how to build outdoor obstacle course goats dogs

by Reina Fadel 6 min read

The fastest way to create a set of weave poles is to stick tall lengths of PVC pipe into the ground. It helps to ensure that there is enough space for your dog to run or walk through them. You can use orange traffic cones for this part of the obstacle course if you don’t like the idea of shoving pipes into your yard.

Full Answer

Can I DIY an obstacle course for my Dog?

Fortunately, you can DIY your own outdoor obstacle course at a fraction of the cost of most pre-assembled sets, and you can set it up almost anywhere. Here’s how to get started with an at-home obstacle course in your own backyard. The most critical and basic component of any agility obstacle course is your dog’s safety.

Is there such a thing as a DIY goat playground?

Funny how goats are a lot like toddlers. Projects like this DIY goat playground are just all a part of being a homesteader so it is only natural that a free obstacle course just for goats will be at the top of our list.

Do you have an exercise step in your barn for goats?

I have this old plastic exercise step in my barn that I put in for the goats a few years ago. My gals still fight over who will get to stand on that thing! One day I realized my goats needed a playground (a free DIY goat playground) to climb on, especially the kids.

Can I build my own agility course obstacles?

You can buy commercially manufactured obstacles if you like, but may owners have found it easier (not to mention cheaper) to just build a few obstacles themselves. To get you started, we’ll share nine great DIY agility course obstacles.

How do you make a dog obstacle 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.

How do I build a backyard obstacle course?

2:014:44DIY Backyard Obstacle Course | LIFE HACKS FOR KIDS - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow squeeze some hot glue on the edge of your stick. And then stick it inside your sponge. WhileMoreNow squeeze some hot glue on the edge of your stick. And then stick it inside your sponge. While that's drying blow up a balloon. To play hit the balloons back and forth with your bobbers.

Are obstacle courses good for dogs?

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

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 you set up a simple obstacle course?

0:372:28How to Set Up an Obstacle Course in Your Backyard - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPlace a wooden ladder flat on the ground participants run the length of the ladder as fast as theyMorePlace a wooden ladder flat on the ground participants run the length of the ladder as fast as they can by stepping between each of the rungs. Step 3 lay eight hula hoops in a row. And this segment.

How do you make a backyard Ninja course?

0:576:30How to Build a Ninja Warrior Obstacle Course! DIY - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd the first thing I want to do is dig the holes for your posts you want to make sure that theseMoreAnd the first thing I want to do is dig the holes for your posts you want to make sure that these are at least two and a half feet deep I secured mine with a 2x4 held them in place.

How do you make a dog tunnel?

0:265:56Rescue Rebuild DIY Projects | Making Tire Tunnels - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's best to get a tire with a rim size of at least 17 inches. We're also going to need a drill withMoreIt's best to get a tire with a rim size of at least 17 inches. We're also going to need a drill with a hole saw the size isn't really important but just something big enough to drain water.

How do you make a dog agility jump out of wood?

0:557:48How to make Agility jumps | DIY Dog Agility Course - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe do six jumps in a row for donut. Okay so the first two bars we're going to do is the ground barMoreWe do six jumps in a row for donut. Okay so the first two bars we're going to do is the ground bar and the jump bar. And they both need to be 47 inches. So we're going to make a mark.

Do dogs enjoy agility training?

The quick answer is that: Yes! Agility is very good for dogs. As long as you are teaching your dog patiently and with lots of rewards, he will benefit a lot from agility training.

Is Dog Agility cruel?

The quick answer is that no – dog agility is not cruel at all. Of course, training should only be done with positive reinforcement and the dog's natural ability and athleticism needs to be considered at every step of the training process. If agility training becomes too stressful for a dog, he can in fact “burn out”.

How do I make an agility frame for my dog?

Instruction Steps:Build the A-frame climbing wall. Use a table saw or circular saw to cut two 4′ x 8′ sheets of plywood down to 3′ x 8′. ... Add wooden rungs to the wall. Wooden rungs will aid your dog's traction as he climbs the A-frame. ... Paint the A-frame wall. ... Finish the A-frame wall.

How do you build an agility 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 to get your dog to understand obstacles?

As your pooch starts to get a hang of things and makes it through each obstacle simply following your verbal commands or hand gestures, change up the order of the obstacles. This will help him better understand that each obstacle has its own commands, rather than simply following the same path he learned on.

How to train a dog to jump through obstacles?

