Take Your Dog’s Training to the Next Level With High-Quality Agility Equipment

Dog agility training promotes obedience and strengthens the bond between pet parent and pup. Agility obstacles like jumps, tunnels, and contact equipment also train dogs to respond to verbal cues, enhancing obedience and communication.

This affordable set includes an adjustable tire jump, single bar jump, weave poles, and a pause box. It’s easy to assemble and comes with a carrying bag for storage and transportation.

The Basics

Agility is a team sport requiring a skilled handler and a fast dog’s to navigate an obstacle course. It can be fun and provide great exercise for you and your pup. However, knowing your dog’s limitations before attempting agility and using good training techniques is essential. Puppies and older dogs with joint problems should only attempt agility once mature enough not to suffer injuries. It’s also not suitable for dogs who have been recently injured or are experiencing health problems.

Start by familiarizing your dog’s with dog agility equipment. Let them walk around, sniff, and pee on it to help them get comfortable with the objects. Then, gradually introduce them to the obstacles, rewarding their every move with high-value treats and praise.

Especially with contact obstacles like the A-frame, dog walk, and teeter, you’ll want to train your dog to step on the narrow planks while keeping their feet off the ground. Start with lower objects, such as a skateboard or toy wagon, and reward them for walking up onto it, then slowly increase the object’s height until they can comfortably jump on it.

Teaching your dog to turn tightly over and around obstacles, such as tunnels, is also essential. Practice this in a hallway or small room where there are few distractions. Then, move to more challenging environments with the same technique, tossing a treat over the obstacle in a tight turn to encourage them.

The Equipment

The basics of dog’s agility equipment include open tunnels, a couple of jumps, and weave poles. Some owners purchase competition-level gear, but it must be more optional. Instead, look for a training version of the equipment that meets American Kennel Club specifications and is designed to be safe for dogs of any size.

Most of the equipment available is easy to set up, portable, and collapsible for storage when not in use. Some also come with a handy carrying case for transport.

This seven-piece kit includes two bar jumps, a tire jump, and six fixed-base weave poles. It’s perfect for creating an introductory course to challenge your dog as they progress in training.

If you’re looking for a way to bolster your pup’s confidence on the teeter or dog walk, try this training ladder that helps dogs learn to spread their feet and place them more accurately. This type of obstacle may also help speed up the time it takes for your dog to complete a course.

A panel jump is another common at-home agility obstacle that replaces traditional bars with a solid wall from the ground to the jump height. It’s less expensive than a full-size A-frame and offers more safety for dogs of any size. It’s also easy to assemble and a good choice for beginners.

Training Techniques

Dog agility requires both the handler and the pet’s physical abilities and developing attention and obedience skills. The dog must focus on the handler despite distractions and exciting surroundings. For this reason, it’s essential to practice training at home in a quiet environment before moving outdoors.

Good equipment is necessary for those preparing for local dog’s agility trials and competitions. An agility equipment set includes seven pieces of adjustable equipment that help trainers create an excellent practice course for dogs at all experience levels, including two bar jumps and a tire jump, six fixed-base weave poles, and two tunnels. All of the pieces in this kit are made from high-quality materials that can withstand repeated use and exposure to weather elements.

A teeter is a crucial piece of agility equipment. Still, it cannot be easy to find one well-made and sturdy enough to endure the rigors of regular use, especially for those who want to train in all aspects of dog agility.

Routine

Dog agility is an exciting sport with dogs and handlers racing around a course designed to test their speed and accuracy. At the highest levels, these athletes are amazing. Most handlers run beside their pets, directing them with spoken commands and body movements while moving through the obstacles. The obstacles can be various things, including standard barriers laid out by the judge on a specified surface, such as turf, dirt, rubber, or special matting.

In addition to the hurdles, most agility courses include a tire jump, a see-saw, and weave poles. The latter are a series of 5 to 12 upright poles about 3 feet tall and spaced about 24 inches apart. They must be entered from the right side, and a dog cannot skip poles or enter at any angle other than straight through them. 

Whether you want to try agility to help your pet become more active or compete, it’s essential to have safe equipment for you and your dog. The best pieces of equipment are designed to be safe, easy to set up, and sturdy.