Ideas for Obstacle Toys for Dogs in the Backyard

Whether you are interested in training your dog for agility trials or would simply like to keep an intelligent, energetic dog from becoming bored or destructive, there are many obstacle toys that you might try. Obstacle toys can be purchased in a number of locations and placed in your back yard. With proper training, your dog will have an outlet for its energy and its creativity.

  1. Seesaw

    • During an agility trial, a dog needs to walk up the low end of a seesaw until the balance shifts and it can walk directly to the ground from the other end. This requires your dog to be able to walk in a straight line and to be comfortable with the shifting board below him.

    Tire Jump

    • For a dog that is small enough to fit through a tire, a tire jump might be a great way to let it unleash some energy. A tire jump can be suspended from a tree or some other support and then attached from two other points in the ring to keep it from swaying. A dog can be trained to jump through the tire on command, demonstrating its dexterity and strength.

    Weave Poles

    • Weave poles are a common part of dog agility trials, but they can also be used to help your dog develop its dexterity. These sets of five or six poles are planted at equal lengths apart from each other in a straight line. The dog must weave in and out of the poles without touching one. This exercise can help your dog learn to follow your commands.

    Tunnel

    • Tunnels test your dog's ability to stay on track and to navigate strange areas. Tunnels may be made of rigid plastic or, in the case of collapsible tunnels, nylon fabric. A dog must get into the tunnel and continue out the other side.

    Bar Jumps

    • A bar jump is simply a pole that has been placed so that the dog can jump over it. Bar jumps can be easily constructed out of PVC pipes or dowels, but they can also be purchased from manufacturers of dog agility equipment. Some breeds are more suited to jumping than others, so check to see if your dog's breed typically has any issues with jumping.

    Table

    • A table is any low, flat surface where your dog will pause during its obstacle course run. One purpose of a table in the middle of the run is to teach your dog obedience and to make sure that it is paying attention to the instructions you are giving it. A dog should be be able to pause for five seconds on the table before starting again at your instructions.