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dog agility training can be an expensive sport to get involved in. These events involve large obstacle courses that dogs must traverse, and the vast majority of these objects are not everyday items. As such, it is imperative that you expose your dogs to these different objects if you intend to do well in the competition. Buying all these objects is costly for even the deepest pockets, but you can alleviate some of the cost by purchasing a dog agility starter kit.

Starter kits will not have the larger objects, like see-saws or A frames, but they will contain a few weave poles which can be transformed into jumps or double jumps. These are considered some of the most difficult obstacles in dog agility competitions, and can help you determine if your dog is ready for larger obstacles. Some dogs lack the coordination or maturity to be able to do well with the larger, and potentially more dangerous objects.

In general, starter kits are a good idea because they will often come with trainer tools as well, and often a short introduction to the sport, as well as guide to getting started on obstacle training. Typical tools would include ribbons, wands, and other training tools which can get you started. These may not always be available outside of a starter kit.

If you were to simply dive right in and attempt to create your own obstacles, you will likely run into trouble without the correct training tools and the knowledge of how to get started, and in addition, you run the risk of injuring your pet. Most professional agility training equipment is built with the animal in mind, and are built to fall apart easily on contact to be reassembled. This ensures that your animal is not injured when running these basic obstacles. These advanced designs are difficult, if not impossible to replicate at home.

You must also consider the cost of the larger objects. While they certainly may look more impressive and be more difficult to train for, these objects are costly, and difficult to store. Sometimes you can take advantage of local parks and playgrounds for some of these obstacles, but remember to check with local ordinances before you do. Some playgrounds may disallow dogs from the playground area and fine you if your dog is seen working on the equipment.

Even if you felt confident in that, you would still have to invest in a training manual and some tools. If you purchase all of these separately, then you?re still spending a majority of the money that you would spend on a starter kit anyways.

Recommended Dog Agility Starter Kit

Agility in the Bag
publisher: Affordable Agility, Inc
ASIN: B002XE0HPY
sales rank: 1846
price: $174.95 (new)

The Agility in a Bag set is the perfect solution for everyone just starting off in the fun sport of dog agility. Practice at home, or take it on the road. Everything you need in convenient carrying bags! Comes with 5 popular agility obstacles that can be used indoors or out. Made of furniture grade UV stabilized plastic. Weighs only 18 lbs. Includes: (1) WEAVE POLE SET: 6 pole set with free standing base. (2) HURDLE JUMP: The jump bar adjusts in height by sliding jump cups up and down on side bars. (3) TIRE JUMP: 22″ diameter hoop slides up and down on side bars for adjusting for any size dog. (4) PAUSE BOX: Great training aid and substitute for the pause table. (5) TUNNEL Dacron canvas type 3′ tunnel with 22″ diameter. Use the tunnel by itself, or attach the chute. (6) CHUTE: Attachable 8′ chute. Attaches with velcro. (7) CARRYING BAG: Sturdy canvas bag with zipper closure and extra wide strap. (8) ALSO INCLUDES: Colored vinyl tape for decorating poles and easy assembly and training tips. (Colors may vary from what is pictured). Our most popular item!

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