how to build an agility course for a dog

Backyard Fun: How to Create Your Own Dog Agility Course

• 1. Find a large, open space where you can set up your course. Your fenced backyard, or another enclosed area, is a great place to start.
• 2. Start by creating some weave poles. ...
• 3. Build a simple jump. ...
• 4. Build a tire jump. ...
• 5. Make a tunnel. ...
• 6. Build a teeter-totter. ...

Full Answer

How to train your dog to run an agility course?

The Tunnel Method

1. Using a flexible and expandable tunnel (buy one that has solid ends and a soft tube), create a short tunnel for the first stages of training.
2. Have your pup sit at one end of the tunnel and give him time to get used to it.
3. Toss a treat through the tunnel so that your pup can see where it lands.

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How to get started in dog agility training?

To be eligible to compete in Agility, your dog must be:

• 15 months of age or older.
• Registered with the American Kennel Club or listed with the AKC Indefinite Listing Privilege (ILP) program, which allows unregistered dogs of registerable breeds to compete in AKC Performance and Companion ...
• Spayed or neutered dogs are eligible to compete.
• In sound health and up-to-date on vaccinations.

How can you become a dog agility trainer?

• Learn as much as you can about training dogs and get experience of working with different dogs.
• Learn as much as you can about teaching people, planning classes, presentation and communication.
• Work with experienced instructors, if possible, as an assistant and later as an instructor with their support/guidance.
• Become a fully-fledged Instructor!

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How do you train a dog for agility?

The Basic Obedience Method

1. To run an agility course, the dog must master basic obedience commands such as "Sit", "Down", "Come", and "Stay."
2. Hold a treat in front of the dog's nose. Raise the treat in an arc over and behind the dog's head. ...
3. With the dog in a sit, take a step away. ...
4. With the dog sitting, hold a treat in front of his nose. ...

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How do you make a dog agility course?

0:565:32How To: DIY Agility Dog Walk | TheDogBlog - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou're going to need eight pieces of PVC. Cut at 15 centimeters you're going to need four elbowMoreYou're going to need eight pieces of PVC. Cut at 15 centimeters you're going to need four elbow joints. And eight t pieces. Okay. So what you're going to do first is grab two T pieces.

What age should dogs start agility?

The Bottom Line. You can start agility flatwork and tunnel training with a puppy as young as 8 weeks old. However, until your dog can complete a full course he should be at least 12-18 months of age. Agility is a high-impact sport.

What obstacles are in a dog agility course?

Courses typically have between 14-20 obstacles, which can include tunnels, weave poles, tire jumps, seesaws, and pause tables where the dog must stop for a set amount of time. At each trial you and your dog will race around the unique courses designed for that day.

How do I start my dog agility at home?

2:178:08Teach basic agility to your dog at home - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo what you want to do is you want to put the books. And the stick that you're going to select onMoreSo what you want to do is you want to put the books. And the stick that you're going to select on the ground. And ask your dog to sniff. It. So so they are kind of familiar with it Harvey.

How high should my dog jump in agility?

How high do dogs jump in agility? The most common question of dog owners starting out in agility is how high their dog will be jumping. The quick answer is: roughly as high as their shoulder height.

Do dogs enjoy agility?

“The dogs just love it; most of them have what can only be described as huge grins on their faces the whole time they're moving through a course,” he says. “Agility presents them with a challenge—how quickly and how well they can do the equipment—and the whole time they're looking to you for instruction.

How long does it take to train a dog in agility?

1-2 yearsHow long does it take to train a dog? Generally, attending class with an adult dog, over 1 year of age, with no behavior issues and who understands how to use their body will take 1-2 years. 1 year with an experienced handler or 2 years with an inexperienced handler.

How far apart should dog agility poles be?

The minimum number of poles should be five and the maximum number 12. They should be in a continuous line, as straight as possible and should be 60 cm apart between the poles.

What equipment is used in dog agility?

Agility Equipment for Dogs. The common pieces of agility gear are jumps, weave courses, and tunnels. You can go all-out and use every piece of competition equipment or stick to a few basics.

