Building my own agility course?

Question

I believe my dog would make a great agility dog. I've looked up prices for agility course kits and they're very expensive. Would it be any cheaper to build a small course myself? If I were to build a course I would make 3 different sized jumps, weave pools, tire jump, and a small pause box. The dog park I go to has a A-frame and a dog walk, and I've already practiced those with my dog. How much would it cost to set up a small practice course for my dog.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

Here are two great websites for making your own agility equipment.

My weave poles came out great by the way!

http://www.instantagility.com/category/equipment/

http://www.caninecrib.com/dog/training/agility-course.asp

ScottieDog · Answer

First, agility is fun. I've been working with my dog for around 6 months. I really want to stress that you do need to take basic lessons. A trainer will show you the correct way to approach the obstacles and how to keep your dog safe from injury. It is very difficult to relearn something if you teach your dog incorrectly.

OK, lecture done so to answer your question....

PVC pipe is your friend. I've made several jumps from PVC pipe and you can find instructions on line. I took "T" joints and cut them to make the jump cups, but you can order special made jump cups. They cost more but look nicer. My jumps were under $12 each. My weave poles were a little more expensive because they took more PVC pipe (around $20). You can improvise by using garden stakes pounded into the ground. My tire jump was the most expensive piece and was around $80. 

I used PVC plumbing pipe and "T" joints. You can get furniture grade PVC with looks nicer, and you can find 4-way joints. I used 2 "T's" since I didn't have these. A youtube contributor has great info. for building agility equipment. Look for MACHgreyhound. I'll include some links that helped me. Have fun.

Add: YouHave2Be, good link. I've been wanting to find broad jump plans--this looks doable. Also, to the questioner, if you have a smaller dog, you may find some agility equipment at Ross Dress for Less (odd I know) or Ollies. These are AKC junior agility series pieces. I found weave poles and chutes for under $10 each.

Agilityshelties · Answer

Yes, you can make your own equipment and others have given you some great websites.  Just be sure you do not work your dog too much or jump her too high.  At 18" you should probably be jumping her at 16" at home.  

And yes, you can now compete in AKC agility with your mixed breed dog.  You will compete side by side with the purebred dogs.

As for the weave poles, you have to train them.  It would really be best if you did this in a class with a qualified instructor so that you train them to be accurate and fast.  Leading your dog through with a cookie is NOT the way to train poles. 

So, good luck and have fun.

Not what you want to hear · Answer

If you use PVC pipes, it's very cheap. You can find tons of free course plans online, too. This site has some great links to pages with free plans: http://www.australian-shepherd-lovers.com/free-agility-plans.html

? · Answer

my estimate to make it yourself maybe 100-300 $$ u can by stuff like tires,cones,poles,rope,ladder,and anything else would be fine :)

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Building my own agility course?

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