how to create a backyard obstacle course for small dog

by Ms. Kiera Durgan Sr. 10 min read

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.

You can also create a tunnel obstacle using a large, pop-up hamper with the bottom cut out. 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.Jul 21, 2020

Full Answer

How do you make a dog obstacle course for beginners?

PVC makes simple weave poles. Use a larger diameter plastic pipe and push it into the ground with the appropriate distance between poles. You can also use a longer PVC pipe to create a base for the poles. Glue two long pieces of pipe on the ends to create a T allowing for stability. This is more complicated, but it is practical and easy to move.

Are backyard obstacle courses safe for dogs?

What kind of obstacles can I set up for my Dog?

How to teach your dog to do agility?

How do you make a homemade dog obstacle course?

0:495:32How 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 you make an obstacle ramp for dogs?

0:0013:34DIY Agility A-Frame For Dogs | How To Build - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe got a half inch plywood. That I had left over from a previous project. I got some paint I gotMoreWe got a half inch plywood. That I had left over from a previous project. I got some paint I got these classic things some hinges however you're gonna paint it some chain you got some screws.

Are obstacle courses good for dogs?

Building Confidence: Agility training isn't just for dogs in national dog shows and the obstacle course competitions that you sometimes see on TV. It's a great way to strengthen the relationship between dog and owner. Additionally, it can help improve overall demeanor and behavior.Sep 4, 2015

How do I make an agility frame for my dog?

2:3413:31DIY AGILITY A-FRAME for Backyard Agility | Build an Agility CourseYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou will need six two by fours cut to 33 inches. And then you will need four two by fours that areMoreYou will need six two by fours cut to 33 inches. And then you will need four two by fours that are eight feet long these.

How do you make a dog ramp?

How to make a dog rampStep 1: Measure and cut the plywood. ... Step 2: Measure and cut the brass threshold. ... Step 3: Measure and cut the side trim pieces, then nail them in place. ... Step 4: Glue down the carpet and let dry. ... Step 5: Attach the metal threshold, add rubber feet, and you're done!Mar 26, 2020

How do you make agility seesaw?

1:418:59How To: DIY Agility See-Saw | TheDogBlog - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAlso for the base you're going to need 4 pieces of PVC cut into 20 centimeter lengths which lookMoreAlso for the base you're going to need 4 pieces of PVC cut into 20 centimeter lengths which look like this I only have two because the other two will stuck onto 3 elbow joints.

How do you make PVC dog agility equipment?

2:178:05DIY Dog Agility Equipment for under $50 (read description!) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clip10 two inch pieces of PVC pipe for the polar wrestler. It is pretty simple these have a tee jointMore10 two inch pieces of PVC pipe for the polar wrestler. It is pretty simple these have a tee joint here to bring it up to here another tee joint this bar is what kind of keeps it all together.

What makes a good agility dog?

The most important traits of a good agility dog are good health and physical shape, strong nerves and focus on the handler. Of course, all of these can be improved on with some training – so you should not hesitate to start agility even if your dog is lacking in one or more areas.Mar 25, 2021

How do you keep a dog from jumping on wood?

4:326:47How to Make Dog Agility Jumps/ Weavers | TheDogBlog - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo instead of me having to measure out every time I put the jump rope on I just put the measurementsMoreSo instead of me having to measure out every time I put the jump rope on I just put the measurements there on the bar. So I can quickly just change the jump up from 100 to the.

How do you build a dog training platform?

0:263:37How 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.

What age should you start agility training?

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.Mar 24, 2021

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 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.

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 you store collapsible corridors for dogs?

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 box with the bottom removed.

What to watch out for when jumping on a bar?

What to watch out for: As with your bar jump, avoid hard and immovable materials that could injure your dog if he misjudges the distance between poles. However, you’ll also want to secure your poles so they don’t fall over every time your dog runs through them.

Why do dogs use orange cones?

If you are training your dog for an agility competition, large orange cones can also benefit them because they present more of a challenge than standard weave poles. Wherever you set up your agility course, ensure that your dog has enough room to run around and that there are no hidden dangers around the course.

What are some obstacles that dogs can use?

Let’s look at three common types of obstacles — jumps, tunnels, and weave poles — that you can set up for your dog. Remember, safety is the most important feature of any obstacle course, so keep your dog’s well-being in mind while setting everything up.

Can you use orange cones for agility?

You can also buy orange traffic cones and space them out at a safe distance. Traffic cones are bulkier than the weave poles used in agility competitions, but if you’re just casually training your dog on an agility course, they’ll work just fine. If you are training your dog for an agility competition, large orange cones can also benefit them ...

Is it safe to go through a dark tunnel with a dog?

Going through an enclosed dark space can be scary for your dog the first few times, and you need to make the experience as positive as possible. The tunnel you set up should be wide enough for your dog to comfortably pass through and sturdy enough that it won’t collapse while your dog is inside it.

Can you make an obstacle course from scratch?

How to set them up: Although it is possible to create an obstacle course tunnel from scratch, a lot of people find that it’s easier and a lot less time-consuming just to repurpose an existing play tunnel. A flexible children’s play tunnel makes a great obstacle, and you can find one at most department stores as well as furniture outlets for ...

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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. Any extra PVC pipes or cups left over from a plumbing project? These make for a perfect DIY dog obstacle course building tool. The best way to set up a jump is with movab…
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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.
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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...
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