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Dog Agility Training Through Basic Obedience

Dog Training Elite Knoxville

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A dog sitting at a park - discover how DTE can help you start dog agility training in Knoxville, TN with our obedience program!

Obedience Training from DTE

The First Step Toward Dog Agility Training in Knoxville, TN

Agility is a fast-paced sport that involves guiding dogs through different obstacle courses. The best candidates for this type of training are energetic, athletic dogs with a strong drive to work and learn, such as Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, Shetland Sheepdogs, Jack Russell Terriers, and Belgian Malinois. However, any dog with enthusiasm, focus, and basic obedience training can benefit from agility exercises.

Many owners choose DTE for basic obedience before starting dog agility training in Knoxville, TN. While we don’t offer competition-level training, our obedience programs help build key skills like focus, impulse control, and responsiveness.

Our trainers will work closely with you throughout the obedience program, ensuring your dog masters fundamental commands and you feel confident to continue agility training on your own.

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Why Start Obedience Training Before Agility Training?

Dog Training Elite

Agility training demands focus, discipline, and responsiveness. Before tackling obstacle courses, dogs need a solid foundation in obedience to ensure they can follow commands, stay engaged, and work as a team with their handler.

Here’s how obedience training with Dog Training Elite sets dogs up for success in agility:

Agility courses can be full of distractions, including large crowds, other dogs, and loud noises. Obedience training teaches your dog to stay focused on you and respond to commands, even in high-energy environments.

Agility courses require dogs to pause and wait at key thresholds, such as the start line, and only move when directed. Obedience training reinforces patience and discipline through commands like “sit,” “heel,” and “down,” ensuring your dog stays focused and follows the rules of the sport.

Obedience training deepens trust and communication between dog and handler, making teamwork in agility training much more effective. A confident dog is more likely to take on new challenges with enthusiasm.

Before dogs can learn agility-specific commands, they must first master basic obedience. Training in focus, recall, and impulse control lays the groundwork for advanced commands like “jump,” “tunnel,” “weave,” and “climb.”

At Dog Training Elite, we don’t teach advanced agility commands, but our training makes it easier for your dog to learn and respond to agility training in the future.

A dog sitting on park equipment - start obedience training with Dog Training Elite if you want to start dog agility training in Knoxville, TN.

Skills, Obstacles, and Owner Training Techniques

Learn About Dog Agility

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If your dog has mastered basic obedience and you're interested in starting agility training on your own, understanding what obstacles to train for is the first place to start.

Here are some common agility challenges and training tips:

Jumps

Dogs must leap over hurdles at varying heights without knocking the bar down. In competitions, jumps can include single bars, double jumps, and tire jumps.

  • Training Tip: Start with low jumps and use treats or toys to guide your dog over. Gradually increase height as their confidence and ability grows.

Weave Poles

Dogs weave through a series of upright poles in a precise pattern. This is one of the most challenging agility obstacles, requiring speed, flexibility, and precise footwork.

  • Training Tip: Use a lure-and-reward method or guide your dog through the poles with a leash. Begin with wider pole spacing and narrow the gaps as your dog improves.

Tunnels

Dogs run through enclosed tunnels, which can be straight or curved. Some dogs may hesitate at first, especially if they are unfamiliar with dark or enclosed spaces.

  • Training Tip: Start with a short, straight tunnel and use treats or a favorite toy to encourage your dog through. Gradually introduce curved tunnels to increase difficulty.

A-Frame & Dog Walk

These obstacles require dogs to climb, balance, and descend elevated surfaces. The A-frame is a tall, triangular ramp, while the dog walk is a narrow, elevated plank with ramps on both ends. Both require precise foot placement and body control.

  • Training Tip: Use a leash or hand signals to guide your dog slowly up and down. Reward calm, controlled movements to prevent them from rushing or jumping off too soon.

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A pup walking through a tunnel - find Knoxville dog agility trainers.

Obedience Training From DTE: A Great Start for Knoxville Dog Agility Trainers


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If you’re looking to hire a agility trainer or want to start agility exercises on your own, consider obedience training from Dog Training Elite first.

While some professional agility trainers and classes may introduce basic obedience, Dog Training Elite’s personalized, in-person obedience program ensures your dog masters focus, impulse control, and responsiveness. These key skills make agility training safer, more enjoyable, and more effective for you and your pup.

Get started today and contact Dog Training Elite Knoxville for expert obedience training!

