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Dog Agility Training Through Basic Obedience

Dog Training Elite Greater Nashville

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

Obedience Training from DTE

The First Step Toward Dog Agility Training in Murfreesboro / Spring Hill, 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 Murfreesboro / Spring Hill, 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 Murfreesboro / Spring Hill, 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.

Additional Obedience Training Info

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A pup walking through a tunnel - find Murfreesboro / Spring Hill dog agility trainers.

Obedience Training From DTE: A Great Start for Murfreesboro / Spring Hill 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 Greater Nashville 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

  • Melinda Kellams
    Jun. 7, 2025
    Excellent puppy training from Brad. Brad was very patient with Archie snd clearly knew what he was doing. Archie has learned so much and is well behaved and pleasant to be around
  • Staysee Lynn
    Jun. 6, 2025
    We were impressed with Brad’s comprehensive understanding and expertise on dog training. He provided valuable insights and effective techniques that greatly enhanced our knowledge of dog behavior and how they react to training. He is funny too. During the training process we always looked forward to our session. We highly recommend Brad and Dog Training Elite.
  • Brad “Buckeyebradley” M
    Jun. 6, 2025
    Brad did an amazing job training our puppy. In just 5 training sessions our dog will come when called, sit and stay until we release him, lay down when we tell him to, and go to his bed when we give him the command. If you need a dog trainer, this is your guy.
  • Cheryl Freeman
    Jun. 5, 2025
    Brad was amazing! Noticeable improvement in our puppy’s behavior within the first week.
  • Kim Marie Anderson
    May. 21, 2025
    Brad and team were AMAZING!! They are flexible and gave us the skills to keep our dogs calm and happy! So glad to be able to go out into public with my anxious dog!!! Thanks Dog Training Elite!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
  • Ruth Hasty
    May. 16, 2025
    The trainers at Dog Training Elite Greater Nashville showed immense kindness and patience during our training sessions. Brad’s expertise and clear dedication to his craft made for detailed and clear training sessions that gave us the tools to confidently become leaders for our dog — creating happy dog owners and a happy, healthy canine citizen! We would highly recommend them to anyone looking to create a strong relationship and bond with their dog. The in home sessions were a game changer for us as well, providing us with in the moment solutions to behaviors with our new Labrador puppy.
  • Renee Miller
    May. 14, 2025
    I have participated in private in-home dog training with Dog Training Elite Greater Nashville, and I was impressed by Brad's expert guidance, bolstered by his kindness, patience and true desire to successfully train our dog who has done great with this training!
  • Greg Hines
    May. 8, 2025
    The expertise, patience, and kindness exemplified by the Dog Training Elite Greater Nashville staff made our dog training journey an incredibly positive and encouraging experience. Their positive reinforcement approach and expert advice on obedience training for dogs left us feeling empowered and confident to tackle any challenges that may arise. Brad was Awesome!!!
  • Emily Boller
    May. 6, 2025
    Working with Dog Training Elite Greater Nashville has been a game-changer for our puppy and family. We went from being stressed and overwhelmed with our puppy’s behaviors and how our kids reacted to them, to truly enjoying our puppy. Thanks to Brad and all he taught us, we have a great dog who fits in great with our family.
  • Penny Crook
    May. 4, 2025
    Choosing Brad to help us with our new puppies has made all the difference. We had a great experience working with Brad. He was incredibly patient, knowledgeable, and really took the time to understand each pup’s personality. His calm approach and clear guidance made training not only effective, but enjoyable for all of us. Highly recommend!
  • Eddie Buford
    Apr. 29, 2025
    Brad was an excellent choice for training Piper. He was very knowledgeable and patient with Piper and us. I would recommend him to anyone but his services.
  • Kristie Bayse
    Apr. 20, 2025
    I'm the owner of 5 large dogs. My German Shepherd had started being aggressive toward my other dogs. I knew Brad had his work cut out for him, the first day was super intense. Brad worked his skills and got her under control. By the end of our training I have a different dog now and the knowledge to start training the rest of my pack. Brad was wonderful and I enjoyed working with him.
  • Ben Boutwell
    Apr. 5, 2025
    We loved working with Brad! He provided top-notch instruction and support for our Golden Retriever. We were blown away by how well Brad was able to care for and work with, not only Wesley, but us as well. Making sure we had all the knowledge necessary to continually work with Wesley. We highly recommend Dog Training Elite of Greater Nashville!
  • Courtney
    Apr. 4, 2025
    Our Dog Training Elite Greater Nashville experience was outstanding from the first moment to the end session! Brad not only made us feel comfortable, he approached us with humor as well, which is our comfort zone! He quickly learned our baby and honed in with patience and his lessons stuck due to his consistent approach with both our dog and us! I highly recommend to anyone needing their proof. This is it!