What commands are used in agility?

In other words, you need to “steer” the dog through the course with verbal commands, such as come, out, turn, go on, left and right and, most of all, with your body language. If you “point” your shoulders and feet in the direction you want the dog to travel, you will be giving clear body-language directions.

What exercises improve agility?

Ladder Drills. Using an agility ladder, select a method of moving through the ladder. ... Hurdle Drills. Using either 6- or 12-inch hurdles (these can be cones, yoga blocks or whatever you have on hand), set five to 10 hurdles up in a row, parallel to each other. ... Agility Balls. ... Balloon Drills. ... Cone Drills. ... Medicine Ball Drills.

Can mutts compete in agility?

For example, mutts may participate in agility, obedience and rally competitions, however, they will be in a separate class and not allowed to compete head to head against purebred dogs.

What age can dogs start jumping?

Is it OK for Puppies to Jump? While excitable puppies will naturally jump up and down, puppies shouldn't be expected to jump competitively until they reach around 15 months old.

What age should a dog be to start training?

about 8 weeksTraining a puppy starts as soon as you bring them home, which is typically about 8 weeks of age. At this young age, they can learn basic puppy training cues such as sit, stay, and come.

Can neutered dogs compete in agility?

Can neutered dogs compete in agility? Yes, neutered dogs can compete in agility. In fact, in AKC agility it is a requirement that non-purebred dogs are neutered or spayed in order to enter an event.

Can small dogs do agility?

Toy dogs that enjoy running, are curious, enjoy learning new things and spending time with their family are guaranteed to take great joy in agility training. Such active small dog breeds include, for instance, Toy Poodles, Shetland Sheepdogs, Parson Russell Terriers, Wire Hair or Smooth Fox Terriers.

How to teach a dog to walk on a course?

Once you have introduced the course to your dog, take them on a walkthrough so that they can start to understand each obstacle. Help guide them up and down contact obstacles and over jumps. Use vocal commands, treats, and gentle touch to help guide your dog through the course the first time.

How to build a dog agility course?

To build a dog agility course, start by finding a level, wide-open space for your course. Then, remove any obstructions that could hurt your dog, like sticks or rocks. Next, lay down a contact obstacle, such as an A-frame or seesaw, which you can buy or make yourself.

How to train a dog to be a dog trainer?

Before you ever start training, let your dog explore the course. Unleash them in the area of the course and allow them to sniff around and familiarize themselves with the equipment. Familiarizing early on helps your dog feel more comfortable on the course when training.

What to look for when purchasing agility training equipment?

If you are considering purchasing equipment, look for agility training kits that allow you to bundle obstacles. The right package could help save money when compared to buying pieces individually.

Why is agility training important for dogs?

Agility training can help satisfy your dog’s natural instincts and allows them to release built-up energy, all while helping to bring you and your pet closer together.

What are contact obstacles?

Contact obstacles typically include A-frames and see-saws. A-frames have your dog run up one side and immediately down the other of a wooden, A-shaped obstacle. It is generally easier and safer for your pet to purchase a ready-built contact obstacles, but you can make your own A-frame from wood or aluminum.

How to help a dog with agility?

You can use all kinds of things around the house to help your dog improve its agility. I've used broomsticks, plumbing, squeegees, ramps, and even plungers. Just be sure to familiarize the dog with the equipment and show them what you want them to do.

Why Build Your Dog an Agility Course?

Taking the time to do agility training with your pet is an excellent way for both you and your dog to get exercise, as well as bond together.

Are Agility Classes Right for Your Dog?

Not every dog is built for agility training. Even with practice, some dogs may prefer going on a walk or lying on the couch to following your commands. And that’s okay! You have to do what’s best for both you and your pet in the long run.

How many obstacles are there in agility?

A dog agility course is where these competitions take place and typically consist of 14 to 20 obstacles. The obstacles are used to train, or just as a means to exercise ...

What is the simplest obstacle to build?

