Originally published in “All Things Fox Terrier,” September/October Ed 2014
Edited for Fox Terrier Network 2025 by Deborah Angus

Most breeds of dogs require a considerable amount of attention. But those who have lived with and/or raised a Wire or Smooth Fox Terrier know the breed can bring an entire new level of energy and require seemingly more physical and mental stimulation than most. 

Agility training is recommended for high energy dogs and owners that can handle a high level of activity and is a highly interactive opportunity for both. It involves the handler navigating the dog through an obstacle-like course that may have tunnels, poles, jumps, weaves, wobble boards and even see-saws.

Can agility training help with added challenges usually exhibited by a rescued Smooth or Wire Fox Terriers? ABSOLUTELY! 

No matter what dog you have, mixed breed, pure bred, rescue or acquired from a breeder, agility training offers a number of benefits for you and your dog including improved behavior and overall happiness of your critter. Other benefits include:

• Building relationships between a dog and owner/handler
• Enhanced confidence in your dog providing feelings of ability and security
• Mental stimulation
• Reduced stress and frustration of the owner

But, most of all, it’s fun!

Relationship Building

Any type of training will strengthen the bond with your (new) best friend. This is especially important with rescues due to their dubious past. Some dogs may need positive experiences with humans and some may crave attention. What better way to do than spending time teaching them skills and having fun? 

The key is to make everything a game. The dog shouldn’t know the difference between learning and having fun. In fact, they will soon love the new game called “What can I do to get a treat?” 

Confidence Building

Playing with agility equipment builds the dog’s confidence in you and her environment. Dogs quickly learn that stepping on new surfaces is fun, wobble boards and teeters aren’t so bad and not to panic if they bang against tunnels, chutes and weave poles. These experiences are important for dogs that did not receive enough socialization and stimulation as puppies. It is a difficult task to overcome lack of socialization with adult dogs, but giving them positive experiences in a controlled environment can be a life changing event for your rescue, and agility training provides these benefits

Training is also a great tool in helping previously neglected dogs overcome real fears.  Returning to agility training consistently and using all the positive reinforcement tools in your kit, there is a real possibility an FT can find a sense of comfort, thus helping to surpass old anxieties. 

Good Job, Good Dog

A tired dog is a good dog. All breeds, especially Terriers, were bred to do a specific job for a living. Fox Terriers were bred to chase and kill things. When they are not allowed to chase, jump, tunnel and climb to burn off excess energy, they find other avenues to release their energy, avenues that may not be appreciated by their humans! 

Agility is a perfect game for the fun loving foxy who likes to chase his handler, jump, go through tunnels and climb. And, don’t forget, small dogs love to be up high and view the world from a different vantage point.

Agility is a Lot of Fun

What fun loving Terrier doesn’t like to run and chase? And, when they decide to do their own thing, they love to hear us laugh. In fact, many Terriers will up their antics in relation to the response they get from human spectators. This is a much better way to act out their clown tendencies rather than digging up the garden. The trick for handlers is to enjoy every minute you have with your dog and not take life too seriously. 

Very Impressive

In a sense, agility is trick training. Then again, isn’t almost all dog training trick training? You ask your dog to perform a behavior (trick) and they earn a treat. The basic obstacles in agility lend themselves to some pretty impressive tricks. If your Fox learns to jump through tire, he can learn to handle a hula hoop or even a tunnel. 

Try training your critter to the table command. Used to teach a dog to jump up to a raised platform (many times a critical skill in shows), it is also used to teach a dog table manners and keep them away from dinner tables when someone is seated or whenever. This skill will also impress your vet when you command the pup to “table” right onto the examination bed. 

If you really want to impress your friends, teach your dog to weave. It’s amazing that dogs can learn to enter on the left and complete all poles wherever a set is lined up.

Give agility training a try with your rescue dog. It will open up a whole new world for you and help to shape your dog into a companion that is well-mannered, well-adjusted and a joy to live with. Happy Training!

Photo, found on tralen.com/smooth-fox-terriers/, attributed to KC’s Snaps.