Agility Equipment Specs

Agility is the fastest-growing dog sport in the United States, according to the American Kennel Club. Dogs race through a timed obstacle course of jumps, tunnels, weave poles and other objects on a pre-set course. The agility equipment used at AKC trials must meet specific guidelines.

  1. A-Frame

    • The A-frame has two panels 35 inches to 49 inches wide by approximately 9 feet long. It is made of wood or another fabricated material with a non-slip surface. It stands within 1 inch of 5 feet 6 inches, except for the 4 and 8 inch jump heights when it stands to within 1 inch of 5 feet. Place slats across the panels to provide footing. Bright yellow contact zones must be located on the lower 42 inches of each panel.

    Bar Jumps

    • Bar jumps have several bars supported by bar supports mounted to uprights. The tops of the bars must be set within a 1/4 inch of the seven jump heights: 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24 and 26 inches. Unless a jump is specified as a one bar jump, all jumps will have at least two bars. The bars must be made from Schedule 40 PVC or furniture grade PVC, 4 to 5 feet long and striped for visibility. The uprights must be 32 inches tall.

    Dog Walk

    • The dog walk has a center section and two ramp sections. Each section measures 12 inches wide by 12 inches long. It is made of wood or another fabricated material with a non-slip surface. Place slats across the width of the ramp sections for footing. The top of the center section stands 48 inches above the ground. Bright yellow contact zones must be located on the lower 42 inches of each ramp.

    Tire Jump

    • The tire jump has a tire (or circular object that resembles a tire) suspended from a rectangular frame. The tire must be made from a flexible material, such as rubber or plastic, and measure 24 inches in diameter. There must be a 7 inch space between the outside of the tire and the sides of the frame. The frame must be tall enough to accommodate seven different jump heights.

    Seesaw

    • The seesaw is a plank made of wood or another fabricated material with a non-slip surface It measures 12 inches wide by 12 feet long and is supported by a base that acts as a fulcrum. The plank is balanced so it hits the ground within 3 seconds after a 3-pound weight is placed 12 inches from its raised end. It stands 24 inches high. Bright yellow contact zones must be located 42 inches on each end of the plank.

    Closed Tunnel

    • The 12 foot long closed tunnel has a rigid entrance opening measuring 24 inches in diameter with an attached chute. The bottom must have a non-slip surface. The chute is made from an opaque, lightweight, durable material with an opening where the dogs exit.

    Open Tunnel

    • The open tunnel is a flexible tube of durable material 10 to 20 feet long. The two openings are round with a height and width of 24 inches. It must be made of an opaque material, other than black.

    Weave Poles

    • Weave poles are made from Schedule 40 PVC or furniture grade PVC pipe with a fixed base and rigid upright. The poles are 40 inches high and spaced at 20 to 24 inch intervals. Poles must be striped with a contrasting color placed approximately 10 and 20 inches from the ground. The base support must be located on the opposite side of the dog's path.