Dog agility

Dog Agility Starter Kits

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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!

How to Train Your Dog For A Dog Agility Competition

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by Adam Fulford

Agility competitions are quickly becoming one of the most popular sporting events in the nation. Introduced in America in 1977, these events have grown from a single event at a dog show, to hundreds, and even thousands of events nationwide, held in accordance with other shows, and on their own. Because of the high energy and the athleticism featured by both dog and owner, this sport has become one of the most popular spectator sports in America.

Many owners enjoy the show so much that they find themselves wanting to participate. It is obvious from even a casual glance that the dogs and the owners are having a great deal of fun, and there are almost always great prizes given away for winning the event. However, what makes this event so appealing also makes it very difficult to begin training for.

The problem with getting involved in agility competitions is that the equipment is large and bulky, and can be very expensive. The majority of pet owners have little access to professional equipment, and that often makes them lose hope in their ability to participate. While the high cost and difficulty in storing the equipment is certainly a detriment, there are many options available to the savvy dog owner who wants to begin training their dog.

Fortunately, many pieces of dog agility obstacles are fairly simple to make and train for. Jumps can be constructed out of just about anything, and other obstacles, like see-saws or teeter-totters can be found on local playgrounds. While care must be taken to avoid breaking any laws regarding public property, many dog owners take advantage of their local park as a great place to introduce their dogs to some advanced equipment.

Then there is also the difficulty in knowing how to start training your dog to learn these obstacles. Many dog owners struggle with the basics of teaching their dog how to approach these objects and complete them successfully, as many dogs will seem fearful of the objects to begin with. After all, the rules around the house do not apply in agility training; you want the dog to run and jump in an agility competition, and this drastic change in behavior is difficult for many dogs to adjust to.

To begin with, watch your dog at play, and notice their natural tendencies. Some dogs are natural jumpers, and some are natural burrowers and diggers, while others must be taught to do these things. If you begin training by focusing on the things that your dog seems to be able to do naturally, then they are more likely to succeed, making the whole training process much easier, and more fun, for the both of you. By slowly introducing the dog to new equipment and new skills, there is a much greater chance for success.

What is a Dog Agility Competition?

by Adam Fulford

dog agility competitions have become a very popular sport for both adults and children alike. These events, which are usually scheduled in conjunction with a traditional dog show, are much more active, and are comprised of the owners leading their dogs through an obstacle course as quickly as possible. There are over thirty different kinds of obstacles which are commonly used, and the high energy and excitement level of the competitors makes these events a lot of fun to watch.

With dogs having to traverse teeter-totters and weave in between poles, as well as burrowing their way through a cloth chute, the events sometimes mimic playtime more than anything, and almost any child would love to have a playground as advanced as the dogs have. However, these obstacles were chosen by the organizing committees because they are difficult for the dogs to do on their own. These events emphasize great training and a lot of practice by both dog and owner, and you can almost always see this reflected in the final standings.

Some competitions will disallow leashes, and require that the owners use only their voice and a pointing device to control where their dogs move next, while others will make leashes optional. In general, due to the nature of the obstacles, a leash will be very detrimental to your ability to move through the obstacles quickly, and they are rarely used by those entering to win. In order to have the best chances, you need to have impeccable control over your dog.

Because of this, very few dogs will ever reach the championship echelon of agility competitions. Some dogs simply lack the focus and the responsibility to handle their freedom on the course, which to them will often resemble a gigantic playground. Despite this, any dog can enter these agility events, regardless of breed or the amount of training done beforehand. Some events are specifically set up for children to run their dogs through the course, and they allow the child to practice and gain confidence before going into a more serious competition. While it is primarily adults participating in the larger events, children have been known to enter, and some have done quite well with their dogs.

What makes dog agility training so popular is it’s accessibility. Before, dog events were only for the most distinguished pooches, making it a prerequisite that the dog be not only a purebred, but also a beautiful and a confident one. Dog agility competitions have no such requirement, and will typically involve a whole variety of dogs of every breed and combination thereof. That makes this a much more popular event, as nearly anyone from the myriad dog lovers in the crowd could be the potential winner.