When first training your pup, you can simply hold the circle at the desired height while signaling your dog to jump through. All jumping obstacles need to be collapsible. You don't want your pup to get injured if he can't make it through.

What is the best way to teach a dog to jump?

Jumping Obstacles. Jumping is a great first activity to teach your dog if you're both new to obstacle training. And if you have a laundry basket and a curtain rod, you have all the tools you need to make short, beginner jumps for your buddy.

How to teach a dog to do tricks?

So many simple tricks are easy for you to teach on your own. Start your course with simple jumps, weave poles, and tunnels, and you'll both look like professionals in no time. There are a few things to consider before creating a dog obstacle course. First, make sure you have enough space for each trick you set up ...

How long should a dog tunnel be?

You can always start with shorter tunnels, no more than four or five feet in length, until he gets used to the idea of walking through it. If your dog has never practiced any agility training before with tunnels, he may be hesitant to try it. Just be encouraging.

Where to put treats in a dog tunnel?

You can also try placing treats at the front, middle and end of the tunnel to encourage your new athlete to go through. Again, with all other training, be consistent in your verbal commands to help your pup understand that you want him to go through the tunnel.

Can dogs run up and down ramps?

Some large plywood and cinder blocks can make a simple ramp for him to race up and down, but be certain that they are secure and will withstand your dog running up or down them without shifting to help keep him safe.

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

DIY dog obstacles

Let’s go out back and I’ll show you the four obstacles that I’m choosing to build.

DIY dog walk

So the first thing we’re gonna do is our dog walk and what I’ve got is enough pieces here cut out so that I can do two stands or two bases that give me a ramp up I’ll walk across in a ramp down I’ll get the planks later and show you how I put those on there.

Other dog agility equipment

Okay, there’s your two stands. I’ll add the planks in just a minute, but first I want to get to some of these other agility skills. Some of the other dog agility tools that you’re going to use, let’s get to the teeter-totter.

Agility course seesaw

All right set that aside, you don’t need that right now, let’s get an actual 14-inch piece in there, and then we’ll actually have a rectangle and not some kind of a weird goofy piece that we can’t do anything with okay.

We are building a DIY backyard agility course

This is just kind of a backyard agility course. The 12-inch piece we’re going to cut this in half and I’m gonna screw this to the bottom of the plank, and then it will kind of a slap in place here.

Dog course tire jump

The next part of our course. Next, we’re gonna build, maybe the most easily recognized of all the agility obstacles, and that is the tire jump.

The dog course weave

Let’s get to our last obstacle. That’s the weave – all right now for the last of our agility obstacles. We’re gonna build the weave course or the weave poles, and to do that, you can make this as long and add as many weave poles as you want.

Why do goats have playgrounds?

The little goat kids LOVE this DIY goat playground and the mothers are happy to get a break from nursing. Having a playground is not essential but it is amazingly helpful when training young goats to behave better. The playground helps them learn how to socialize with not only the other kids but with the other moms too.

Can goat spools get holes?

Please be aware that most spools do have holes on either end that are just large enough for a goat’s hoof to get caught in. This is easily fixed, however, by simply screwing on a scrap piece of wood just large enough to cover the holes. We are not looking for pretty here, just keeping the goats and their kids safe.

Can goats jump on spools?

This not only helped make the playground easy to access for my young kids but the adults as well. The smaller spool is perfect for the younger goats to use as a sort of step stool so they can more easily jump up onto the bigger spools.

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 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.

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 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.

What Are the Benefits of A Pet Obstacle Course?

It’s a well-known fact that many cats and dogs do not get the enrichment they need in their everyday lives. Whether they do not have free access outside through a pet door or are bored of their typical games, it’s easy for your pet to become bored. This can lead to destructive behavior like constant urination or furniture scratching.

Jumping Through Hoops

This is one of the most famous moves on a dog obstacle course, and all you will need for it is a hula hoop. To begin, have your cat or dog get used to walking through the hoop when it is help to the ground (you may need a few treats or toys to motivate them the first few times).

Zig-Zags

This is one of the most famous obstacles for dog agility courses out there, and for good reason. It pushes your dog to weave as quickly as they can between a set of poles lined up in the ground without knocking any of them over. You don’t even need any fancy poles from a dog agility kit for this course.