The bar jump is probably one of the simplest obstacles to build. Depending on the size of your dog and whether or not you intend to train them for competition, you’ll have to follow the AKC’s height standards for the jumps.

What are some obstacles that dogs go through?

Weave Poles. One of the most impressive obstacles to watch dogs go through is probably the weave poles. They’re also one of the most challenging to learn, so having a set at home is almost a necessity. Luckily, they’re easy to put together!

What is the purpose of obstacles in agility?

The obstacles are used to train, or just as a means to exercise and bond with your dog. If you’re looking to compete in agility, know that it’s going to take a lot of patience and dedicated training from both you and your pooch.

How tall is a dog's base?

All you need is a 36-inch square of wood with a non-slip surface that’s 3-in ches in height. You can always use wood glue and stack a few layers of plywood together to get the proper height. Once you have that, determine the height class your dog is in and build a solid base that is proportional to their height.

Why Build Your Dog an Agility Course?

Dog agility courses can be incredibly beneficial for many dogs. Some of the most notable benefits they provide include:

How to play with your dog in your backyard?

As a fun way of playing with your dog in your backyard. If you choose to go this route, you can make whatever obstacles you like, set them up however you want, and teach your dog to complete them any way you wish. Just keep your dog’s safety in mind and go have a blast. In organized agility trials.

What is agility training?

Agility courses provide dogs and their owners with a fun and healthy way to bond while getting some exercise. You can even sign your dog up to compete in organized activities, called agility trials, if you’d like! If you want to start teaching your dog to do agility work, you’ll need a few obstacles. You can buy commercially manufactured obstacles ...

How to keep a dog from boredom?

Learning to negotiate obstacles while following you around an agility course will help keep your dog’s brain humming. This will help prevent boredom, provide a number of emotional benefits, and generally help keep your dog healthier and happier.

What is a dog tunnel?

Tunnel – A flexible tunnel your dog must run through. Collapsed Tunnel – A collapsed tunnel is like a normal tunnel, except that the frame is removed from the far end. So, your dog will have to run in the open side of the tunnel and then push her way through the opposite side which is caved in.

What is an A frame?

A-Frame – This is exactly what it sounds like – an A-shaped ramp which requires your dog to run up one side and down the other.

Why do they use PVC pipes?

They rely heavily on PVC pipes for the construction, which helps keep the project simple and reduce the number of tools you’ll need.

Tunnel

You can use a premade dog tunnel for the tunnel, which you can buy at any pet store. If you want to make your own, you can grab yourself some corrugated tin tubes.

Weave Poles

For your weave poles, there are many DIY options. You can use anything like poles you have lying around, wooden sticks, or even tall pegs or stakes. The most obvious and best option would be PVC again. PVC is plastic, so it is sturdy and is light.

Standard Dog Jump

Finally, it is time to make your jump! To make your jump, you will need:

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What is a hurdle for dogs?

A hurdle is simply the obstacles where your dog will jump over a horizontal pole of some sort. These can again be made out of whatever you need to make an effective hurdle but we found success in creating a PVC structure about jump height for our dogs. Just make two “T”s and place a PVC pole in between them to where it stands on its own. These should be just about chest height for your dog for quick hurdling.

What is the most complicated obstacle on our list?

A see-saw is a ramp that the dog will run up and then it will teeter to the other direction where your dog can then go down the ramp. If you own a teeter-totter this is a similar idea but should easily run across by your dog.

How to make sure your dog won't slip on the agility board?

The final step which is optional is to make sure your board has either grip tape or paint to ensure your dog won't slip as they run the obstacle. Now you should have every part to your dog agility course and the only thing left to do is set up the obstacles and start practicing. One thing to make sure is that all of your obstacles are safe ...

What is a tire jump?

A tire jump can be whatever you need it to be if you want to use a real tire we recommend a bike tire as they are approximately the right size similar to the background of the photo above. There are two methods for this obstacle the first being tying it to a tree branch to a rope and the other making one.

How much is a collapsible tunnel?