Many national organizations are sprouting up for dog agility training events, the most notable of which is the United States Dog Agility Association, or USDAA. While they are attempting to bring some more control to the sport, tougher regulations and new obstacles, they will never truly be able to command such a spectator friendly sport. Dog agility training is more about the fun of the event and the training process rather than the exact rules and the prize structure, and most trainers and owners will agree that this is one of the most exciting sporting events to come around in years.

Dog Agility Training for Tunnels and Chutes

by Adam Fulford

In the world of dog agility training, there are a lot of different obstacles that you must train your dogs on. These range from climbing objects to jumps, as well as obedience objects. There are a wide variety of obstacles used in major competitions, and you must familiarize your dog with all of them if you want to win the event. One of the more difficult obstacles for large dogs to train with are the tunnels and chutes.

Some dogs, especially the naturally burrowing breeds like the terrier, are particularly good with these obstacles, but other dogs, particularly large dogs, do not like the enclosed space. Depending on the size of the chute, some dogs may not even be able to stand fully upright in the tube.

In order to get your dog used to the close quarters of this obstacle, many trainers will work first with a familiar object like a blanket. This also mimics the darkness present in longer tunnels. Have your dog stand or lie underneath a table, and drape the blanket over the sides. By repeating the process, they will eventually learn to be more calm when in close quarters, especially when it is dark.

The second thing you must do is to find a way to train your dog to go forward through the tunnel. Some dogs, especially those who have been trained to heel their owners, have difficulty with this change in procedure. By encouraging your dog to enter the chute and stay, then running down to the other end and encouraging them to come, they will eventually learn how to navigate this obstacle successfully without breaking their good habits of trailing their owner.

Another idea to try is to work with distances and viewpoints. One of the reasons that dogs are uncomfortable in the chute is that they cannot see their owner. If you tell your dog to sit and stay, and then move behind a tree or an object in a public park, then their behavior may tell you a lot about why they are unwilling to work on this particular object.

If your dog still shows a preference for going around, rather than through the tunnel, then consider putting a treat in the center of the tunnel to entice them to enter. Food will certainly get their attention! You may also want to work more with the blanket and table trick, and try some variations.

There are also tunnels with collapsed ends, and these are particularly difficult to get fearful dogs involved in. In general, it is best to work with open ended tunnels first to get them used to the idea, and then work with blankets and other short closings.

If they have difficulty with the closed chutes, then look at how they approach them. Train your dog to approach the obstacle with their nose out, and their feet back, as they may be getting caught up because they are stepping on the materials.

Basic Safety for Dog Agility Training

by Adam Fulford

As in any sport, safety is paramount in dog agility training. Because these events are very high energy and have some very difficult obstacles, it is necessary that there be a basic safety guide, both for participants and spectators.

Because these events are almost always off-leash events, you need to train your dog to be very well behaved when he or she is given some freedom. Some dogs simply cannot handle themselves, and if this is the case with your dog, you should almost certainly work on this first and foremost before beginning training on obstacles. There are going to be other dogs in the vicinity as well, both among the spectators and with the other competitors in the event. If your dog cannot handle other animals, you should try to expose them to other dogs more often in order to get them used to their presence.

Your dog should be at a point where he or she is able to instantly recognize commands and the sound of your voice. They must know how to stop, stay and sit, at a bare minimum, and it would be preferable if they had learned how to walk at your heels while off-leash. While not only helpful for safety concerns, in general, the more well-behaved they are, the better off they will do in competitions.

Safety must also factor in with the physical and mental maturity of your animal. Younger dogs may lack the coordination necessary to handle certain obstacles like the dog walk, and may lack the understanding necessary to take these obstacles seriously. In addition, some dogs may not have enough weight to manipulate objects like the see-saw. Just like many people, some dogs are afraid of heights, and may balk at the idea of going over obstacles, such as the A frame, which require them to go up higher than normal.

While most of these situations can be handled with good training, it is a bad idea to begin agility training without first knowing what your dog is capable of from a mental standpoint. If they do not like crowds or loud noises, a traditional competition is probably not going to bring out their best, and could leave them in a state of shock. If this is the case with your dog, then it is generally best to only enter smaller, local competitions, where the pressure will not be as intense, and work up to a larger group eventually.

