Shaped by Dog with Susan Garrett Training Tips From Susan: Agility Foundations Before Equipment: What Puppies Really Need To Succeed
Oct 8, 2025
Preparing your puppy for agility goes beyond just equipment. The focus should be on building confidence and joy first. Susan argues that soft-tissue strength matters more than growth plate closure when starting out. She emphasizes waiting until 14–16 months for high-impact skills to protect developing bodies. A strong handler-dog relationship, reliable recall, and teaching retrieves are essential foundations. Finally, effective handling relies on teaching dogs to follow motion and cues, ensuring agility success.
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Growth Plates Aren't The Whole Answer
- Growth plate closure alone shouldn't dictate when to start agility training for puppies.
- Soft tissue strength, musculature, and overall maturity matter more than bone growth timing.
Delay High-Impact Obstacles
- Avoid introducing high-impact obstacles like full-height dog walk or A-frame before 14–16 months.
- Delay weave poles and other high-impact skills until physical and mental maturity are adequate.
Personal Flyball Experience With Young Puppies
- Susan began competing in flyball with puppies as young as nine months in the 90s and those dogs lived long, healthy lives.
- She contrasts that past practice with modern, more cautious approaches to puppy sports introduction.