Get Your Free Assessment

You and your canine companion really can have it all. See how easy it can be to become a member of the elite pup society by requesting a free consultation today!

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Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Desirae Wagnon
    Jun. 9, 2025
    Graci came and helped us with our needs!! She made sure we understood everything about the training. I can’t wait to work with the team on training!
  • Calie Benke
    Jun. 5, 2025
    Reina is a wonderful trainer for our needs. She was straightforward, understanding, transparent, helpful, confident - all the necessary traits for a couple of newbies like us. She is an invaluable resource to rely on as our rambunctious puppy is turning into a well-behaved pup. The cost feels a little pricey, but our journey with Reina has eased the anxiousness around it. Highly recommend!
  • Jen Newell
    May. 8, 2025
    Great job. So far. Been working with our puppy now for 7 weeks. Thank you Cost is expensive but well worth it. Reina is amazing she's very patient very understanding very loving caring group of people. We have worked with a couple of other trainers but I really like Reina. If you get a chance take it
  • Wendy Mendelsohn
    May. 28, 2025
    Will start training tomorrow, but the initial assessment went well. Was very impressed with what to expect from the outcome of the program. 1st session: Kenna was my trainer today and it went very well. She was kind and positive, my pup responded wonderfully.
  • Dannie Harris
    Jan. 14, 2025
    Another great trip out with Kenna! She was so helpful! I highly recommend this company…next to the mall.
  • Herbert Knapp
    May. 30, 2025
    Awesome very knowledgeable and understanding really was interested in what I was looking to get out this Training very much put my mind at ease
  • APRIL MCVAY
    May. 30, 2025
    Dog Training Elite provide top-notch training for your dogs. Parker worked directly on leash aggression with Sam. The problem was corrected during our session. I highly recommend Dog Training Elite!
  • Lori-Anne Williams
    May. 29, 2025
    Reina's dedication to excellence helped "my Hannah" become a happy, obedient, and confident dog. When I adopted Hannah as a puppy from a shelter, she came to me with absolutely no training or discipline. I felt extremely frustrated because I was so unprepared to provide the training she needed, but Reina came right in and confidently met BOTH of our needs. She quickly made the adjustments we needed and personalized our program for us with tremendous patience and incredible kindness. Ultimately, she taught us both exactly what we needed to know!
  • Christie Steier
    May. 28, 2025
    I cannot say enough about how pleased I am with the services of Dog Training Elite of Nashville. Reina was wonderful. She was very professional but at the same time very friendly and kind. I can tell she really loves dogs and her job! The difference in my dog’s behavior is amazing. I no longer worry about being injured by being dragged down the street when I walk him, or having to lift him into the car. I can take him out with me more and he is so well behaved that everyone that sees him loves him. Thank you Reina!
  • Carmen McKinley
    Apr. 29, 2025
    Montana was extremely professional, very nice, friendly and LOVES DOGS! She was very helpful from our first training session on. I look forward in seeing how she can help in so many ways with my new puppy!!
  • Ashley Reynolds
    May. 27, 2025
    So friendly and knowledgeable! Millie is making progress in less than a week!
  • Kristy Schnetzler
    Apr. 3, 2025
    Reina is wonderful! Our fur baby continually has progress week over week!! Our goal is to have Gabby trained as a service companion for our little one, with Raina's help, we are confident we will get there! We so appreciate all you do for us and think you, you are absolutely amazing!!!!
  • Saba Chishti
    Apr. 10, 2025
    Lots of patience and guidance! Would highly recommend. She answered all of our questions and more!
  • Robert Law
    May. 19, 2025
    We did the assessment with Reina and they are fantastic! I would 100% recommend their services over anyone else.
  • Dale Herrington
    May. 9, 2025
    She was very knowledgeable and helpful.
  • Taeron Thomas
    May. 8, 2025
    It was a very straightforward process and very detailed price wise was the only hit definitely looking in to it
  • Joe Coomer
    May. 6, 2025
    Excellent
  • S Nabrotzky
    May. 4, 2025
    Dog Training Elite, especially Parker has helped us enjoy our dog so much more. He does have the annoying troublesome behaviors. He’s more content and obedient. We can have guests over and everyone is comfortable. We are so pleased with what Dog Training has done for us.
  • Kyle Wagner
    May. 2, 2025