Safety should also be considered for the spectators at these events. Many times, spectator seating is cramped, and many people will bring their dogs into the seating area with them. If you have a large dog that you are bringing, consider leaving him with a trusted friend while you watch the agility competition, or taking a seat towards the back where you are more likely to have some spare leg room. Larger animals tend not to do very well when they lack the room to stretch out, and can cause trouble if they get bored.

Spectators should also remember to keep an eye on their own dogs behavior while watching the competition. One small disturbance caused by your dog could lead to a major outburst from the other dogs in the crowd, which could distract the dogs performing in the event. Not only is this unfair to the dogs running the course, it is also dangerous for them if an outburst occurs on one of the more dangerous obstacles.

Buying Dog Agility Training Equipment

Agility training events are becoming quite popular events, both for owners and for the dogs involved. These competitions involve an owner guiding their canine companion through a series of different obstacles in an order defined by the judges. Because the objects used in agility events are not common, everyday objects, it is necessary to expose your dog to these different obstacles well in advance of your event.

In order to do that, you need to either build, or buy your own agility equipment. While you will save some money in building the necessary equipment, it requires a great deal of skill, as well as some rather unique materials, and a viable blueprint for the construction. The option that more and more agility trainers are turning to is to simply buy equipment from the manufacturer who supplies the events in question. Thanks to the growing popularity of dog agility training events, the obstacles and equipment needed are getting easier to find.

Buying dog agility training equipment is beneficial in other ways as well. If you are buying directly from a major distributor or a manufacturer, then there is a good chance that the dog agility competition will be using the exact same supplies you trained your dog on. Building the equipment at home means that you may build things on a different scale, and your dog may become scared or confused at the event itself.

Professional agility training requires that you train your dog on a wide variety of objects, but one thing to remember in dog agility training is that there are well over thirty major types of obstacles that your dog will face in a competition. That can add up to a lot of money and space spent on training equipment. Instead of buying one of everything, buy just the major components, like teeter-totters and tire jumps, and make the most of what you have lying around the house. A 2×4 stood on it’s side makes a great low jump, and you can collect fallen branches to act as weave poles.

One of the most difficult pieces to consider is the chute, which is not only expensive, but it takes up a lot of room in your home as well. This is notoriously one of the most difficult obstacles in agility competitions, however, so you would be well advised to either purchase one, or make your own. Your dog will need experience with this particular object in order to be successful, because the vast majority of dogs wouldn’t even know where to begin.

No matter what you do, remember that dog agility training was introduced because of the fun atmosphere, and it is not meant to be a stressful competition. If you want your dog to excel in this environment, however, it is essential to have the right training tools to practice with.

Dog Agility Training Equipment and Obstacles

dog agility competitions are very popular events since they first started sometime in the 1970s. These events are modeled after equestrian events, where horses run and jump around various obstacles. dog agility competitions are very similar, but because of the greater mobility and constitution of dogs, there are far more obstacles to navigate.

The most common obstacle, directly borrowed from agility training’s like to equestrian events is the jump. These obstacles come in a variety of styles, from a single bar to multiple, and even the tire jump, which requires dogs to jump through the center of a suspended tire. In most competitions involving a variety of breeds and ages, the tire will be omitted, as larger dogs may be physically unable to fit through, and taking too big a chance is detrimental to the health and safety of the dogs involved. Smaller jumps are present in almost every competition, however, and are designed with safety in mind. If a dog misjudges a jump and hits the bar, it will fall away harmlessly.

The second major type of obstacle is called the contact obstacles. These are generally larger contructs, like a the A Frame or see-saw (sometimes called a teeter-totter), which require dogs to jump on and off the object from two contact points. As long as they do this, they are able to move on to the next obstacle, but if they jump on or off from another point, they must re-do the obstacle.

An A Frame is constructed of two boards held on an angle which meet at a single point. A see-saw is a replica of the playground equipment, and requires the dog to show patience and balance in waiting for the board to switch position. Another type of contact object is the dog-walk, which is a thin suspended plank that the dog must move across.

