how to build an obstacle course for your dog

How to Make Your Own Dog Obstacle Course

• Jumping Obstacles. Jumping is a great first activity to teach your dog if you're both new to obstacle training. ...
• Weaving Obstacles. Do you have small orange cones from when your children played soccer? ...
• Tunnel Obstacles. There are many options for creating a tunnel with household items. ...
• Ramps. ...
• Change Things Up. ...

Full Answer

How to train your dog to run an obstacle 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.

More items...

How to build a backyard obstacle course for your dog?

Weave Poles

• Cut the PVC pipe into pieces 36” long. You’ll need 6 pieces.
• Layout the poles in a straight line and mark off every 24”. Most governing competition bodies use 24” as the standard spacing.
• Insert them into the ground with a mallet or hammer.

How to find the best obstacle course?

• You might find that a planned location for an obstacle doesn't work well. Don't be afraid to make changes.
• Try doing the obstacle course yourself once you've built it to evaluate how well it works.
• Once you've built and tested your course it's time to open it up to others.

How to make dog agility obstacles?

Other Featured Obstacles

• Pipe Tunnel. There should be at least 1 pipe tunnel included in an agility course for canines. ...
• Weave Poles. Weave poles are arguably one of the toughest dog agility course obstacle selections to teach a dog. ...
• Table or Pause Box. This obstacle is fairly self-explanatory. ...
• Tire Jump. Tire jumps are often called hoops. ...
• Winged Hurdles. ...

How do I train my dog for an obstacle course?

Put your dog on a leash, and give a command specific to the obstacle, such as "A-frame." Move quickly as you approach the obstacle, and lead the dog over it. You may need to use some extra special treats the first few times to coax your dog onto these obstacles.

How do you build dog agility obstacles?

9:4720:14DIY Agility Obstacles for Under $100 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPiece. You want eight pieces cut at 12 inches. You want six of these little tea couplers or teaMorePiece. You want eight pieces cut at 12 inches. You want six of these little tea couplers or tea joints. We want six well we want five pieces cut at five inches long and then you want two pieces.

Do dogs like obstacle course?

Backyard obstacle courses are a great way to build trust with your dog, provide exercise, and prevent boredom.

How do I build a backyard obstacle course?

0:242:13DIY Dollar Store Backyard Obstacle Course - HGTV Handmade - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipCourse you're going to need a few solar garden lights a couple of pole noodles. And duct tape thisMoreCourse you're going to need a few solar garden lights a couple of pole noodles. And duct tape this way we'll be able to make a tunnel for your little one to army crawl through.

How do you make a homemade dog tunnel?

Homemade Collapsed Agility TunnelOpen up one pop-up laundry hamper. Using the scissors, cut out the bottom circle, ensuring there are no sharp edges. ... Thread the needle with the heavy-duty thread. ... Secure the tunnel to your lawn in the desired position by placing fabric stakes through the hampers and into the ground.

How can I make my dog athletic?

Exercise and conditioning are important for all dogs, but especially so for canine athletes. Walking, running, stretching, and trick training are all ways to keep your dog well-conditioned. The AKC Fit Dog program is an excellent motivator to help keep you and your pup in shape.

Is a ramp or stairs better for small dogs?

Pet stairs are compact and suitable for dogs that are still able to bounce from step to step. Ramps on the other hand are incredibly sturdy, easy to manoeuvre and suited to dogs of all different sizes and agility levels. For this reason, ramps remain a popular choice for many dog owners.

How do you start a 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.

What is an obstacle course for dogs?

Setting up an obstacle course for your dog provides exercise, enjoyment, mental stimulation, and agility practice all in one. As an added bonus, completing a series of activities gives your dog -- and you -- a feeling of achievement. Obstacle course “kits” available for purchase can get expensive. Fortunately, you can DIY your own outdoor obstacle ...

How to keep dogs safe on agility course?

