Dog agility is a popular sport which challenges dogs to complete an obstacle course with the help of their handler. As the dog maneuvers through the course, he must pass over, under, through or around a variety of obstacles. When the dog is competing, the agility course must have regulation equipment. However, for training or play purposes, a variety of agility obstacles can be made at home for a fraction of the cost.
Things You'll Need
- Fence posts
- Measuring tape
- Child's play tunnel
- Tent stakes
- Hammer
- Strips of canvas
- PVC pipes
- Conduit clamps
- Conduit holders
Instructions
Hammer eight fence posts into the ground in a straight line. Make sure that the distance between the posts corresponds with the agility course where you will be competing if you are training for competition. This series of posts acts as poles for your dog to weave in and out of.
Create an open tunnel obstacle using a child's play tunnel, available at most toy stores. It is important to secure the tunnel so that it will stay in place while the dog is running through it. To do this, use a tent stake to secure one end of a strip of canvas into the ground. Wrap the canvas over the play tube and secure it on the opposite side with a second tent stake. Repeat on the other end of the play tube.
Pound two large nails or tent stakes into the ground until they stand straight up very firmly, extending at least 6 inches above the ground. Drop two PVC pipes over the stakes. Use two conduit clamps and two conduit holders to attach both ends of a parallel PVC pipe to the two standing poles. Adjust the height as needed to make a quick bar jump.
Check your agility pieces for stability before practicing with your dog on the course. Make sure that poles won't fall, break or move while the dog is practicing with them.