  • Nancy Feliciano
    Apr. 3, 2025
    I was very pleased with the specialized coaching and detailed training skills that Brad (Dog Training Elite Greater Nashville) shared with me and my dog. His precise yet gentle training approach was spot on for my disability needs. Brad’s training instructions were instrumental in guiding us become a better and more effective service dog team. The home training sessions exceeded my expectations every week; we had a familiar environment in which we learned, practiced and troubleshoot new skills. Think about it, an expert coming to your home to do dog training - You can’t beat that! This is just some of the reasons that I am so glad I found this company and that Brad is our trainer!
  • Jennifer Quigley
    Mar. 27, 2025
    We can’t say enough amazing things about our experience with Dog Training Elite Greater Nashville and our incredible trainer, Brad! Our 4-year-old Icelandic Sheepdog, Kylo has with a very enthusiastic herding instinct—cars, birds, squirrels, rabbits, even small children on our walks were all fair game in his eyes. But from the very first session, we were blown away by how well Kylo responded to Brad’s calm, confident guidance. Brad brought a perfect mix of kindness, patience, and consistent leadership to each session, and it was clear he genuinely loved working with dogs. We saw noticeable improvement after every visit, and best of all, Kylo was having the time of his life learning and growing. Brad made training fun for all of us—not just effective! Thanks to Dog Training Elite, walks are no longer chaotic but enjoyable, and we feel so much more connected to our pup. If you’re looking for someone who brings heart, professionalism, and real results, Brad and the team at Dog Training Elite Greater Nashville are second to none. We wholeheartedly recommend them!
  • chris okeson
    Mar. 7, 2025
    Brad was the best when it comes to working with my dog! Highly recommend to anyone with a dog that needs training!
  • Cindy Williams
    Mar. 5, 2025
    I was impressed by Brad at Dog Training Elite. After working with my Australian Shepherd, who is a handful she is definitely a different dog . He has built up her confidence and she’s no longer scared of people . I would highly recommend any dog training . He is very patient and kind and he really loves the dogs.
  • Bryan Rogers
    Feb. 28, 2025
    Masterful and skilled! The best dog trainer I’ve ever met! He is so kind and compassionate also! Highly recommend!
  • Alex House
    Feb. 25, 2025
    Brad has changed my life! I can't say enough good things about this program but specifically about Brad himself. I came into this process uneducated, unsure, and anxious. After completing our 8 in-home one-on-one sessions I can truthfully say I am educated, sure, and no longer anxious! Brad made me feel comfortable from day one and met my dog where he was. Brad handled difficult situations with grace and never made me feel embarrassed or ashamed of my dogs behavior. I seriously cannot say enough good things - take the leap! It's well worth it.
  • Melinda Kellams
    Jun. 7, 2025
    Excellent puppy training from Brad. Brad was very patient with Archie snd clearly knew what he was doing. Archie has learned so much and is well behaved and pleasant to be around
  • Staysee Lynn
    Jun. 6, 2025
    We were impressed with Brad’s comprehensive understanding and expertise on dog training. He provided valuable insights and effective techniques that greatly enhanced our knowledge of dog behavior and how they react to training. He is funny too. During the training process we always looked forward to our session. We highly recommend Brad and Dog Training Elite.
  • Brad “Buckeyebradley” M
    Jun. 6, 2025
    Brad did an amazing job training our puppy. In just 5 training sessions our dog will come when called, sit and stay until we release him, lay down when we tell him to, and go to his bed when we give him the command. If you need a dog trainer, this is your guy.
  • Cheryl Freeman
    Jun. 5, 2025
    Brad was amazing! Noticeable improvement in our puppy’s behavior within the first week.
  • Kim Marie Anderson
    May. 21, 2025
    Brad and team were AMAZING!! They are flexible and gave us the skills to keep our dogs calm and happy! So glad to be able to go out into public with my anxious dog!!! Thanks Dog Training Elite!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
  • Ruth Hasty
    May. 16, 2025
    The trainers at Dog Training Elite Greater Nashville showed immense kindness and patience during our training sessions. Brad’s expertise and clear dedication to his craft made for detailed and clear training sessions that gave us the tools to confidently become leaders for our dog — creating happy dog owners and a happy, healthy canine citizen! We would highly recommend them to anyone looking to create a strong relationship and bond with their dog. The in home sessions were a game changer for us as well, providing us with in the moment solutions to behaviors with our new Labrador puppy.
  • Renee Miller
    May. 14, 2025
    I have participated in private in-home dog training with Dog Training Elite Greater Nashville, and I was impressed by Brad's expert guidance, bolstered by his kindness, patience and true desire to successfully train our dog who has done great with this training!
  • Greg Hines
    May. 8, 2025