    Second in home visit and my pup is making amazing progress. Very happy with the service!
  • Holly Homant
    Apr. 30, 2025
    Carol was super kind and helpful!
  • Desirae Wagnon
    Jun. 9, 2025
    Graci came and helped us with our needs!! She made sure we understood everything about the training. I can’t wait to work with the team on training!
  • Calie Benke
    Jun. 5, 2025
    Reina is a wonderful trainer for our needs. She was straightforward, understanding, transparent, helpful, confident - all the necessary traits for a couple of newbies like us. She is an invaluable resource to rely on as our rambunctious puppy is turning into a well-behaved pup. The cost feels a little pricey, but our journey with Reina has eased the anxiousness around it. Highly recommend!
  • Jen Newell
    May. 8, 2025
    Great job. So far. Been working with our puppy now for 7 weeks. Thank you Cost is expensive but well worth it. Reina is amazing she's very patient very understanding very loving caring group of people. We have worked with a couple of other trainers but I really like Reina. If you get a chance take it
  • Wendy Mendelsohn
    May. 28, 2025
    Will start training tomorrow, but the initial assessment went well. Was very impressed with what to expect from the outcome of the program. 1st session: Kenna was my trainer today and it went very well. She was kind and positive, my pup responded wonderfully.
  • Dannie Harris
    Jan. 14, 2025
    Another great trip out with Kenna! She was so helpful! I highly recommend this company…next to the mall.
  • Herbert Knapp
    May. 30, 2025
    Awesome very knowledgeable and understanding really was interested in what I was looking to get out this Training very much put my mind at ease
  • APRIL MCVAY
    May. 30, 2025
    Dog Training Elite provide top-notch training for your dogs. Parker worked directly on leash aggression with Sam. The problem was corrected during our session. I highly recommend Dog Training Elite!
  • Lori-Anne Williams
    May. 29, 2025
    Reina's dedication to excellence helped "my Hannah" become a happy, obedient, and confident dog. When I adopted Hannah as a puppy from a shelter, she came to me with absolutely no training or discipline. I felt extremely frustrated because I was so unprepared to provide the training she needed, but Reina came right in and confidently met BOTH of our needs. She quickly made the adjustments we needed and personalized our program for us with tremendous patience and incredible kindness. Ultimately, she taught us both exactly what we needed to know!
  • Christie Steier
    May. 28, 2025
    I cannot say enough about how pleased I am with the services of Dog Training Elite of Nashville. Reina was wonderful. She was very professional but at the same time very friendly and kind. I can tell she really loves dogs and her job! The difference in my dog’s behavior is amazing. I no longer worry about being injured by being dragged down the street when I walk him, or having to lift him into the car. I can take him out with me more and he is so well behaved that everyone that sees him loves him. Thank you Reina!
  • Carmen McKinley
    Apr. 29, 2025
    Montana was extremely professional, very nice, friendly and LOVES DOGS! She was very helpful from our first training session on. I look forward in seeing how she can help in so many ways with my new puppy!!
  • Ashley Reynolds
    May. 27, 2025
    So friendly and knowledgeable! Millie is making progress in less than a week!
  • Kristy Schnetzler
    Apr. 3, 2025
    Reina is wonderful! Our fur baby continually has progress week over week!! Our goal is to have Gabby trained as a service companion for our little one, with Raina's help, we are confident we will get there! We so appreciate all you do for us and think you, you are absolutely amazing!!!!
  • Saba Chishti
    Apr. 10, 2025
    Lots of patience and guidance! Would highly recommend. She answered all of our questions and more!
  • Robert Law
    May. 19, 2025
    We did the assessment with Reina and they are fantastic! I would 100% recommend their services over anyone else.
  • Dale Herrington
    May. 9, 2025
    She was very knowledgeable and helpful.
  • Taeron Thomas
    May. 8, 2025
    It was a very straightforward process and very detailed price wise was the only hit definitely looking in to it
  • Joe Coomer
    May. 6, 2025
    Excellent
  • S Nabrotzky
    May. 4, 2025
    Dog Training Elite, especially Parker has helped us enjoy our dog so much more. He does have the annoying troublesome behaviors. He’s more content and obedient. We can have guests over and everyone is comfortable. We are so pleased with what Dog Training has done for us.
  • Kyle Wagner
    May. 2, 2025
    Second in home visit and my pup is making amazing progress. Very happy with the service!
  • Holly Homant
    Apr. 30, 2025
    Carol was super kind and helpful!