Agility training is a fun and engaging activity for both dogs and their owners. It not only provides physical exercise but also helps strengthen the bond between the dog and its owner. If you're new to agility training and wondering which equipment is essential to getting started, this guide is for you.
- Agility Tunnel:
- The agility tunnel is a versatile and fundamental piece of equipment.
- It helps build your dog's confidence, agility, and speed.
- Choose a tunnel that is durable, collapsible for easy storage, and suitable for your dog's size.
- Agility Jumps:
- Jumps are essential for teaching your dog to jump over obstacles.
- Start with low jumps and gradually increase the height as your dog becomes more proficient.
- Consider adjustable jumps that allow you to customize the height based on your dog's skill level.
- Weave Poles:
- Weave poles are used to teach your dog to weave in and out of obstacles.
- They help improve your dog's agility, coordination, and focus.
- Look for a set of weave poles that are sturdy, spaced correctly, and suitable for your dog's size.
- Pause Table:
- The pause table is a platform where your dog learns to pause and wait for your next command.
- It helps improve your dog's impulse control and focus.
- Choose a pause table that is stable, with a non-slip surface, and at the appropriate height for your dog.
- Contact Equipment (A-frame, Dog Walk, and Teeter):
- Contact equipment consists of obstacles that require your dog to make contact with specific areas (e.g., yellow zones) to complete the obstacle.
- They help improve your dog's balance, confidence, and accuracy.
- Ensure contact equipment is sturdy, with non-slip surfaces, and suitable for your dog's size and skill level.
- Tire Jump:
- The tire jump is a classic agility obstacle that requires your dog to jump through a suspended tire.
- It helps improve your dog's jumping technique and accuracy.
- Choose a tire jump that is adjustable in height and diameter to suit your dog's size and skill level.
Having the right agility equipment is crucial for beginners starting in agility training. Start with the basics and gradually introduce more challenging obstacles as your dog progresses. Better Sporting Dogs offers 3 different agility kits that are great to get started. As your dog becomes more comfortable, consider adding contact equipment or ladder to your course! Check out our “Shop” tab to see all our offerings!
SAFETY FIRST:
Remember to always prioritize safety and have fun with your training sessions! As always, you should make sure your dog is in good physical health before beginning any agility training. It’s a great idea to call your dog’s veterinarian to make sure they are cleared for any dog sport.
