Dog agility is a popular sport that involves teaching your furry friend how to jump, weave, sprint, and navigate through a series of obstacles. While some dogs compete in competitions across the globe, the everyday pet parent can still build an agility course right in their own backyard for very little cost, and plenty of outdoor fun!
Building an agility course will give you both some quality bonding time while you help weave your pup through the poles, over the teeter-totter, and through the tunnels. Not only that, but agility courses also provide your furry pal with a good workout that will promote their physical and mental health.
Whether you want to train your pup to compete, or just have a good time in the backyard, here are a few steps to help you build a DIY dog agility course.
Why Try Agility with Your Dog?
Agility isn’t just for professional pups. It’s a fun and rewarding way to:
- Burn off energy (and maybe a few extra treats)
- Strengthen obedience skills
- Build confidence
- Deepen your connection with your dog
And the best part? You don’t need fancy equipment or a huge yard to get started.
How to Build a DIY Dog Agility Course
1. Find a large, open space where you can set up your course
Your fenced backyard, garage, or even a basement with enough room to move around are all great starting points. The key is to choose an area that’s safe, free of clutter, and gives your dog plenty of room to run, jump, and turn. An enclosed space helps keep your dog focused and prevents distractions.
If you don’t have a yard, check with local dog parks – some may have open spaces where you can set up a portable dog obstacle course for the afternoon. Just be sure to get permission first and always bring clean-up supplies.
🛡️ Safety Tip: Make sure the area is free of sharp objects, holes, and/or debris that could trip up or injure your dog. Always check the area for anything that could catch their paw pads or cause a fall.
2. Create some weave poles
The easiest way to do this is to purchase some tall orange cones or PVC pipe, then line them up and teach your dog how to weave through them. Start small, and try using only three poles at first. As your pooch progresses, add on more poles.
🛡️ Safety Tip: Space the poles far enough apart to match your dog’s size and stride. Poles that are too close together can lead to awkward movements and potential joint strain – especially for larger dogs.
3. Build a simple jump
A simple jump bar helps your dog build up their hindquarters and develop a better sense of boundaries. It can especially help breeds, such as Labradors and German Shepherds, that may be more susceptible to hip and joint concerns improve strength and agility.
There are a number of fairly simple ways to build a dog jump. One idea is to place two flowerpots on the ground. Then, put a PVC pipe across the top of the flowerpots. No need to secure the pipe – you will want the pole to be able to easily roll off if your dog misses the jump.
🛡️ Safety Tip: Use a lightweight bar that will easily fall if your dog knocks it – avoid anything heavy or rigid that could hurt their legs if they don’t clear the jump.
4. Build a tire jump
Ready to take your jumping game up a notch? A tire jump adds a fun twist to your dog obstacle course and helps improve your pup’s coordination and confidence.
To build one, you’ll need a hula-hoop, bike tire, or sturdy circular object – just make sure it’s large enough for your dog to safely jump through without touching the sides.
🛡️ Safety Tip: Ensure the tire or hoop is secure but not rigid, and that it can safely give way if bumped. Keep it at a low height when starting out, especially for small breeds or senior dogs.
5. Make a tunnel
Tunnels are a staple of any dog obstacle course – they’re great for building confidence, focus, and speed. Plus, dogs love the thrill of zipping through them!
The easiest way to add a tunnel to your DIY dog agility course is to repurpose a child’s play tunnel or purchase an inexpensive collapsible dog tunnel online. Look for one that’s lightweight but durable and long enough to challenge your dog without being intimidating.
No tunnel on hand? No problem. You can DIY one by draping a blanket over a row of dining chairs, cardboard boxes with the bottoms cut out, or even pool noodles arched and secured to the ground.
🛡️ Safety Tip: Always supervise your dog while they’re inside the tunnel. Avoid tight or unstable materials that could collapse or trap your dog. Keep the tunnel short at first so your pup feels safe going through.
6. Build a teeter-totter
If you’re really feeling adventurous, you can build your own dog teeter-totter, which is basically a version of a child’s see-saw. This will help build trust with your best friend as you help him over it using basic commands like “come,” “stop,” and “stay.”
To build your teeter-totter, you can use a wooden plank as the board for larger breeds. For a smaller dog, you can use a boogie board instead. For the balancing point, take a pool noodle and cut it in half to make two pieces with a flat side and a rounded side. Tape the flat side of one piece to the bottom of the board. Now, you have a teeter-totter!
🛡️ Safety Tip: Start with a very low, stable board that won’t rock too aggressively. Always spot your dog the first few times to help them balance and prevent slipping or tipping too quickly.
Safety Comes First
As with any sport, safety comes first. Before you begin assembling your PVC pipe and wooden plank, be sure to first check with your veterinarian to make sure your dog is physically able to participate in an agility course.
While running through the course with your best friend, try to focus on one obstacle at a time. It may take a little while for your dog to master a particular activity, like jumping or weaving. Once they have the skill down, you can move on to the next obstacle. Be sure to have Bil-Jac Treats on hand and have your pooch drink plenty of water in between each round.
Finally, be careful not to push your dog beyond their limits. If they show signs of tiring, call it a day! There’s always tomorrow to have fun.
Consider Competing in Dog Obstacle Courses
Is your dog a natural when it comes to agility training? Why not look for a local agility club? It’s a great way to meet others, train, and learn from the experts.
Want more ways to keep your dog happy, healthy, and active? Join our Best Friends Club today. Each month you’ll receive fun training tips, information to care for your furry friends, and discounts on Bil-Jac products!
