach accordingly.

My own dogs have been terrier hound rescue (grade 5) and now border terrier who is showing bags of potential. There are two labs in the group I go to who love it and are working towards competing.

PointerParty · 09/05/2024 12:54

unless you plan to compete does speed really matter? I do agility with my 3 year old GSP and there are two labs in our class, one is like a rocket and the other one is very sedate. We've been doing it less than a year so we're not at the distance handling stage yet... which means I have to run around the course at breakneck speed to keep up with her! It would be easier for me if she was slower

KeenOtter · 09/05/2024 19:12

Grade 7 Agility lab owner. He is working line, slim and fit. Weighs 25 kg. I would not compete with a chunky show lab.

KeenOtter · 09/05/2024 19:14

PointerParty · 09/05/2024 12:54

unless you plan to compete does speed really matter? I do agility with my 3 year old GSP and there are two labs in our class, one is like a rocket and the other one is very sedate. We've been doing it less than a year so we're not at the distance handling stage yet... which means I have to run around the course at breakneck speed to keep up with her! It would be easier for me if she was slower

Its not just the speed that causes injuries in dogs. It is the twisting, landing from jumps and pressure on dog walk ad A frames. Running contacts are easier for the dogs joints but time consuming for the beginner to train.

InTropicalTrumpsLand · 09/05/2024 19:20

How competitive would you like to be? I know a breeder (not in the UK) who mainly does agility with her flatties, as she's not fond of conformation and hunting isn't allowed here. Competing for 1st place is a hard task - generally the competitors you see at Crufts, Worlds, etc are very seasoned and they compete with agility bred lines to increase the odds of their dog suceeding in the sport.

There is, however, more than one way to "compete". For instance, you can advance levels by Qualifying (not making faults), thus getting to compete in tougher challenges and getting titles. Or you can be competitive to yourself and strive for clean runs with faster times. (Again, not in the UK, so specifics to the islands escape me, but I don't expect the sport to be much different than other places).

It is a pretty cool sport and it's always great to watch competitors cheering for each other, rather than the tension seen in conformation sometimes. Just remember, if you'd like to practice it, that it is an impact sport, so don't push too hard while your dog isn't fully developed.

Needanewname42 · 09/05/2024 19:28

feelingalittlehorse · 09/05/2024 10:32

Depends what line of lab, I suppose. Two of mine are show type and they are built for feed, not speed 😬

The youngest is working x show type though and to be fair, she can bloody shift. She’s also very small for a lab so probably more collie like in size. Unfortunately she ended up with the working lab body, and the show lab brain, so she’s as thick as two short planks. Any activity that requires any brain power is probably out of the question sigh.

You actually made me laugh 😂I needed to explain you DH. I bet your girl is lovely 😍

Coffee23 · 09/05/2024 21:00

There are loads of Labradors at agility shows!

Sure a show lab might not be the quickest but the bond you will build will be so worth it.

Original poster

Loobyruby · 09/05/2024 23:10

@Coffee23 oh that’s reassuring thank you!

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Original poster

Loobyruby · 09/05/2024 23:11

user1471459476 · 09/05/2024 11:29

what about gun dog training? Less likely to cause joint problems and gets their brain working. Don’t know if you would win but it has definitely interested our lab

I wanted to do this but it’s not possible in the area I live sadly

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Original poster

Loobyruby · 09/05/2024 23:13

InTropicalTrumpsLand · 09/05/2024 19:20

How competitive would you like to be? I know a breeder (not in the UK) who mainly does agility with her flatties, as she's not fond of conformation and hunting isn't allowed here. Competing for 1st place is a hard task - generally the competitors you see at Crufts, Worlds, etc are very seasoned and they compete with agility bred lines to increase the odds of their dog suceeding in the sport.

There is, however, more than one way to "compete". For instance, you can advance levels by Qualifying (not making faults), thus getting to compete in tougher challenges and getting titles. Or you can be competitive to yourself and strive for clean runs with faster times. (Again, not in the UK, so specifics to the islands escape me, but I don't expect the sport to be much different than other places).

It is a pretty cool sport and it's always great to watch competitors cheering for each other, rather than the tension seen in conformation sometimes. Just remember, if you'd like to practice it, that it is an impact sport, so don't push too hard while your dog isn't fully developed.

So helpful thank you - hadn’t thought of accuracy side of it

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Ylvamoon · 10/05/2024 00:31

I'd say go for it. Make sure you find a club/ trainer that comes highly recommended! They should work at your dogs speed when it comes to teaching commands and equipment.
Not sure about your dogs confirmation, but just a little heads up: my heavy set Tibetan Terrier has in fact overtaken my fast and nimble cookerpoo.... simply by being precise, always hitting his contacts and not running through jumps.
So highly strung and fast can work against you if you yourself are a complete beginner!