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Introducing Lily From "Barkitecture" episode DBAR-105

Lily is a beautiful Australian sheepdog. She is young, full of energy and looking forward to making the Mikelowski family proud of their decision to adopt her. In this episode of Barkitecture, learn what it takes to make a pet like Lily an agility champion and how to build the agility course she'll be facing.

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Lily has quite the energy!

Lily

This beautiful Australian shepherd is named Lily. Mark Mikelowski and his son Matthew are interested in getting Lily started in agility training. They're not sure they want her to compete, but they feel the exercise and discipline would be good for her...and, them!

The Mikelowskis were drawn to Lily by the intelligence in her face. The moment they saw her, she perked her ears and turned her head...they knew she was for them.

Dr. Karen Tobias and Kenny Alfonso are on board to help the transition from shelter to home a little easier on Lily. Dr. Karen will offer some helpful hints and tips on introducing Lily to the family and warming her up before training. Kenny will build Lily an agility course so that her training will get off on the right foot.

Agility Course Plans

Agility training is a pretty big commitment. The Mikelowskis really have their work cut out for them. Even though Lily is a smart dog, the elements in competition are tricky and have to be taught.

There are two facets to agility competition. There is standard agility which involves obstacles where dogs make contact with them as they go over or through them. Then, there are jumpers where dogs jump over obstacles. For Lily, standard agility obstacles will be used.

A-frame: The dog has to climb up one side, and down the other (figure A).

Teeter: Seesaw that the dog will play on alone (figure B).

Weave Sticks: A series of poles that dogs weave through (figure C). This is the most difficult to teach.

Figure A

Figure B

Figure C

Barkitecture Tidbits:

• Occupying your dog with training and exercise helps keep them out of trouble.

• Australian shepherds, like many breeds, require daily exercise and training (about an hour a day).

• Dog agility is a team activity where a person and a dog form the team. The trainer is in charge of the strategy and the dog is responsible for the athletic performance.

RESOURCES :

Young-Williams Animal Center
Website: www.knoxpets.org

The American Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)
Website: www.aspca.org

Petfinder.com
Website: www.petfinder.com