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 great first piece to consider is the dog jump. You can actually create a simple dog jump by stacking bricks, but there are some wonderful lightweight jumps that you can purchase as well. These are fashioned out of PVC and are quite easy to assemble, adjust and transport. After they have learned how to jump on command, you can increase the skill level by adding a second jump and then another and so on. As they learn new skills, you can place other pieces of equipment in between each of the jumps.
Another type of jump that can be a lot of fun is the tire jump. This is typically a tire mounted on a PVC stand, although you can hang a tire from a tree using a sturdy rope. A pre-made tire jump can be a great option though because it's easy to transport and the stand holds the tire in place from the top and bottom, making it easier for your dog to jump through. If you have a small breed of dog, there are mini jumps and mini tire jumps that have been created so that these tinier dogs can also take part in the fun and exercise.
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.
A great first piece to consider is the dog jump. You can actually create a simple dog jump by stacking bricks, but there are some wonderful lightweight jumps that you can purchase as well. These are fashioned out of PVC and are quite easy to assemble, adjust and transport. After they have learned how to jump on command, you can increase the skill level by adding a second jump and then another and so on. As they learn new skills, you can place other pieces of equipment in between each of the jumps.
Another type of jump that can be a lot of fun is the tire jump. This is typically a tire mounted on a PVC stand, although you can hang a tire from a tree using a sturdy rope. A pre-made tire jump can be a great option though because it's easy to transport and the stand holds the tire in place from the top and bottom, making it easier for your dog to jump through. If you have a small breed of dog, there are mini jumps and mini tire jumps that have been created so that these tinier dogs can also take part in the fun and exercise.
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.
About the Author:
Cheng Bernhardt enjoys dog agility training. For further information about agility equipment for dogs or to know more about other equipment like dog agility tunnels, please check out the Carlson-Agility.com website today.