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Dog Agility Training Through Basic Obedience

Dog Training Elite

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

Obedience Training from DTE

The First Step Toward Dog Agility Training

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. 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.

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

Dog Training Elite - Classical Conditioning Dog Training. DTE
Classical Conditioning Training
Dog Training Elite - Positive Reinforcement Dog Training. DTE
Positive Reinforcement Training
Dog Training Elite - Puppy Obedience Training. DTE
Puppy Obedience Training
Dog Training Elite - Off Leash Dog Training. Dog Training Elite
Off Leash Training
A pup walking through a tunnel - find dog agility trainers.

Obedience Training From DTE: A Great Start for 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 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

  • Michael Hook
    Mar. 14, 2025
    Working out well😎
  • Christina Bernard
    Dec. 17, 2024
    Badgers first training session was a game changer looking forward to working with Beth! Thank you! Week 8 and I am over the moon! When Badger and me started with Beth and Rene I was skeptical as my pup had spent 15 months 24/7 with me with very little contact with other humans and that being family only . He jumped, barked pulled had no direction! Ahh 8 weeks later I ask myself who is this gentle 80 pound pup who listens to all commands, come, sit, down , heal and place! I can walk with him and take him in the public! Thank you Beth and Rene! I am a senior citizen and a 80 pound pulling jumping dog is not fun. Thanks to you I enjoy Badger and others can to! I recommend you and your business to anyone with a dog! Thank you from Badger and Christina.
  • cbarbrun3
    Jun. 10, 2025
    I can't say enough good things about DGE, the trainers Renee and Beth and the incredible work they are doing with my dog, Rosti. From the very first session of behavior training up to her work on Therapy Service training it is clear that they have a genuine passion for helping dogs and their owners succeed.
  • Breanna Holtman
    Jun. 10, 2025
    They helped a lot with getting my dog oreo under control and listening to ky commands!
  • Lizbeth Fernandez
    Jan. 3, 2025
    We have a great time with Mia’s training! Dog Training Elite was the best decision for me and my dog, we have learned so much and it just keeps getting better!! Maria has been doing an amazing job with Mia. I know Malinois can be very high driven but you guys have give me the confidence to train my dog and I’m very proud of her!!
  • Todd Greene
    Jun. 10, 2025
    Love. 6 stars. Every single trainer has been on it. Jeff, McCall, & Dallin, A+.
  • Cameron Simmons
    Jun. 9, 2025
    Montana, Liam and the whole Elite team have been amazing!! Praline and I love working with them!
  • Theresa Matson
    Jun. 9, 2025
    Dog Training Elite was amazing with our 5-year-old Springer Spaniel, Finn! From the very beginning, he connected instantly with Marcy, which made the entire training experience even more effective and enjoyable. Honestly, Finn caught on quickly—it was us humans who needed the most guidance! Marcy was incredibly patient, kind, and full of knowledge. She not only helped Finn improve his behavior but also gave us the tools and confidence to continue reinforcing the training at home. We’re so grateful for her expertise and would highly recommend Dog Training Elite to anyone looking for a professional, compassionate trainer.
  • 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!
  • Claudia Rubio
    Jun. 9, 2025
    We’ve had a fantastic experience with Dog Training Elite West Houston. The team is professional, knowledgeable, and consistently reliable—always organized, punctual, and responsive to any questions we have. Our dog has shown major improvement in the behaviors we wanted to work on, and we’ve learned a lot about how to support her confidence and obedience. The training has helped both our dog and us grow together. We highly recommend this company and plan to keep working with them as we continue building our skills and helping our dog overcome her fears!
  • Molly Ellis
    Jun. 9, 2025
    Carrie was terrific— good w us and great w our dogs We learned a lot and so did the dogs— we highly recommend her
  • Nikki Wyman
    Apr. 28, 2025
    I have a smart, sneaky dog who has responded so well to training with DTE and private sessions with Dallin. My dog and I have better boundaries, behavior, and understanding now. It gives me priceless peace of mind.
  • Leida D
    Jun. 9, 2025
    They have the perfect program for my dog who is a pitti/german/mutt mix. They train you and your dog. My dog responded quickly and we saw changes in his behavior within 2 weeks.
  • AL C
    Jun. 8, 2025
    I was looking for training for my puppies! My girls were so energetic and jumpy. Very quickly DTE got my pups down and listening! Their pricing is worth every minute they spent training with them. The results are long lasting and guaranteed! Thanks Parker -
  • Ashlynne Kirkland
    Jun. 8, 2025
    Absolutely amazing!! The best dog trainers out there. Definitely money well spent. Parker was a pleasure to work with and he makes sure to pay special attention to detail and will leave you feeling confident in your ability to carry on what they teach. My Blaze went from temperamental to obedient and we have been closer than ever! He no longer gets snippy at people and listens well. I would 1000% recommend.
