Can A Basset Hound Run A Dog Agility Course?

**This post may contain affiliate links. You can read our affiliate policy here.

A Basset On a Dog Agility Course?

Now, there’s a question that’s interesting to ponder. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a basset on a dog agility course, but Dash the Basset is keen to try!

John and I took 4-month-old Dash for some basic dog agility testing to see if this hound dog has what it takes to become a star in the dog agility world. Once Dash knew he would get treats while on the 4′ high dog walk, we couldn’t get him off the thing! We might have a contender!

The pictures on this page are of Dash’s first attempt at a 4″ jump. As you can see, he got stuck….Sadly, he didn’t do any better on his second (or third, or fourth….) attempt.

I had another dog, our lovely Australian Shepherd, Killian, who could run a dog agility course like no other. He understood where he was supposed to be headed before I did! So, when Killian left our lives (July, 2015) and Dash joined our family (Oct 2015), I knew I wanted to get back into this wonderful canine sport.

For those of you unfamiliar with this canine sport, dog agility involves some basic equipment (see below), a dog, and a human. A course is set up of various agility equipment such as basic jumps, tire jumps, dog walks, or dog tunnels. The handler runs aside the dog and directs the dog through the equipment. For those going on to competition canine agility, there are regulations about what the handler and the dog can and cannot do. Canine agility is a wonderful bonding sport for dog and handler. And, a whole lot of fun too.
For Dash’s initial training, we have some basic dog agility equipment set up in the backyard. Dash is daily tested on running through weave poles (pretty interesting to watch as he’s now over 3.5′ long….), basic jumps, and tunnels. Even if we never take Dash the Basset into agility trials, our backyard agility course gives us all a lot of pleasure.

Dog Agility Books

Particularly if you’re new to this dog sport, getting some basic knowledge through the use of books is a great idea. Although you can buy these on the Kindle also, I’ve found that a physical book is a better method for me. Note: I find it interesting that a lot of the covers on canine agility books show Aussies and Border Collies – there’s not one basset. Sigh.

&

 Agility Training for You and Your Dog: From Backyard Fun To High-Performance Training The Beginner’s Guide to Dog Agility Agility Right from the Start: The ultimate training guide to America’s fastest-growing dog sport (Karen Pryor Clicker Book) Introduction to Dog Agility Trust & Teamwork in Dog Agility Agility Training: The Fun Sport for All Dogs (Howell reference books)

&

Basic Dog Agility Equipment

The below canine agility kits are wonderful for starting a dog off on canine agility. One of these agility in  a bag kits would be a wonderful gift for anyone with a dog!

 Affordable Agility in the Bag FitPAWS Kit Canine Dog Agility Gym Outward Hound Kyjen DG40100 Dog Agility Starter Kit with Dog Tunnel Weave Pole High Jump Obstacles, Large, Red Dog Agility Set – Kyjen Outward Hound 9 Piece Outdoor Agility Starter Kit – Quality Agility Equipment for Dogs and Puppies BarkPark Expert Dog 9-Piece Agility Course Kit, Blue/Red Namsan Dog Outdoor Games,pet Training Jump Hoop, Dog Agility Starter Equipment Agility Gear Advanced Package with Fixed Base Jumps Outward Hound Kyjen 42004 Dash and Splash Agility Kit, Large, Multicolor BarkPark Small Dog 4-Piece Agility Course Kit, Green/Beige

&

Killian, our Australian Shepherd Runs Agility

Killian’s story. Although this is slightly off topic for Dash the Basset’s web page, the site where I originally posted this excerpt has gone kaput. I’m adding it here to preserve the story.

I used to foster dogs frequently for the local animal shelter here in Maryland. By fate, I suppose, I had just placed my latest foster dog the night before when I received a call the next morning (15+ years ago) from a local veterinarian who knew of me from my animal rescue work. The vet explained that he had custody of one 11-month-old ‘out of control’ Australian Shepherd who was scheduled to be put down later that morning. The vet talked the owner of the dog into letting him try to find it a quick foster home instead of destroying this young, healthy dog. Luckily for all involved, the woman (ML) agreed.

That’s how Killian, my lovely, fantastic, incredibly smart Australian Shepherd entered my life. Life has never been the same.

Once I got this very frightened dog into my house, I immediately knew I was out of my league in becoming a strong Alpha figure to him. He was so out of control that he didn’t know simple commands as ‘sit,’ ‘stay,’ etc. I immediately enrolled both of us in obedience classes, canine freestyle (a type of dancing with dogs training), and, most importantly for both of us, agility training.

Agility training not only conditions a dog’s body to run a tight agility course, but it also bonds the owner and dog in an emotional way that no other training does. Asking a dog to go through an agility tunnel with a blind end and watching that dog trust and follow the command is just heartwarming. There were times when Killian and I were on the agility course that I was just astonished at his ability to just give into me, my commands, and, mostly, my embrace.

Training an Australian Shepherd was way different than the basic obedience training I did with my bassets. For one thing, Aussies are bred to please the owner. They’re also blessed (!) with incredibly smart brains – Killian can actually process a two or three part command and do it in order. I even had him trained to help me care for my elderly Mom with his command of ‘Clean Mom’ – he’d jump on her lap and de-crumb her.

In six short months, I had the dog of my dreams. But, it wasn’t always particularly easy. Agility training was the initial key though to our incredibly bonding.

Please rescue, spay and neuter. It’s only fair.