Some dog breeds, such as terriers, are particularly attracted to the burrowing obstacles, such as the chute. This is a large round structure similar to a pipe that the dog must make their way through. They vary in size and shape, just like many of the obstacles, but are almost always large enough for medium sized dogs to stand upright inside of them. Collapsed chutes are similar to regular ones, but end with a plastic or nylon piece which does not maintain it’s structure. It is up to the dog to burrow their way out of it.

Weave poles come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and layouts, and require the dog to weave in and out of them, just like a skier would do for a slalom. This is traditionally one of the most difficult obstacles for dogs to train on, and there is a variety of tools which will aid you in training your dog to make the complex movement through the poles. Some competitions will place poles in a straight line, minimizing the amount of movement back and forth, while other competitions will offset the poles to force the dogs to move farther to get around them.

The final agility obstacle that commonly appears in competitions is called the pause table. This is simply a table, often covered with astroturf, which the dog must stand on, without moving, for a period of one to three seconds. This is a test of the trainer’s control over the dog more than the dog’s agility, as it is fairly simple to jump up onto the table.

There are some other forms of training equipment, but these cover the basics that you are likely to run into at a traditional dog training event. While they may be of different size or shape, it is generally accepted that dogs can adapt to these minor changes. What you may find most difficult is the dogs ability to adapt to a completely new object without having trained on it beforehand.

Buying Used Dog Agility Equipment

by Adam Fulford

Because of the high cost of getting involved with a sport like dog agility training, it is essential to save money whenever possible. One of the best methods of doing so is by purchasing used equipment and obstacles. If you choose to go with this option, however, keep in mind that you should still be spending your money on quality products, and that an obstacle in too poor of condition may be dangerous for your dog.

Some used agility equipment, especially larger pieces like the A frame and the see-saw has been stored outdoors by their owners. The sheer size of these obstacles makes it difficult or impossible for many owners to store. While this is not a bad thing, in and of itself, the equipment is likely to be rusted or rickety in places, and will probably need a new paint job. Keep in mind, however, that some equipment, especially seesaws, are typically coated with a special sealant which helps dogs keep their traction. This safety measure should not be ignored, and you should always check on the condition of this seal before purchasing.

Another concern to check for is the flexibility and the construction of the pieces. Some equipment which is being sold is low quality or broken in some manner. If the crossbars for jumps are stuck in place, then this too is a safety concern. If they do not stay put, or if they come free under very slight pressure, then they are practically useless. The same can be said of tunnels and chutes with rips or tears in the fabric, or tire jumps which have been chewed to death. By examining the flexibility and construction of each piece of equipment, you can be positive that you are getting quality goods.

In addition, keep in mind that you may have some equipment sitting around in your home. A pause table is simply a short table that the dog can jump on. While it may not be ?professional quality?, an old coffee table or even a sturdy box can suffice for this object. Skiing poles make decent weave poles, and can be constructed into jumps as well. You can create other pieces from materials around your house as well, so keep that in mind before going shopping. Most of the major equipment will still need to be purchased, but if you can cut down on your shopping list, you can afford to purchase new equipment.

One thing that you must remember when buying used dog agility training equipment is that it is generally being sold for a reason. Because of the expense of the sport, it is not something that trainers get involved in lightly, and if the trainer is purchasing quality goods, they tend to stick with them as long as they are still in decent shape. However, buying used equipment is a decent way to get involved in the sport on a budget, as long as you realize that the obstacles and equipment you are purchasing will probably have to be replaced sooner rather than later.

Building Your Own Dog Agility Training Equipment

Image via Wikipedia

by Adam Fulford

Agility competitions are becoming more and more popular at dog shows, and are even beginning to replace many of the traditional shows. These competitions involve owners leading their dogs around an obstacle course as quickly as possible. A lot of training takes place before these events, and many people spend months preparing for even a single competition. However, because the obstacles used in agility competitions are not exactly everyday objects, many people find it difficult to train their dogs on a regular basis.

In order to get around this problem, many people have turned to building their own dog training equipment. There are some obstacles faced by the dogs which are fairly simple to build, such as weave poles and small jumps, and some objects which require a great deal more skill, such as the teeter-totter and the chute, but regardless, it is possible to construct them from things lying around your home.

