How to Build Your Own Dog Agility Equipment

Agility courses are often used in dog competitions to show off a dog's ability to run a set obstacle course. There are a number of obstacles, including a tunnel, a set of weave poles and jumps for the dogs to complete. Training a dog for an agility course can be time-consuming and requires agility course equipment. Although you could purchase professional equipment to train your dog, it can be expensive. If you prefer to save some money, you can make your own agility course equipment at home.

Things You'll Need

  • PVC pipes
  • PVC pipe connectors
  • Vinyl child's tunnel
  • Twine
  • Scissors
  • Tent stakes
  • Fiberglass tent poles
  • Rubber mallet
  • Electrical tape (red and white)
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Instructions

  1. Jumps or Hurdles

    • 1

      Insert two PVC pipes into the ground two feet apart. The length of the PVC pipes depends on the size of your dog. The top of the pipes should be about as tall as the top of your dog's head.

    • 2

      Place a corner PVC pipe connector on the tops of both PVC pipes you inserted into the ground in Step 1. The open end of the connector should be pointed inwards toward the other pipe connector.

    • 3

      Place a two-foot length of PVC pipe into the open ends of the pipe connectors to make a jump for your dog.

    Tunnel

    • 4

      Place a vinyl child's tunnel on the ground. The tunnel should be between 10 to 20 feet in length and approximately two feet in diameter. You can leave the tunnel in a straight line or you can create curves in it.

    • 5

      Drape a piece of twine over the top of the tunnel every two feet. The twine should be long enough to reach the ground on either side of the tunnel without compressing it.

    • 6

      Insert tent stakes into the ground on either side of the tunnel every two feet. Tie the ends of the twine around the tent stakes to secure it in place.

    Weave Poles

    • 7

      Insert the end of fiberglass tent poles into the ground in a straight line at 20-inch intervals. You will need 12 tent poles total. If necessary, use a rubber mallet to pound them into the ground. Fiberglass tent poles can be found at your local camping supply store. Choose poles that are approximately three feet tall. Fiberglass poles will allow your weave poles to "give" as your dog runs through them.

    • 8

      Wrap 12 PVC pipes that are one-inch in diameter and three feet tall in electrical tape. Alternate red and white stripes to make the pipes easier for your dog to see.

    • 9

      Place the PVC pipes over the top of the fiberglass tent poles to complete your weave poles.