how to make your own dog obstacle course

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 build a backyard obstacle course for your dog?

Apr 16, 2020 · If you have PVC pipes you can use these to create a weave obstacle, or if you want to create a tunnel you can also use some old cardboard boxes. Try to make the boxes as sturdy as possible so they don’t collapse when your dog runs through. You can even use small laundry baskets and curtain rods to create a mini jump for your pooch.

How to build dog agility obstacles?

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 (and extra room around it for safety).

How to design a dog agility course?

Mar 03, 2020 · 1. Tunnel 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. If you want to make it a little more realistic, take a large blanket and drape it over the chairs so that it creates a dark tunnel for your dog to run through.

How to agility train dog?

Feb 24, 2015 · Ladders: You can create this with 2 pieces of plywood and a few pieces of smaller wood (smaller than a 2×4) for the steps. Just make sure there are no chances of splinters you don’t want to pull them out of Fido’s paws! Also, make sure when you attach the 2 pieces of plywood together you have it at a decent angle for your dog, not to high but not too shallow …

How do I make an obstacle course for my dog?

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

How do you make a dog seesaw?

3:018:59How 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. So all those materials.

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.

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 you make a simple seesaw?

3:367:47Make Your Own SeeSaw! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd you're gonna slide it right down in between the two. The distance from the end to here is 12MoreAnd you're gonna slide it right down in between the two. The distance from the end to here is 12 inches measure on both sides. Both pieces to make sure you get them exactly even.

How do you make a teeter?

0:006:26Build your own TEETER TOTTER | Solo Stove DIY Project SeriesYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFirst thing we're going to assemble us the face and then we'll move on to the seat mechanismMoreFirst thing we're going to assemble us the face and then we'll move on to the seat mechanism actually rotates back and forth. But we'll start with the. Base.

What platform is dog on?

Once the film does come to digital, you'll be able to rent it on Amazon Prime, iTunes, YouTube, Google Play, Vudu, and more.Feb 17, 2022

What is a Cato board?

CATO TRAINING PLATFORMS The Original Cato Board - with a surface dimension of 16x24" and a weight of 7.25 lbs, the Cato Board is a sturdy yet portable training platform that is used by thousands of trainers worldwide.

How do you make a dog kennel bed?

0:268:03How to build a DIY custom dog crate/cage bunk bed frame - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo I started with two two by fours going the length of the bed. And put two by fours on the end asMoreSo I started with two two by fours going the length of the bed. And put two by fours on the end as main supports and then I took two pieces of plywood. Now.

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 an obstacle course?

10 things you can use to create a DIY obstacle coursePool noodles. ... Scrap lumber. ... Tunnels. ... Stumps. ... Any kind of ball. ... Ninja quintuple steps. ... Bean bags. ... Skipping rope.More items...•May 18, 2020

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

What is weave pole?

Weave poles. “Weave poles” are obstacle course elements that challenge your dog mentally as he or she weaves back and forth on a narrow path between them. You can use holiday lawn decor, like candy canes, or PVC pipes placed firmly in the ground to create weave poles.

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 .

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 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 put a dog through an obstacle course?

Ideally, an obstacle course will be a trust exercise that builds your relationship -- not a game your dog will be penalized for “losing.”. Don’t try to put your dog through a taxing obstacle course if they are significantly older or if they are over weight guidelines for their breed. Check with your vet if you are unsure.

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.

1. PVC Hurdles

The first piece of your obstacle course is one of the easiest to build. You’ll need to pick up some PVC pipe measured to the height you need – two pieces vertically, one for the horizontal bar to jump over, and two for the feet so it doesn’t fall over easily.

2. Hanging Tire Jumps

This piece is a little more difficult and likely requires some woodworking. Thinking of how a swing set is laid out is the best way to imagine what we’re going to build. First, you’ll create two identical angles, then connect them with a single beam. This will create a sturdy wooden frame that we can now attach a tire to using a chain.

3. Adapted Tunnels

These tunnels can be a bit more difficult to make, so it’s best to find an item to repurpose instead. Play tunnels built for children are a great alternative and can be picked up inexpensively at most toy stores.

4. A Simple Pause Table

Probably the easiest piece to build, your pause table can simply be a box. Depending on the size of your dog, a wooden crate can work well. For larger dogs, you can also mount a piece of sturdy plywood onto a crate to make a larger platform.

5. Setting It All Up

Once you have your pieces assembled, then you can start laying out the obstacle course in your yard and letting your pup run free!

What can I put on my dog's obstacle course?

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.

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.

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

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 long should a dog tunnel be?

You might need to provide extra support to the box when your pup is using it. 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.

How to train a dog to do tricks?

First, make sure you have enough space for each trick you set up (and extra room around it for safety). Anything you design should be easily broken down as well, so your dog doesn't get injured when practicing. Be patient with his training and you'll both have a positive experience.

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.

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.

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 is the best obstacle to train a dog?

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

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.

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.

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 the key part of a dog training obstacle course?

Jumps: This is one of the key parts of a dog training obstacle course. When building a jump you want to make sure it is collapsible, as you don’t want your dog to jump into something solid and get injured.

Can you pull splinters out of Fido's paws?

Just make sure there are no chances of splinters you don’t want to pull them out of Fido’s paws! Also, make sure when you attach the 2 pieces of plywood together you have it at a decent angle for your dog, not to high but not too shallow either.

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 jump in track?

Jump – Jumps are obstacles dogs are required to bound over. They’re typically constructed like a hurdle used in human track and field events. Spread Jumps – A jump that requires your dog to clear a predetermined distance and. Panel Jump – Jumps that utilize a flat panel, rather than a hurdle-like design.

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.

Do dog agility courses have videos?

For some reason, DIY dog agility course designers rarely make videos explaining how to build the obstacles detailed in their plans. But we always want to help our readers as much as possible, so we’ve gathered a few of the best videos we could find below.

Jumping Obstacles

See more on hillspet.com

Weaving Obstacles

Tunnel Obstacles

Ramps

Change Things Up