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by Ann Marie Ensley
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Have you
ever wanted to spend quality time with your Affenpinscher
while at the same time enjoying the benefits of exercise?
If yes, then agility may be for you.
Agility is a fast growing and exciting sport.
Affenpinschers are so intelligent and full of
energy, that agility allows them to use their “monkey”
type talents in a challenging and fun arena.
One of the great things about this sport is that it
does not require perfection to be successful.
For example, there is not one single way to run a
course or complete a series of obstacles.
A dog and handler work together as a team to
develop strategies on how to safely complete a specific
course within a specified time.
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Another advantage to this sport is it only requires
some basic obedience commands.
These commands include: sit, down, stay, and a
solid response by the dog to “come” help to keep your
Affen safe and from taking an incorrect obstacle.
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Although one trademark of the Affenpinscher is
stubbornness, I have found this to not be an issue in
agility. Affens
are a breed that are eager to learn and are willing to
please. The key to any successful venture with this breed is
“fun”. Training
sessions must include food, toys, and/or any other
positive motivators, a positive and enthusiastic attitude
from the trainer, and short sessions of training.
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| These can be anywhere from 10 to 15 minutes per day
at least 3 times per week.
Overworking your Affen may cause them to become
bored and to no longer see this as something fun to do.
Voice tone and attitude is also very important when
training. Using
a loud/harsh voice can be discouraging.
It is important to remember that each Affenpinscher
is different. Different
dogs learn and perform at different speeds.
Always know your dog and what they are comfortable
doing. One
key to success with this breed is to always end your
training sessions on a positive note and with the dog
wanting to do more.
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Another important tool to successfully training an
Affen in agility is a good dog training school.
An instructor with experience in training toy
breeds will help tremendously.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions of a potential
instructor or to observe a class.
Remember the most important ingredients of agility
are safety and fun!!!
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If you are interested in competition, you will find
many challenging organizations that offer several titling
events. Affenpinschers
can not only compete in AKC agility trials, they can also
compete in NADAC (North American Dog Agility Council),
USDAA (United States Dog Agility Association), and UKC
events. Affens
gain titles depending on which organization is sponsoring
the trial. For
example, AKC provides titles for Standard course classes,
and Jumpers with Weaves classes (just jumps and weave
poles). NADAC
provides titles for Standard course classes, Jumpers
classes (jumps and tunnels only), and Gamblers classes
(which are a games class that incorporates distance work).
USDAA offers even more titles and contains more of
the games classes.
While agility can be fun and exciting, a handler
must also consider the possibility of injury.
The risk is always there, but it is low.
It is important to remember to know where your
Affenpinscher is mentally and physically at all times when
training or competing.
A handler must also always be there to help and
encourage their Affen to perform an obstacle both
correctly and safely.
With these things in mind, one will find a both
enjoyable and rewarding activity to share with our
mustached little devils.
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