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Dog agility training is a great way to bond with your four-legged friend. Save money by creating your own dog agility course at home using these tips. Dogs who are completely new to tunnel training could find the same enjoyment in a cardboard box with the bottom removed. You might need to provide extra support to the box when your pup is using it. You can always start with shorter tunnels, no more than four or five feet in length, until he gets used to the idea of walking through it.
If you are training for competition, your dog will need to know how to navigate a pipe tunnel, which is usually straight, and a collapsible tunnel, which may have a curve. Founded in 1884, the not-for-profit AKC is the recognized and trusted expert in breed, health, and training information for all dogs. AKC actively advocates for responsible dog ownership and is dedicated to advancing dog sports. One of the main focuses of the dog agility course is the standard jump. Course officials adjust for the size of each dog and place jumps throughout the obstacle course.
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Honestly, it depends on the competition rules and how old your dog is. But you can always make your own competition and have some friends come over to be judges. You can use all kinds of things around the house to help your dog improve its agility. I've used broomsticks, plumbing, squeegees, ramps, and even plungers. Just be sure to familiarize the dog with the equipment and show them what you want them to do.
Objects with weird textures, movement and sounds will all be included. Equipment introduced may include bar jump, tire jump, wobble board, pause table, and tunnel. Jump bars are on the floor to avoid stressing puppy joints. The bar jump is probably one of the simplest obstacles to build. Depending on the size of your dog and whether or not you intend to train them for competition, you’ll have to follow the AKC’s height standards for the jumps. With an adjustable tire jump, single/double bar jump, weave poles, and a tunnel, you’ll have what you need to get your dog started on agility.
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You love spending time with your dogs, and as fun as a dog obstacle course would be, it can seem unattainable. Luckily, you may already have the materials and equipment for a homemade course around the house. It doesn't matter if your dog has no practice or if you have no experience training. So many simple tricks are easy for you to teach on your own. Start your course with simple jumps, weave poles, and tunnels, and you'll both look like professionals in no time.
The weave poles test your dog’s ability to navigate around the configuration of the standing poles. Coax your dog over each hurdle with a treat, and gradually move the hurdles closer as she learns to jump over them in sequence. Make a window jump using children’s large cardboard blocks. Start slowly, offering your dog treats and praise, and he’ll soon be soaring over the jump. Once your pup masters the dog walk, enlist a friend to help guide your dog on one side of the seesaw while you help on the other.
For Dogs
True, these may not be as sturdy as the obstacle course tunnels, but they are a good place to start. Also, it won’t be regulation size but it’ll allow you to train your dog to run through the tunnel and not around it. You can use orange traffic cones for this part of the obstacle course if you don’t like the idea of shoving pipes into your yard. Some trainers use this option because it presents the dog with a greater challenge for weaving than the standard poles. The fastest way to create a set of weave poles is to stick tall lengths of PVC pipe into the ground.
The common pieces of agility gear are jumps, weave courses, and tunnels. You can go all-out and use every piece of competition equipment or stick to a few basics. However, for a fraction of the cost, you can purchase a tunnel made for a child.
Dog ...Dog agility training is a great way to bond with your pup and have some fun while teaching him some fantastic tricks. Practice for timed agility events or just play together with a backyard dog agility course you create yourself. If your dog has never practiced any agility training before with tunnels, he may be hesitant to try it. Get on your hands and knees, go through the tunnel yourself, and your dog will follow. You can also try placing treats at the front, middle and end of the tunnel to encourage your new athlete to go through.
Start with a bamboo pole on the ground and walk your dog across, praising him and giving a treat when he finishes. Raise the height of the jump bar by placing the pole on increasingly taller bricks or chairs. Have you ever used poles that look like candy canes to decorate your home for the holidays? Though he's obviously taller than the cones, your dog will clearly understand the weaving path with these lightweight poles. Do you have small orange cones from when your children played soccer?
For more helpful information on living with dogs in New York City, check out our dog-friendly NYC guide. There’s no experience necessary and all dogs are welcome. When I first adopted Bella, she had been living in a shelter for six months and was so confused as to what the world even was outside of the cage she was living in. Sarah helped me to understand Bella–the way she thinks, the way she remembers, the way she understands the confusing world around her. Now Bella and I are more bonded and solid than ever because of Sarah.
It helps to ensure that there is enough space for your dog to run or walk through them. Create weave poles using orange cones or bamboo sticks stuck in the ground. Begin with the cones or poles far apart and guide your dog through the path. She notes that bored dogs or those with separation anxiety find the course a good outlet. “It’s great to help shy dogs overcome fears or anxiety — a huge confidence builder,” she says.
You may need to use several rooms in your house depending on the size of your home. Once the indoor obstacle course is set up, get your favorite four-legged friend and try out your DIY dog obstacle course. Please let us know in the comments objects you’ve found around your home to make an obstacle course for your favorite pet. Going through an enclosed dark space can be scary for your dog the first few times, and you need to make the experience as positive as possible.
All you need is a 36-inch square of wood with a non-slip surface that’s 3-inches in height. You can always use wood glue and stack a few layers of plywood together to get the proper height. We found that these DIY instructions worked best for us when measuring out PVC lengths.
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