Jumping Over Bars

Every dog and cat likes to jump, so we have confidence that this will be a great cheap small obstacle for your at-home Olympics. All you need is a bar for your pet to jump over, like a cane or a PCV pipe. Hold it out and encourage your dog or cat to leap over it. Raise the bar higher after every jump, pushing your dog and cat to leap higher.

Army Crawl

Have your dog and cat crawl under a low table in order to retrieve a toy or treat. All you need for this game is any type of low furniture that your pet can comfortably crawl under, like a coffee table or a patio table.

Sprints

Finally, you can always have your dog or cat spring from one side of the course to the other as fast as they can. This is especially great for hyperactive dog breeds, like hunting dogs, who have more energy to burn off.

Mia Daniele

Pets: I have a fluffy, 14 year old chow-collie mix with red fur named Rosso. He's very stubborn and has the standoffish personality of a cat.

1. DIY Tire Tunnel by PetDIYs

Want to give your dog a good time with some old tires you have just lying around? The DIY Tire Tunnel from Pet DIYs is an easy way to re-purpose those old tires into a great tunnel obstacle for your dog to play with. It’s a simple project that requires very little skill, so anyone can successfully take this project on.

2. Easy to Make Play Equipment for Dogs by The Nest

If you want to make several low-cost playground obstacles for a dog to play with, then the easy to make play equipment for dogs on The Nest is a great place to start. From sandboxes to DIY tug-of-war toys, they have several great toys that are easy to make and fun for your dog and even you.

3. Dog Playground in 5 Hours by Hometalk

This dog playground by Hometalk is an easy to build obstacle that has many different uses for a dog. From running up and jumping over, to barreling through the tire tunnel in the center, it’s a very useful and creative piece of equipment. It’s crafted completely from old scrap that’s lying around.

4. Build Your Own Agility Jumps from Gone to the Snow Dogs

You can easily build these DIY agility jumps from some PVC pipe, a few connectors, and a pair of Jump Cup Strips. They’re very easy and quick to build but they offer excellent function. You can adjust the height of the pole all the way up to 26 inches, which is great for agility training.

5. Dog Agility Equipment DIY by Dogsaholic

These puppy playground pieces are agility-oriented to help your dog stay in great shape physically and mentally. From several types of tunnels to weave poles and more, you’ll learn how to build a dog playground and obstacle course pieces. They’re all easy to make using low-cost materials that you probably already have laying around.

6. DIY Dog Agility A-Frame by Instructables

This DIY Dog Agility A-Frame is a great piece of playground equipment that dogs love. More than that, it’s also great exercise for them that expends energy and helps them stay strong and swift. It’s a simple device to build out of wood you can purchase inexpensively at any home-improvement store.

7. How to Build a Dog Agility Course by WikiHow

How to Build a Dog Agility Course will take you through all of the steps to creating a backyard agility playground for your dogs. You’ll learn about planning it out, deciding on different types of obstacles for your dogs to play with, and how to build a dog playground and include each different type of obstacle.

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Jumping Obstacles

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Jumping is a great first activity to teach your dog if you're both new to obstacle training. And if you have a laundry basket and a curtain rod, you have all the tools you need to make short, beginner jumps for your buddy. Any extra PVC pipes or cups left over from a plumbing project? These make for a perfect DIY dog obstacl…
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Weaving Obstacles

  • Do you have small orange cones from when your children played soccer? These would make a perfect weaving course for your dog obstacle course. Set the cones up the way you'd arrange them for a pickup football or soccer game. Have you ever used poles that look like candy canes to decorate your home for the holidays? If so, perfect! Though he's obviously taller than the cones, …
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Tunnel Obstacles

  • There are many options for creating a tunnel with household items. Do your children have play tunnels they've since outgrown? These lightweight collapsible corridors are perfect for dog training. Plus, when you aren't using them they can be stored easily and take up very little room. Dogs who are completely new to tunnel training could find the same enjoyment in a cardboard b…
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Ramps

  • Ramps can be another fun addition to your dog obstacle course. Some large plywood and cinder blocks can make a simple ramp for him to race up and down, but be certain that they are secure and will withstand your dog running up or down them without shifting to help keep him safe.
See more on hillspet.com

Change Things Up

  • As your pooch starts to get a hang of things and makes it through each obstacle simply following your verbal commands or hand gestures, change up the order of the obstacles. This will help him better understand that each obstacle has its own commands, rather than simply following the same path he learned on. Want to make things a little more fun? A...
See more on hillspet.com