  • Darin Barber
    Jun. 8, 2025
    Dog Training Elite and Parker helped me take my dog from an anxious wreck to an obedient rockstar. I watched him grow in confidence every time he came to our house for a session. I would definitely recommend their dog training services!
  • Jennifer Moylan
    Jun. 8, 2025
    A positive experience from the first point of contact - responsive, courteous, professional. I rescued a NYC dog who had a lot of baggage, none of which is her fault, but I needed a very experienced trainer and my research found Jason and Dog Training Elite. Thankfully, they could come to me across the state. Pearl's training has been specific to her needs and our needs as owners. Jason teaches you how to set your dog up for success while adapting to your home and your lifestyle. It is not a one size fits all solution. In my case, Jason has taught me how to train Pearl, it is not just him working with Pearl - so I have become a more confident handler and a better leader for Pearl. We are BOTH happier thanks to our sessions. For Pearl, it is a marathon, not a sprint, and I'm grateful that I have Dog Training Elite on our side - I feel comfortable reaching out for guidance and advice outside of our sessions. I recommend them to anyone who wants to help their dog be the best they can be. Thank you, Jason & Team! Jennifer, Granby CT
  • Victoria McCullough
    Jun. 8, 2025
    Liam is an excellent trainer! He really helped tailor the lessons to help us better understand and respond to our reactive and sometimes aggressive dog. If you are stressed or frustrated around dog training, highly recommend Dog Training Elite!
  • Kaylene Graber
    Jun. 7, 2025
    Elijah did a wonderful job explaining all the steps in the process of training. He was thorough with what those steps look like he provided great examples of videos of the scent test and then he provided a real life example of the obedience training with his own dog Ash thank you for working with us and our family. We can’t wait to start training!
  • Dana Curtis
    Jun. 7, 2025
    I can’t say enough wonderful things about Dog Training Elite—and especially about Mia. From the very first session, Mia has brought so much heart, skill, and intentionality into training my dog, Ruthie, as a psychiatric service dog for my private practice. As a therapist and small business owner, this journey has been deeply meaningful to me, and Mia has been an incredible partner in the process. She approaches every session with patience, professionalism, and a deep understanding of the unique bond between handler and dog. Mia has helped me grow in confidence as a handler, and she’s supported Ruthie with such care and attunement—always meeting her where she’s at, while gently challenging her to grow. Thanks to Mia and the Dog Training Elite team, Ruthie and I are well on our way to becoming a working service dog team. I feel so supported, not just in the technical training, but in the emotional and relational side of this journey too. If you’re considering psychiatric service dog training—or any advanced training—Mia is someone you want by your side.
  • Michael Hook
    Mar. 14, 2025
    Working out well😎
  • Christina Bernard
    Dec. 17, 2024
    Badgers first training session was a game changer looking forward to working with Beth! Thank you! Week 8 and I am over the moon! When Badger and me started with Beth and Rene I was skeptical as my pup had spent 15 months 24/7 with me with very little contact with other humans and that being family only . He jumped, barked pulled had no direction! Ahh 8 weeks later I ask myself who is this gentle 80 pound pup who listens to all commands, come, sit, down , heal and place! I can walk with him and take him in the public! Thank you Beth and Rene! I am a senior citizen and a 80 pound pulling jumping dog is not fun. Thanks to you I enjoy Badger and others can to! I recommend you and your business to anyone with a dog! Thank you from Badger and Christina.
  • cbarbrun3
    Jun. 10, 2025
    I can't say enough good things about DGE, the trainers Renee and Beth and the incredible work they are doing with my dog, Rosti. From the very first session of behavior training up to her work on Therapy Service training it is clear that they have a genuine passion for helping dogs and their owners succeed.
  • Breanna Holtman
    Jun. 10, 2025
    They helped a lot with getting my dog oreo under control and listening to ky commands!
  • Lizbeth Fernandez
    Jan. 3, 2025
    We have a great time with Mia’s training! Dog Training Elite was the best decision for me and my dog, we have learned so much and it just keeps getting better!! Maria has been doing an amazing job with Mia. I know Malinois can be very high driven but you guys have give me the confidence to train my dog and I’m very proud of her!!
  • Todd Greene
    Jun. 10, 2025
    Love. 6 stars. Every single trainer has been on it. Jeff, McCall, & Dallin, A+.
  • Cameron Simmons
    Jun. 9, 2025
    Montana, Liam and the whole Elite team have been amazing!! Praline and I love working with them!
  • Theresa Matson
    Jun. 9, 2025
