While dogs certainly love to go on walks, they also crave varied and unique types of exercise. Their instincts harken back to the ancient times when wild dogs would cavort and run through forests and fields chasing pray. Setting up a dog agility course is the perfect way to provide an exciting form of exercise, and while learning new skills, you and your dog will form a closer bond that will be felt in all areas of your life together. Before you set up a course, read on and discover some important information about agility equipment.
A dog jump is an excellent piece of starter equipment. These are typically made out of PVC and can be adjusted to suit your dog’s level of experience or ability level. Once they have learned how to complete one jump, you can add a second jump and then a third. Eventually they can complete a series of jumps in a row, or you can intersperse the jumps with other pieces of equipment just as would happen at a real agility competition.
The adjustable jumps are just one kind of jump, there are also tire jumps to consider. These jumps include a sturdy stand made from PVC with a tire attached by sturdy ropes which are tethered to each corner of the stand. You could also create a version of this by hanging a tire from a tree in your yard, but if you eventually set up a course, it can be more convenient to have a stand that can be moved anywhere you want. If your dog is quite small, don’t worry, there are mini jumps, both tire and regular, that have been created just for them.
While it’s fun to see dogs running up and down a teeter totter, the first time on this apparatus can be a bit frightening for your dog. It does move, after all, and this definitely isn’t something your dog will expect at first. Start by just having your pet walk across the plank as it rests on the ground. Once that seems comfortable, you can put it on its stand at the very lowest level and lead your dog across with a treat. Eventually your dog will feel comfortable trying the teeter at greater heights.
While weaves are not scary obstacles, they are one of the most difficult to master. It takes time, praise and patience to help your dog do the weave. But once they have it, it sure is exciting to watch a dog zip through these poles. You can start out slow with a six-pole weave and then work up to a 12-pole weave. You also can opt to mount the poles in the ground or opt for a weave that rests on a stand; the latter option is easier to move around as you adjust your obstacle course.
One easy way to get going is to purchase a starter kit from an agility equipment specialist such as Carson-Agility.com. You can find starter kits that include four jumps and a weave or perhaps opt for a kit that includes a weave, a teeter and a tire jump. There is also a starter kit that substitutes four jumps for the tire jump.
Cheng Bernhardt enjoys dog agility training. For additional information about agility equipment for dogs or to learn more about other equipment like dog agility tunnels, please visit the Carlson-Agility.com website today.
The Equipment Used On Canine Agility Courses
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