How to Build Dog Agility

Building dog agility can be done for fun or for show.

Dog agility is a competitive sport for dogs. In this event, a dog is timed as she goes over, under and through a series of obstacles. The dog is graded on speed and on overall performance as it relates to the dog agility competition. Your pet can be trained in dog agility as a competitive sport, or it can learn agility just for fun. Building dog agility can be done with specific training and obstacle courses.

Things You'll Need

• Weave poles
• Standard jump
• Tire jump
• Teeter board
• Pause table
• Tunnel

Instructions

1. Determine if you want your dog to compete or learn agility just for fun. Some dogs may not be able to compete due to health problems or if they are older. However, many dogs can still learn agility as a way to get exercise and for fun.

2. Enroll your dog in an agility class, whether it is for fun or competitive purposes. Explain to the instructor if your dog is older or has health problems and the class is just for the experience or fun. Most instructors should understand. If you have decided you would like your dog to compete, then a class is a good place to start.

3. Construct or purchase your own agility course in the backyard to practice with your dog. This does not have to be an expensive course, and about $150 should be enough to cover the costs of a do-it-yourself agility course. For a typical agility course, you will need weave poles for your pet to weave in and out of, a standard jump, a tire jump, a teeter board, a pause table and a tunnel.

4. Practice with your pet as often as possible. The more practice your dog and you get going through the agility course, the better you both will get at it.

Tips & Warnings

• If your dog does well on an agility course, offer positive reinforcement, such as a treat, afterward.

• For instructions on how to make each of the agility obstacles yourself, visit the Canine Crib website (see Resources).

• If you cannot afford to make your own agility equipment, consider calling places that sponsor agility classes to see if they will be retiring equipment soon.

• A child's play tunnel may be less expensive than agility equipment, and you may be able to conform it to your purposes.

• Avoid forcing your dog into doing an agility course if your pet does not want to. Use positive reinforcement instead, by offering toys and treats, which could get your pet excited about the agility course.

• Check with your veterinarian before starting your dog in agility, whether it's just for fun or competition.

References

• Lucky Dog Sports Club: Agility Training

Resources

• Canine Crib: Build Your Own Agility Course