Does Agility equipment for my dog have to cost hundreds?!?
I want to start to agility train my puppy. I have checked out some online sites and so far agility equipment has been SUPER expensive… Anyone know of a place (or person) who I can get good but not overly expensive agility equipment from?
Thanks
Caelynn is right. PVC equipment is easy to make.
You can get a "tunnel" intended for kids much, much cheaper than the official agility tunnels.
Nov 17, 2008 | | puppy and dog training online
June 7th, 2008 at 9:36 am
Why not try e-bay or Craigslist. Used is often just as good as new. Just much cheaper.
References :
June 7th, 2008 at 9:39 am
If you are handy at all, it is quite easy to make yourself. All you need to do is go somewhere like Lowes or Home Depot (or whatever you have near you). You can make weave poles out small diameter pvc piping or any type of flexible piping. You can make A frames, stops, etc. out of large flat pieces of plywood and 2×4's. Look at the equipment, and see what you can do! You can usually find the measurements online, even for the paint colors.
If you are not into handy work, you can look on websites like craigslist, or post a wanted sign on the community board in your local petco. Used equipment is a lot cheaper than new!
References :
http://www.peak.org/~helix/Agility/
June 7th, 2008 at 9:51 am
Caelynn is right. PVC equipment is easy to make.
You can get a "tunnel" intended for kids much, much cheaper than the official agility tunnels.
References :
http://www.orientaltrading.com/ui/browse/processRequest.do?requestURI=processProductsCatalog&categoryId=377320&BP=8110&sku=61%2f3500&cm_mmc=NXTG-_-Teacher%20Supplies-_-Movement%20and%20Dance-_-%22I%20See%20You!%22%20Tunnels
June 7th, 2008 at 12:07 pm
Yep, it is pretty expensive to have your own agility equipment. But if you are at all handy on your own, you can build your own equipment. PVC from home depot is a great way to make your own bar jumps, tire jump, and weave poles.
You can use a kiddie tunnel from target or toys r us for the practice tunnel. Serves as a great "beginners" tunnel.
But really, the best and safest way to get involved in Agility is to join a local class. That way you learn how to do it properly for you and your dog. Some clubs even offer practice days when you can use the equipment for practice. I just came from one with my dogs this morning.
Find a class or club near you from http://www.cleanrun.com
References :
June 7th, 2008 at 8:32 pm
1. Try "Agility in a Bag." You get adjustable jumps, a chute, PVC weaves and a tire. This was the first agility equipment I ever got. It's nice because you can take it on the road or to a park easily.
2. Make your own. Get the book "Do it yourself agility equipment" by Jim Hutchins. I have it. Used it to make my own A-frame and pause table, next I'm going to use it to make a dog walk.
3. PVC allows you to make most obstacles. This includes the base/stand for a simple teeter.
Last of all, you said "puppy." Do NOT have any dog under 12 months old (and if it's a medium sized or larger breed, than 15 months) doing jumps or contacts. Growth plates need to have closed. If you think I'm being alarmist, just check registration for any reputable agility organization (USDAA, AKC, NADAC, CPE). You are not allowed to compete until your dog is no younger than 12 months, in some cases it's 15 months or even older. If you have a puppy or juvenile dog, than work on obedience or flatwork. The single biggest mistake new agility people make is the rush to get their dog on the equipment (I know I was guilty of that). That will hold you back. The least important aspect of effective agility is performing the obstacles. It's about teamwork and cueing and strategy. And getting your dog on the obstacles ASAP really doesn't vie you teamwork, cueing and strategy.
References :