Much later from now, once Chico gets settled in and comfortable I'd love to do a little agility with him, but im not sure what a short legged chihuahua can do in agility. I was thinking maybe a low hoop, and serpintine? Any Ideas?

Basically,as far as I know, ANY breed can do agility, it's just on a different size scale for some. My dog can jump 5+ feet, but obviously a chihuahua couldn't do that. A good start for jumping would probably be something like having him walk/jump over a broom on the ground, while you give the "over, jump, w/e you're using, comand. Weave polls would be good for a chihuahua, all dogs do it no matter what the size. If you can get some weave polls, start by leading him through with a leash, and saying "weave" and they get a treat every time they go around a poll. Tip: In competitions, dogs have to start weave polls on their right side (so their left shoulder is facing the poll) So if you ever plan on getting into competitions, even if its just for fun, you might want to start that way.

Depending on where you live there is Teacup Dogs Agility Association which is specific to small dogs. But dogs of every size can and do compete in agility. There is also a Yahoo group that is just for Teacup dogs. Training for agility starts the day you bring your little one home in the form of obedience. Good Luck. I am an agility junkie

[mightymite]

I show and train Yorkies and Poodles. My old "boy" is 9 inches tall and has, along with various other titles, earned a Master Agility Championship from the American Kennel Club (AKC). He has also competed and earned titles in Teacup Agility, which the poster above discussed. Most of the major agility organizations have divisions for the smallest agility competitiors. Championship classes for a smalll dog like yours in AKC, North American Agility Council (NADAC), Canine Performance Events (CPE), Dog on Course NOrth America, and the Teacup Dog Agility Association (TDAA) - I believe - would all be at 8". That means all the jumps and tire jump are set to 8". Most of these organizations also have a preferred program that allows dogs to compete in a non-championship class with extra time and a lowered jump height of 4". I can tell you that the 8" jump height has not been a problem for us. The bigger challenge is that we do compete against dogs who are substantially bigger - like Corgies, small shelties and very large papillons. So it is more about placements than jump heights for us.

[lil mutt]

Teacup Dogs Agility Association can help you if you want to agility train your dog. Any size of dogs can compete in agility.

I have a bision /shitzue 7 months ands he just started agilkty class and he loves it. he is learning the tunnels , table , ramp and he is doing well. In my eyes, size doesnt matter ...

I have two chihuahuas (heights are about 8 inches and jump 8 inch) who have been doing agility for about 2.5 years. They like agility and actually quite competitive, trialing in elite/excellent levels. I think the problem is that it has been very difficult for us to find a good instructor who knows how to train small dogs as obviously they are very different from typical agility dogs like bordercollies.....

yeah that would be possible

[mightymite]

Wow! There's been a lot of resurection of old posts lately on this forum! Well, if there is a renewed interest in small dog agility, I am happy to help!