    The expertise, patience, and kindness exemplified by the Dog Training Elite Greater Nashville staff made our dog training journey an incredibly positive and encouraging experience. Their positive reinforcement approach and expert advice on obedience training for dogs left us feeling empowered and confident to tackle any challenges that may arise. Brad was Awesome!!!
  • Emily Boller
    May. 6, 2025
    Working with Dog Training Elite Greater Nashville has been a game-changer for our puppy and family. We went from being stressed and overwhelmed with our puppy’s behaviors and how our kids reacted to them, to truly enjoying our puppy. Thanks to Brad and all he taught us, we have a great dog who fits in great with our family.
  • Penny Crook
    May. 4, 2025
    Choosing Brad to help us with our new puppies has made all the difference. We had a great experience working with Brad. He was incredibly patient, knowledgeable, and really took the time to understand each pup’s personality. His calm approach and clear guidance made training not only effective, but enjoyable for all of us. Highly recommend!
  • Eddie Buford
    Apr. 29, 2025
    Brad was an excellent choice for training Piper. He was very knowledgeable and patient with Piper and us. I would recommend him to anyone but his services.
  • Kristie Bayse
    Apr. 20, 2025
    I'm the owner of 5 large dogs. My German Shepherd had started being aggressive toward my other dogs. I knew Brad had his work cut out for him, the first day was super intense. Brad worked his skills and got her under control. By the end of our training I have a different dog now and the knowledge to start training the rest of my pack. Brad was wonderful and I enjoyed working with him.
  • Ben Boutwell
    Apr. 5, 2025
    We loved working with Brad! He provided top-notch instruction and support for our Golden Retriever. We were blown away by how well Brad was able to care for and work with, not only Wesley, but us as well. Making sure we had all the knowledge necessary to continually work with Wesley. We highly recommend Dog Training Elite of Greater Nashville!
  • Courtney
    Apr. 4, 2025
    Our Dog Training Elite Greater Nashville experience was outstanding from the first moment to the end session! Brad not only made us feel comfortable, he approached us with humor as well, which is our comfort zone! He quickly learned our baby and honed in with patience and his lessons stuck due to his consistent approach with both our dog and us! I highly recommend to anyone needing their proof. This is it!
  • Nancy Feliciano
    Apr. 3, 2025
    I was very pleased with the specialized coaching and detailed training skills that Brad (Dog Training Elite Greater Nashville) shared with me and my dog. His precise yet gentle training approach was spot on for my disability needs. Brad’s training instructions were instrumental in guiding us become a better and more effective service dog team. The home training sessions exceeded my expectations every week; we had a familiar environment in which we learned, practiced and troubleshoot new skills. Think about it, an expert coming to your home to do dog training - You can’t beat that! This is just some of the reasons that I am so glad I found this company and that Brad is our trainer!
  • Jennifer Quigley
    Mar. 27, 2025
    We can’t say enough amazing things about our experience with Dog Training Elite Greater Nashville and our incredible trainer, Brad! Our 4-year-old Icelandic Sheepdog, Kylo has with a very enthusiastic herding instinct—cars, birds, squirrels, rabbits, even small children on our walks were all fair game in his eyes. But from the very first session, we were blown away by how well Kylo responded to Brad’s calm, confident guidance. Brad brought a perfect mix of kindness, patience, and consistent leadership to each session, and it was clear he genuinely loved working with dogs. We saw noticeable improvement after every visit, and best of all, Kylo was having the time of his life learning and growing. Brad made training fun for all of us—not just effective! Thanks to Dog Training Elite, walks are no longer chaotic but enjoyable, and we feel so much more connected to our pup. If you’re looking for someone who brings heart, professionalism, and real results, Brad and the team at Dog Training Elite Greater Nashville are second to none. We wholeheartedly recommend them!
  • chris okeson
    Mar. 7, 2025
    Brad was the best when it comes to working with my dog! Highly recommend to anyone with a dog that needs training!
  • Cindy Williams
    Mar. 5, 2025
    I was impressed by Brad at Dog Training Elite. After working with my Australian Shepherd, who is a handful she is definitely a different dog . He has built up her confidence and she’s no longer scared of people . I would highly recommend any dog training . He is very patient and kind and he really loves the dogs.
  • Bryan Rogers
    Feb. 28, 2025
    Masterful and skilled! The best dog trainer I’ve ever met! He is so kind and compassionate also! Highly recommend!
  • Alex House
    Feb. 25, 2025
    Brad has changed my life! I can't say enough good things about this program but specifically about Brad himself. I came into this process uneducated, unsure, and anxious. After completing our 8 in-home one-on-one sessions I can truthfully say I am educated, sure, and no longer anxious! Brad made me feel comfortable from day one and met my dog where he was. Brad handled difficult situations with grace and never made me feel embarrassed or ashamed of my dogs behavior. I seriously cannot say enough good things - take the leap! It's well worth it.