Keeping Your Dog Safe on the Obstacle Course. The most critical and basic component of any agility obstacle course is your dog’s safety. Don’t try to challenge your dog beyond their ability -- start with small jumps and simple obstacles to build your dog’s confidence and prevent accidents. Don’t build an obstacle course without taking your dog’s ...

How to get a dog to stop being claustrophobic?

If your dog gets claustrophobic by even the shortest of tunnels, try more of a simple hoop like an old tire or hula-hoop to hold upright and try to coax your dog through .

How tall should a dog jump?

For example, if your dog is two feet tall from shoulder to paw (24 inches), start with a jump that’s about 3 inches off the ground and work up from there.

Can you use a dog tunnel as a play tunnel?

You can use children’s play tunnels as doggie tunnels, too, as long as they are the right size and adequately stabilized. Long tunnels aren’t the way to go with a beginner’s DIY obstacle course for your pup-- play tunnels of 2 feet long or less are a good place to start.

Can you leave an obstacle course open to dogs?

All elements should be breathable, lightweight, and collapsible. Don’t leave your obstacle course accessible to your dog during times that it’s not in use. Your dog should be supervised whenever they are playing on the course. Anything that would rust or decay should be picked up and put away safely between training sessions.

Can you build an obstacle course without a dog?

Don’t build an obstacle course without taking your dog’s height, weight, length, and physical fitness into consideration first. Don’t include anything in your obstacle course that has a sharp edge, is unstable, is old or broken, or poses a suffocation risk. All elements should be breathable, lightweight, and collapsible.

1. 9 DIY Dog Agility Courses Homemade Agility Obstacles For

from 9 DIY Dog Agility Courses Homemade Agility Obstacles For. Source Image: www.k9ofmine.com. Visit this site for details: www.k9ofmine.com

2. Expert Dog Obstacle Course

Best DIY Dog Obstacle Course from Expert Dog Obstacle Course. Source Image: www.gtwulf.com. Visit this site for details: www.gtwulf.com

3. Dog Agility Equipment Design Project

Best DIY Dog Obstacle Course from Dog Agility Equipment Design Project. Source Image: davidthomo.wordpress.com. Visit this site for details: davidthomo.wordpress.com

4. How to Create a DIY Obstacle Course for Your Dog

Best DIY Dog Obstacle Course from How to Create a DIY Obstacle Course for Your Dog. Source Image: www.greenfieldpuppies.com. Visit this site for details: www.greenfieldpuppies.com

5. 1000 images about Agility course DIY on Pinterest

Best DIY Dog Obstacle Course from 1000 images about Agility course DIY on Pinterest. Source Image: www.pinterest.com. Visit this site for details: www.pinterest.com

6. How To DIY Agility Dog Walk

Best DIY Dog Obstacle Course from How To DIY Agility Dog Walk. Source Image: www.youtube.com. Visit this site for details: www.youtube.com

7. Easy 3 minute DIY Indoor Dog Obstacle Course

Best DIY Dog Obstacle Course from Easy 3 minute DIY Indoor Dog Obstacle Course. Source Image: www.pinterest.co.uk. Visit this site for details: www.pinterest.co.uk

What is the best obstacle to train a dog?

4. Zig zag. The zig zag obstacle is an excellent training exercise for dogs.

How to make a dog run between two chairs?

All it takes is a few dining chairs and a large blanket. Line up two rows of chairs back-to-back. Leave enough space in the middle of the rows for your dog to safely run between.

How to train a dog to zig zag?

Set up a row of small obstacles on the ground, like boxes, chairs, or even shoes. The goal is to get your dog to zig zag through the obstacles all the way down the line. This one is best taught using the “follow the leader” technique.

How to get a dog to jump on a stool?

Remember to have a tasty reward at the other end. 2. Hurdles. Grab a small foot stool for your dog to leap. Bigger dogs should be capable of clearing the foot stool no problem, but smaller breeds should be more cautious. Teach them to jump onto the stool and then down the other side. 3. Army crawl.

Can dogs run stairs?

Having him run the stairs a few times will get his blood pumping and intensify the obstacle course. This works best on carpeted stairs. Smooth materials can be slippery, and you want to make sure that your dog doesn’t get injured while playing.

