Why Young Dogs Should Only Do Groundwork Until 12 Months Old
When training a young dog for agility, it’s essential to follow proper developmental guidelines to ensure their long-term health and performance. One of the most critical rules in agility training is that puppies and young dogs should only do groundwork and avoid jumping until they are at least 12 months old. This guideline exists for good reason—jumping too young can lead to serious physical consequences that may affect a dog’s agility career and overall well-being.
Understanding Canine Growth and Development
Dogs’ skeletal systems take time to mature, and their growth plates—the soft areas at the ends of long bones where growth occurs—remain open until they are fully developed. For most dogs, these plates don’t fully close until they are around 12 to 18 months old, depending on their breed and size.
Until the growth plates close, a dog’s bones are still forming, and excessive impact—like repeated jumping—can cause significant damage. Injuries to these areas can result in lifelong mobility issues, joint problems, and an increased risk of arthritis.
The Dangers of Jumping Too Young
Joint and Bone Damage – The high-impact force of landing from jumps can damage young joints and bones, leading to issues such as early-onset arthritis or developmental abnormalities.
Growth Plate Injuries – If a young dog injures a growth plate, it can cause uneven bone growth, leading to deformities and long-term pain.
Muscle and Tendon Strain – Young dogs are still developing muscle strength and coordination. Asking them to jump too early can cause muscle strain or ligament injuries.
Creating Bad Jumping Habits – If a dog starts jumping before they have the strength and coordination to do so correctly, they may develop poor jumping techniques that can be difficult to fix later.
What to Focus on Instead
While young dogs should avoid jumping, there are many foundational skills they can work on to prepare for agility:
Flatwork and Handling – Teaching dogs to follow handling cues, turns, and body language without obstacles.
Body Awareness Exercises – Teaching dogs to use their bodies efficiently through balance exercises, such as wobble boards, cavaletti poles, and rear-end awareness games.
Tunnel and Weave Introduction – Working on low-impact obstacles that build confidence and responsiveness.
Startline Stays and Recalls – Developing impulse control, focus, and motivation for when they are ready to run full courses.
Nose Touch – Teaching a solid nose touch to a target, which is useful for contact training and impulse control.
2 on 2 off Behaviour – Beginning foundation training for contact behaviour using a low perch or block to introduce the position without impact.
When to Start Jumping
Most dogs can begin very low jump work (such as ground bars or very low grids) around 10-12 months old, depending on their breed and size. Full-height jumps should only be introduced once a dog’s growth plates have closed, which can be confirmed by a vet if there are concerns.
By following this careful progression, you set your dog up for a long, healthy, and successful agility career. Taking the time to build strong foundations without rushing into jumping ensures that when they are ready, they can perform safely and effectively for years to come.