    Dog Training Elite was amazing with our 5-year-old Springer Spaniel, Finn! From the very beginning, he connected instantly with Marcy, which made the entire training experience even more effective and enjoyable. Honestly, Finn caught on quickly—it was us humans who needed the most guidance! Marcy was incredibly patient, kind, and full of knowledge. She not only helped Finn improve his behavior but also gave us the tools and confidence to continue reinforcing the training at home. We’re so grateful for her expertise and would highly recommend Dog Training Elite to anyone looking for a professional, compassionate trainer.
  • 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!
  • Claudia Rubio
    Jun. 9, 2025
    We’ve had a fantastic experience with Dog Training Elite West Houston. The team is professional, knowledgeable, and consistently reliable—always organized, punctual, and responsive to any questions we have. Our dog has shown major improvement in the behaviors we wanted to work on, and we’ve learned a lot about how to support her confidence and obedience. The training has helped both our dog and us grow together. We highly recommend this company and plan to keep working with them as we continue building our skills and helping our dog overcome her fears!
  • Molly Ellis
    Jun. 9, 2025
    Carrie was terrific— good w us and great w our dogs We learned a lot and so did the dogs— we highly recommend her
  • Nikki Wyman
    Apr. 28, 2025
    I have a smart, sneaky dog who has responded so well to training with DTE and private sessions with Dallin. My dog and I have better boundaries, behavior, and understanding now. It gives me priceless peace of mind.
  • Leida D
    Jun. 9, 2025
    They have the perfect program for my dog who is a pitti/german/mutt mix. They train you and your dog. My dog responded quickly and we saw changes in his behavior within 2 weeks.
  • AL C
    Jun. 8, 2025
    I was looking for training for my puppies! My girls were so energetic and jumpy. Very quickly DTE got my pups down and listening! Their pricing is worth every minute they spent training with them. The results are long lasting and guaranteed! Thanks Parker -
  • Ashlynne Kirkland
    Jun. 8, 2025
    Absolutely amazing!! The best dog trainers out there. Definitely money well spent. Parker was a pleasure to work with and he makes sure to pay special attention to detail and will leave you feeling confident in your ability to carry on what they teach. My Blaze went from temperamental to obedient and we have been closer than ever! He no longer gets snippy at people and listens well. I would 1000% recommend.
  • Darin Barber
    Jun. 8, 2025
    Dog Training Elite and Parker helped me take my dog from an anxious wreck to an obedient rockstar. I watched him grow in confidence every time he came to our house for a session. I would definitely recommend their dog training services!
  • Jennifer Moylan
    Jun. 8, 2025
    A positive experience from the first point of contact - responsive, courteous, professional. I rescued a NYC dog who had a lot of baggage, none of which is her fault, but I needed a very experienced trainer and my research found Jason and Dog Training Elite. Thankfully, they could come to me across the state. Pearl's training has been specific to her needs and our needs as owners. Jason teaches you how to set your dog up for success while adapting to your home and your lifestyle. It is not a one size fits all solution. In my case, Jason has taught me how to train Pearl, it is not just him working with Pearl - so I have become a more confident handler and a better leader for Pearl. We are BOTH happier thanks to our sessions. For Pearl, it is a marathon, not a sprint, and I'm grateful that I have Dog Training Elite on our side - I feel comfortable reaching out for guidance and advice outside of our sessions. I recommend them to anyone who wants to help their dog be the best they can be. Thank you, Jason & Team! Jennifer, Granby CT
  • Victoria McCullough
    Jun. 8, 2025
    Liam is an excellent trainer! He really helped tailor the lessons to help us better understand and respond to our reactive and sometimes aggressive dog. If you are stressed or frustrated around dog training, highly recommend Dog Training Elite!
  • Kaylene Graber
    Jun. 7, 2025
    Elijah did a wonderful job explaining all the steps in the process of training. He was thorough with what those steps look like he provided great examples of videos of the scent test and then he provided a real life example of the obedience training with his own dog Ash thank you for working with us and our family. We can’t wait to start training!
  • Dana Curtis
    Jun. 7, 2025
    I can’t say enough wonderful things about Dog Training Elite—and especially about Mia. From the very first session, Mia has brought so much heart, skill, and intentionality into training my dog, Ruthie, as a psychiatric service dog for my private practice. As a therapist and small business owner, this journey has been deeply meaningful to me, and Mia has been an incredible partner in the process. She approaches every session with patience, professionalism, and a deep understanding of the unique bond between handler and dog. Mia has helped me grow in confidence as a handler, and she’s supported Ruthie with such care and attunement—always meeting her where she’s at, while gently challenging her to grow. Thanks to Mia and the Dog Training Elite team, Ruthie and I are well on our way to becoming a working service dog team. I feel so supported, not just in the technical training, but in the emotional and relational side of this journey too. If you’re considering psychiatric service dog training—or any advanced training—Mia is someone you want by your side.