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.

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 the Animal College Behavior Blog?

The Animal College Behavior Blog provides tips for making a few agility obstacles that are very easy to create. Specifically, it provides plans for constructing jumps and ladders. However, this blog recommends buying tunnels, rather than making them yourself, as commercial models typically last longer.

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.

Can mixed breed dogs compete in agility?

Additionally, mixed breed dogs with a suitable build and temperament can also excel at agility trials. However, this may limit the number of organizations who’ll allow your dog to compete, as some are only open to registered dogs of a few given breeds. As you can see, agility obstacles are pretty easy to build, and they’re great fun for many dogs. ...

Can you build agility obstacles?

As you can see, agility obstacles are pretty easy to build, and they’re great fun for many dogs. And while there are commercially manufactured obstacles available, you can just build your own. This will not only save you a bit of money, but it’ll also allow you to customize the obstacles to suit your pup.

How to make a dog board?

Use two weights to slow the descent of the board when a dog is on it. To make them, fill 12-inch lengths of pipes with gravel and cap both ends. Attach the weights as close to the end of the entry side as you can without raising the board off the ground. Secure the weights with metal strapping and 3/4-inch sheet-metal screws.

Why do dogs use jump bars?

Photo by Wendell T. Webber. This jump bar helps Fido build up his hindquarters and develop a better sense of boundaries. It also helps breeds that are prone to hip problems (such as Labs and German shepherds) improve strength and agility.

How to make a long line on a golf course?

Attach the tee-pipe pairs to create one long line. Insert a 12-inch pipe into the tees on either end of the run and fit each with an elbow, a 24-inch pipe, and an end cap. Insert a 40-inch pipe fitted with an end cap into each of the six tees.

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 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 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.

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.

Can you use tire jumps in a dog walk?

Community Answer. Yes, a tire jump is used in competition as well as a bar jump, broad/long jump, dog walk, a-frame, tunnel, chute tunnel, teeter totter/see saw, and triple jump. Keep in mind competition grade equipment is a different quality than the equipment most people use for practice. Thanks!

Can dogs use tunnels?

Tunnels can easily be improvised using children's play tunnels, and can be used as an indoor our outdoor training obstacle. If you are training for competition, your dog will need to know how to navigate a pipe tunnel, which is usually straight, and a collapsible tunnel, which may have a curve.

How to train a dog to run an obstacle course?

Throughout training your pup to run an obstacle course, you will need to teach him simple commands such as 'up', 'through', 'weave', and 'round'. Take your pick, but be sure to use a single command for each activity. Mixing up the commands or using different ones each time will only confuse your pup and make the training go that much harder.

How many obstacles do dogs have to run in a competition?

In competition, dogs are expected to navigate between 18 and 20 obstacles with the one who does so the fastest declared the winner. The dogs and their human friend get ...

How to get a dog to use a weave pole?

Set up two rows of weave poles parallel in your backyard. Have your pup sit at one end of the channel between the poles. Holding the treat out in front of you, walk backward away from your pup through the channel. Give him the 'weave' command as you do so to get him used to hearing it.

How to train a dog to sit in a tunnel?

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. Step. 2. Have a seat. Have your pup sit at one end of the tunnel and give him time to get used to it.

How to teach a puppy to jump on a bar?

6. Moving on up. Once your pup is jumping the bar at the lowest setting easily, start moving the bar up one notch at a time, until your pup is jumping at the recommended height for his breed and will do so with you running beside him, giving him the command.

What happens when a dog jumps over obstacles?

During the obstacle course, your pup will be jumping over some obstacles, climbing up and over others, and running between slalom poles, all of which could lead to serious injury.

How to teach a dog to jump on a leash?

Find a spot in your yard with plenty of room on both sides of the jump and set the jump up with the bar set at the lowest height. Step. 2. Lead your dog. With your job on his leash, walk him up to the bar and give him time to get used to the jump. Step. 3.