Jumps can be constructed of anything that is tall enough to be jumped over. Traditional heights for dog agility competitions range from 9? to 16? depending on the height of your dog, which makes it very easy to simply use a 2×4 turned on it’s end, or some other simple object as the jump. Weave poles, which are basically just long stakes sticking out of the ground, can be constructed using just about anything tall and skinny. Fallen branches, old skiing poles, or even dowel rods can be used in a pinch.

For the more complicated equipment, you’re probably better off buying than constructing it, unless you’re very handy, or you have an excellent blueprint.

Teeter-totters can be found at your local park, but unfortunately, many parks have banned dogs from being in the children’s play area, making it difficult, if not impossible to use playground equipment. If you can use it, take advantage, but be sure to train your dog when there are very few children around. The noise and the distraction will be a detriment to the quality of the training, and may be very problematic for you. In general, agility training is best done without a leash, as the majority of competitions will be done this way, and if you have little control over your dog, he or she may run off to chase a child and leave you behind. Dogs are social creatures, and they enjoy the attention that the children will give them much more than repeatedly running over a teeter-totter, no matter how fun it may be.

In general, it’s likely that you’ll be better off with a combination of handmade and professional equipment rather than relying solely on one or the other. While purchasing dog agility training equipment is expensive, it’s often much better than spending days or weeks creating a rickety structure that could be dangerous for your dog. Thus, unless you’re very crafty, it is usually best to leave the bigger projects to the professionals.

What Kinds of Dogs can do Dog Agility Training?

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by Adam Fulford

Agility competitions at dog shows are becoming more and more commonplace, and there are currently six internationally recognized associations which help to grow the sport. While there are some rules and regulations surrounding the sport of agility competitions, the sport still remains remarkably wide-open for such a sport.

Any kind of dog may participate in these competitions, regardless of breed or size, although generally smaller breeds which are not built well for mobility will struggle with some obstacles. In general, only the most athletic of the smaller species will participate in major competitions, and even then, most will struggle to win. However, there are some competitions specifically for these smaller dogs, where they are competing against similarly sized dogs and have some of the more difficult jumps lowered.

The very best dogs for agility training are neither too large nor too small. Agility is not necessarily about size or speed, but the ability of the animal to get around the obstacles in a timely manner. While taller dogs may have an advantage with some obstacles, they must also find a way to get their larger bodies around weave poles and through collapsed tunnels, which is generally something that a smaller or average sized dog would excel at.

One of the aspects of agility training that makes it so popular is that there is no single dominant species or breed which outperforms another consistently. It is truly a test of owner-pet relations, and your performance will depend entirely on the quality of training you give your pet.

You can begin training your dog at any age, although it is generally recommended that you wait until they are at least one year old before beginning full-time training on all of the obstacles. Younger dogs may not have developed the coordination and balance necessary to navigate dog-walks or see-saw obstacles. However, if you are interested in beginning training early in your dog’s life, you can begin entering them in competitions once they are a full 12 months old (some associations will allow them to enter as early as 6 months old).

In general, trainers have found that the best dogs begin dog agility training later in their life, between the ages of four and six. These dogs have already developed a lot of coordination naturally, and can easily apply their life skills to the obstacles at hand. They are also much more responsive to the trainer and easier to teach. Older dogs generally do not do as well in agility competitions, and rarely compete on a high level after the age of ten.

Do not let the age recommendations stop you from getting involved in this sport, however. The primary purpose of agility training is to have fun, not to be bogged down with winning every competition. Dogs and spectators enjoy these events because they really are quite fun, and too often trainers miss this simple fact.

Even if you don’t plan on competing with your dog, you can still enjoy the benefits of agility training. Learning how to traverse obstacles and going through agility training is a great workout for your animal, and it can be an excellent workout for the trainer as well, if wished. Some trainers are very passive in their approach, while others really get into it, running and jumping to get their dogs enthused. Whichever approach you choose, give this sport a chance.

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Dog Agility Competitions, Dog Agility Equipment, & Related Topics

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