how to build your own dog agility course

Backyard Fun: How to Create Your Own Dog Agility Course

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 build 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.

How much space do you need for a dog agility course?

Their guidelines state that a competition-sized ring needs to have at least 5,000 square feet of usable space for Novice courses, 6,500 square feet for Open and 8,000 square feet for Masters. These however are minimum requirements. The ideal AKC ring size is 100 x 120 feet.

How do you make PVC dog agility equipment?

0:001:37PVC Dog Hurdle Jump - DIY Guide - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipCut for 12 inch sections to 35 inch sections and to 45 inch sections. Next dry fit the structure ofMoreCut for 12 inch sections to 35 inch sections and to 45 inch sections. Next dry fit the structure of the hurdle jump place the 12 inch sections in the 4 way to use facing opposite directions.

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 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 do you make a dog platform?

0:333:37How to Make a Custom Training Platform for Your Dog. - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clip4 1 by 3 8 foot white wood boards. For them cut into 34 inches. And for them cut into 36 inchesMore4 1 by 3 8 foot white wood boards. For them cut into 34 inches. And for them cut into 36 inches standard plywood cut into 2 3 feet by 3 feet sheets.

How do you make PVC pipes jump with agility?

1:367:48How to make Agility jumps | DIY Dog Agility Course - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOn both of them and then we're going to cut them this is our pvc pipe. All cutter let's see if itMoreOn both of them and then we're going to cut them this is our pvc pipe. All cutter let's see if it works. And chop and chop. And chop. Not perfectly straight but i'll probably get better nice job.

How do I make a dog agility teeter totter?

2:568:59How To: DIY Agility See-Saw | TheDogBlog - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou're going to need two pieces of PVC. Cut into 20 centimeter length. And last but not least fromMoreYou're going to need two pieces of PVC. Cut into 20 centimeter length. And last but not least from uprights you're going to need 2 PVC pieces. Cut into 35 centimeter length.

How do you make a PVC agility ladder?

0:262:01How to make an Agility Ladder - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd I I cut it off into 20 inch pieces. Then I drilled three holes in the PVC pipe at the very endMoreAnd I I cut it off into 20 inch pieces. Then I drilled three holes in the PVC pipe at the very end at the ends of the pieces that I cut off I drilled two holes for the rope.

What age should a dog start agility?

12-18 monthsThe 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.

Can you make money doing dog agility?

If you want to make any money from dog agility, you must be ready to invest in traveling, practicing, and training your dog. While dog agility competition comes with a prize, most people do it out of passion. At times, the effort, commitment, and money put into the training process might not match the prize money.

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 big is an agility ring?

Agility Ring Size proposal. Rule change from (Current Wording) To Test area shall have a suitable surface and measure a minimum of 32m x 32m for outdoor rings. Indoor rings are recommended to be 600 square meters but must be a minimum of 450 square metres with no one side measuring less than 15m.

How big is an obedience ring?

about 40 by 50 feetChapter 1, Section 32 of the Obedience Regulations outlines RING CONDITIONS. An indoor ring should be rectangular and about 40 by 50 feet for all classes. The Utility ring should never be less than 35 by 50 feet, and the Novice or Open ring should not be less than 30 by 40 feet.

What does foot to withers mean?

The height measurement on a dog is done from the ground to its withers. The withers is the highest point of a dog's shoulder blades. Measuring from the withers to the ground is standard for all dogs, and allows you to get an accurate measurement every time.

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.

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.

What is agility 101?

Agility 101. A basic canine agility course consists of: Jumps (standard pole and tire) Tunnels. Teeter. Weave poles. Pause table. The equipment used for an agility course is regulated by height and width and determined by size and breed of dog.

What is a jump in a plumbing system?

Jumps represent the core of the obstacle course. Jumps are presented in a variety of complex configurations including winged , wingless, double jumps and spread jumps. Each more complicated but with the same essential construction of poly vinyl chloride (PVC) pipes. PVC pipes are used in modern plumbing projects (and countless DIY projects ), and an impressive array of PVC pipes and fittings is available at any plumbing supply or home improvement store.

How much does a 5 ft PVC pipe cost?

4 – 18 inch length PVC pipes (PVC pipe is sold at Lowe’s Home Improvement Stores for $3.02 per 5 ft length, and they will cut your required length for free)

What is agility competition?

Canine agility competitions represent one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States. Agility courses are designed to demonstrate athletic ability and stamina as well as the team effort between the handler and the dog. ADVERTISEMENT. Official canine agility trials originated in Birmingham, England, in 1978.

How big is Luke the dog?

One of our amazing dogs is a Lagotto Romagnolo. He is one of only about 1,000 of the rare breed in the country. Luke is a beauty. Unfortunately, he is about 10 pounds and an inch or so outside the breed standard, so he can’t compete in a show ring.

Why do dogs use pause tables?

Depending on the size of your dog, pause tables can range significantly in price. Their purpose is to provide a break for your dog to regroup and stay during meets. Their ability to stay on the pause table is scored, so it is an important training routine.

Where did agility originate?

Official canine agility trials originated in Birmingham, England, in 1978. The American Kennel Club sanctioned the sport in the US in 1994. Today there are more than 2,000 AKC competitions across the country. It is a spectator sport enjoyed by young and old alike.

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:

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 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.

How many square feet are there in a golf course?

Most official courses are set up in an area that measures about 10,000 square feet. That sounds gigantic, but it’s really not – that’s a square area with 100-foot-long sides. You’ll clearly need a big backyard to set up an official course, but you won’t need acres and acres of space.

Can you build a multi unit agility course?

Equipped with these plans, you should be able to construct a multi-unit agility course in no time. These plans will explain how to make jumps, weave poles, and a seesaw.

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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.

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: