Dog Agility Equipment for Dog Competitions  

Dog shows are becoming more and more popular all over the world, including in the United States. You can get your dog involved; this is not something that just certain dogs can do. During a dog agility contest the dogs basically have to run through an obstacle course and the dogs are judged based on their speed through the course as well as their ability to successfully complete the tasks of the various obstacles without making errors.  If you would like your dog to participate, you will need to gain access to dog agility equipment. 

Dog Handlers 

Many people think that the dog handlers are there teasing the dogs, but they are actually not allowed to touch or encourage the dog with snacks of any kind. The handlers are allowed to follow their dogs while they are running through the course and they are allowed to provide verbal and physical instructions to their dog.  As a dog handler, one must learn how to work with the different type of dog agility equipment that the dog will use in a show or competition. 

Agility Equipment 

The dog agility A-frame is one of the most popular pieces of dog agility equipment.  This equipment unit is made up of two platforms which are connected together with a hinge and are lifted up in order to have the hinged connection to be about five to six feet higher than the ground. The contraption now has the appearance of an A-frame which the dogs have to travel over in a specific manner. 

The dog walk is another dog agility equipment skill that must be conquered.  This contraption is made up of three planks which are attached at the ends of the planks. The middle plank is lifted up to about four feet from the ground which provides the dog walk with two ramps. The dogs have to travel up one of the ramps to the top plank and then travel down the other ramp to complete the course. 

The teeter totter is often seen in the dog agility competitions. The unit is designed to be a little off balance in order for the same end of the plank to always return back to the ground. The teeter-totter has to be designed so that the tiny dogs that are competing in the dog agility contest can make the higher end of the unit return to the ground. 

Another piece of dog agility equipment is the tunnels, which are used in most shows and competitions. They are usually made from vinyl and range from ten to twenty feet in length and are typically two feet in diameter. The dogs simply have to run through the tunnels as part of the competition.

Typically the tunnels are curved in order to make it more difficult for the dogs to run through them. Some of the other dog agility equipment pieces you will want your dog to practice with include the crossover, weave poles and numerous types of jumps.  

You can purchase all of this dog agility equipment of you can visit courses in your area or even work with dog trainers who have the equipment themselves, the idea is to expose your dog as much as possible and make it a rewarding experience for the both of you. 

 

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