A collapsible tunnel is a common children's toy that is near identical to a dog agility course and can be found for around $20 at a local store. Some people would like to avoid this however so an alternative would be a long cardboard box big enough for your dog to crawl through but small enough to be an obstacle still.

What is a dog walk?

The dog walk is the structure that can either be two ramps put together, two ramps with a flat walking area on the top, or simply one flat walking platform similar to a wide balance beam. These are made for your dog to quickly run the dog walk while keeping their balance.

Can you make a dog agility course at home?

DIY Dog Agility Course That You Can Make At Home! Dog Agility training is an amazing sport that is great for the dogs mental and physical health no matter the difficulty of the course. This is why it is gaining popularity once more as an effective tool to train dogs to listen while also getting their energy out.

1. DIY Dog Agility Course, From This Old House

Using PVC pipes, This Old House provides detailed DIY dog agility course plans with helpful pictures to make three key obstacles for your backyard dog agility course. You’ll be able to make an agility jump, weave poles, and a teeter totter. These plans result in sturdy, durable builds.

2. Dog Agility Course at Home, by Natural Dog Owner

You’ll be able to set up your DIY dog agility course using the suggestions and plans supplied by Natural Dog Owner. Every obstacle you’ll need for a complete course is covered in this article.

3. Clean and Dirty Jumps, by Helix Fairweather

Learn how to build dog agility equipment with hurdles with a few simple materials. Helix Fairweather has straightforward plans, including a clever way to use office supply clips as a crossbar hold. You can jump for joy too, because it’s easy on your budget and won’t take you long to construct.

4. Tire Jump, by Camp Bandy Pet Resort

If you want to challenge your dog with a brightly colored and exciting tire jump obstacle, these plans by Camp Bandy Pet Resort offer all the measurements and detailed instructions you’ll need. Also, you won’t need an old tire because a drainage pipe is used to make the ring.

5. DIY Dog Agility A-Frame, by Instructables

An A-Frame is a must-have for any dog agility course worth its weight in dog treats. With a certain amount of woodworking knowledge, you can save money by making your own contact obstacle. Instructibles provides step-by-step instructions, along with plenty of useful pictures.

6. Dog Agility Tunnel, by Cuteness

Every fun or competitive agility course needs a tunnel. It might be easier to purchase a child-size tunnel, but for money-saving purposes, you can DIY a bigger, wider tunnel. Cuteness provides clever plans for a serious tunnel.

7. DIY Agility Dog Walk, From The Dog Blog

If you prefer DIY plans in video form, The Dog Blog offers an excellent “how to build dog agility equpiment” video for making a cute yet sturdy dog walk. The video is easy to follow and full of helpful tips.

Can You Make Agility Equipment at Home?

Yes, you can, and we even have a full guide on beginner dog agility training as well to get you started.

How to make agility tunnels for dogs?

The more space your dog runs around in, the more confident they’ll become! The first and most popular way of making an agility tunnel is by using collapsable laundry hampers. The great thing about hampers is that they already come with built-in rings to help the tunnels keep their shape.

What is tunnel training?

Tunnels are some of the most common staples of agility trials and dog obstacle courses. However, you must always make sure you consider your dog’s size, dog’s height and activity level before you start. After all, it really is a full-body workout for both you and your pet!

How fast can a dog run through an agility tunnel?

Most agility courses have straight tunnels that go on for between 10 ft and 20 ft.

How to train a dog to go through a tunnel?

Curved, long tunnels are for experienced dogs only. Start your dog off on a small, straight tunnel if you’re building your own agility course . Ask for help.

How big is an agility tunnel?

Agility tunnels usually measure between 10 ft and 20 ft and are 24 inches in diameter. If you are starting your dog in agility training, you will need smaller tunnels, to begin with. The easier they can see the other side, the more confident they’ll be in tackling the tunnel.

How old do dogs have to be to join a dog club?

First of all, check the entry requirements of the club and make sure that your dog meets them. Most clubs will accept any dog over one year old, but some may ask for your pup to be a little older.