How to Build Dog Agility Courses
You want to set up a dog agility course so you can practice with your dog. But you're not sure how to do it --do you just line up some jumps and call it good or do you plan it all out?
Much of your agility course depends on the type of agility course you wish to build. Different sanctioning bodies have different rules--and there are differences between classes and forms of agility. For example, a jumpers course is going to be much different than a standard course; an open course is going to look different from a novice course.
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Things You'll Need
- Rule book for your type of dog agility
- Paper and pencil
- Indoor or outdoor arena for agility course
- Agility obstacles
Instructions
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1
Decide what organization sanctioned of agility course you wish to set up. A course set up in USDAA (United States Dog Agility Association) is going to be different than an AKC (American Kennel Club) course.
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Decide what course level difficulty you wish to set up.
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Decide if you want a Standard, Jumpers, Gamblers (FAST), Tunnelers, Snooker, Weavers, TouchNgo course, or any other course. These types require different compositions and different obstacles.
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Design your course according to the organization's guidelines. For example, if you're looking to put together an AKC Novice Standard Course, you will have to have 14 to 16 obstacles including the A-Frame, Dog Walk, Seesaw, Open Tunnel, Closed Tunnel, Tire, Pause Table, Double Bar Jump, Broad Jump and various hurdles.
You'll need to use your pencil and paper to draw it out first. -
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Set up the course according to your diagram, using the various obstacles.
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Tips & Warnings
Study the rules and regulations of each agility organization before attempting to design a course.
Have your veterinarian examine your dog before starting any exercise course.
Do not run your dog in a slip or prong collar as these may catch on the obstacles and choke him.
Agility can be dangerous to the dog if obstacles are performed improperly. Always seek a professional trainer to get you and your dog started in agility.
