Maintaining a Dog's Motivation During an Agility Competition Agility competitions can be a great way to show off your dog's skills and have fun at the same time. But it can be difficult to keep your dog motivated during an agility competition. It's important to understand your dog's needs and to have a plan in place to keep them motivated throughout the competition. In this article, we'll discuss some of the best ways to maintain your dog's motivation during an agility competition. First and foremost, it's important to make sure your dog is well-rested and well-fed before the competition. If your dog is tired or hungry, they won't be as motivated to perform their best. Make sure your dog has plenty of time to rest and play before the competition, and make sure they have a balanced meal before they compete. Second, it's important to make sure your dog is comfortable with the agility equipment and course before the competition. Familiarizing them with the equipment and course ahead of time will help to ensure that they are comfortable and confident when it is time to compete. Take some time to practice on the course with your dog, and make sure they are familiar with the obstacles and the commands you will use during the competition. Third, it's important to make sure your dog is rewarded for their efforts during the competition. Positive reinforcement is a great way to keep your dog motivated, so make sure you give them plenty of praise and treats when they do something right. Reward them with a toy or treat after they complete an obstacle, and make sure to give them lots of hugs and kisses when they finish the course. Fourth, it's important to make sure you are calm and positive during the competition. Your dog will pick up on your energy, so make sure you remain calm and positive throughout the competition. If you are tense or frustrated, your dog will sense it and it may cause them to become less motivated. Finally, it's important to make sure your dog is having fun during the competition. Agility competitions are supposed to be fun, so make sure you are having fun too. Take some time to play with your dog during the competition, and make sure they are having a good time. By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your dog remains motivated throughout an agility competition. Make sure your dog is well-rested and well-fed before the competition, familiarize them with the equipment and course ahead of time, reward them for their efforts during the competition, remain calm and positive, and make sure they are having fun. By doing these things, you can help to ensure that your dog remains motivated and enjoys their time in the agility competition.