8 Best Dog Agility Equipment Options for Advanced Exercise and Enrichment
- Molly Weinfurter
- Jul 30
- 7 min read
For some dogs, a daily walk is plenty of exercise. Yet, others are still bouncing off the walls after lengthy runs and hikes. For dogs that need extra physical and mental exercise, agility is a great option. I know several dog parents who have seen better behaviors in their hyper or anxious dogs after teaching them how to navigate agility courses. So, if that’s something you think your dog might benefit from, consider investing in dog agility equipment.
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What is Dog Agility Equipment?
Dog agility is a competitive sport that involves a person guiding their dog through an obstacle course. Equipment involved usually includes tunnels, weaving poles, hurdles, see-saws, and A-frames. Many dogs enjoy these courses since it keeps them engaged and gets their energy out.
While you can compete in dog agility events, you don’t have to. Many people get dog agility equipment to use at home as a way to bond with their dog and provide physical and mental exercise. Whether or not you take agility training to a competitive level is completely up to you.
Does Your Dog Need Agility Training?
Dogs of all breeds, ages, and sizes can enjoy agility training, but it’s not for every dog. If your dog often seems bored or restless, they may need more exercise and mental stimulation. Agility training is a great way to offer that because it allows them to focus on learning new things while also staying active. High-energy dogs, such as working breeds and dogs with a high prey drive, typically enjoy agility the most.
Yet, a dog doesn’t have to be energetic to enjoy agility. If you’re simply looking to advance your dog’s training, agility is a great option because it’s something new for your furry friend. Low-energy dogs might not complete the obstacles with as much enthusiasm as others, but they can still have fun and learn new skills. I’ve even heard that agility is great for anxious dogs because it helps them build confidence while gaining positive social interactions. However, if the equipment makes your dog more nervous than normal, it might not be the right activity for them.
Before starting agility, make sure your dog is physically fit. VCA Animal Hospitals says: “Agility is a sport that involves lots of running and jumping, so sound joints and a healthy heart are a must. Have your veterinarian perform an overall physical exam to ensure your dog is in good physical condition before you begin training. Even young pups should be checked out because developing joints can be injured if over-stressed.”
Best Dog Agility Equipment
If you’re looking to set up a dog agility course in your home or yard for the first time, you might not know where to start. Below are a few of the best dog agility equipment products to consider.
This is an excellent starter set for dog parents new to agility. It comes with six cones and three bars, which can be assembled together to create three hurdles. The cones have three sets of holes in them so you can change how high or low the hurdle poles are. The hurdles are quick and easy to assemble so you can transport them seamlessly. Once you’ve put them together, you can start teaching your dog to jump the hurdles, starting with the lowest height and working your way up.
This is another cone hurdle set for dogs, but it has twice the number of hurdles. With 12 cones and six poles, your dog will have lots of hurdles to jump over in a row, giving them longer agility courses and more exercise. Just like the other hurdles, each cone has three different levels so you can adjust the hurdle height. You can even assemble the cones and poles in unique ways to give your dog different obstacles without having to buy additional equipment.
If you’re not sure what type of equipment you want to start with, this set has a little bit of everything. It includes a tunnel, hurdle, ring, weaving poles, and pause box, making it the perfect starter kit. It even includes some essential training tools like a treat pouch, whistle, and two tennis balls. You and your dog will have endless agility adventures with this much agility equipment at once.
This is another starter kit that’s not quite as intense as the one above. It includes a foldable tunnel, adjustable high jump, and four weave poles. All these pieces are easy to set up and small enough to fit in your living room. If you’d rather practice agility outside, Outward Hound also offers an outdoor set, which has bigger equipment. This is a great way to get a variety of dog agility products without breaking the bank.
This dog agility kit has a great variety, but the size of these items is much more suitable for backyards than indoor settings. It includes a tunnel, hurdle, ring, pause box, and weaving poles attached to each other. It also comes with some tennis balls to add to the excitement for your dog.
This is a long (18-foot) tunnel for dog agility training. You can teach your dog to run through the tunnel for a reward. It has a 24-inch opening with a round metal frame to help it hold its shape. While some dogs love to run through tunnels and hide in them, others may be nervous to go inside. So, teaching your dog to use an agility tunnel might require additional patience, depending on your dog’s personality.
An A-frame is a pointed ramp for dogs to run or walk across. This wooden A-frame features an anti-slip surface and wooden slats to give your dog some stability when going up the slanted surface. Each side of the A-frame is 42 inches long and 25 inches wide. It can be set up in less than five minutes, and it’s safe for any dogs under 100 pounds to use. If your dog is larger than that, you may want to focus on other dog agility equipment instead.
During agility, a seesaw is one of the obstacles dogs can run across. Some dogs love this item while others get scared when it tips. This particular seesaw can only support dogs up to 88 pounds, but it has a high-traction surface to help dogs run across it. It’s available in two sizes and six colors, so you can choose an option that fits your preferences.
How to Train a Dog for Agility
You can’t just set up dog agility equipment and expect your dog to know what to do. Like any type of training, it takes patience and consistency to get the hang of agility. For those new to dog agility training, keep the following steps in mind:
Set up your agility equipment and let your dog investigate it. “Let your dog walk around them, sniff them, pee on them, whatever they need to do to feel good with these strange objects,” certified canine fitness coach Sean Prichard says.
Encourage your dog to go through the course on their own rather than pulling them through it. Reward them with a high-value treat whenever they successfully go through an obstacle.
If your dog doesn’t understand, try guiding them through with a treat. Break each obstacle up into smaller steps as needed, such as weaving around one pole at a time rather than all at once.
Once your dog masters one obstacle, introduce a new one. It’s best to start with the ones you think will be easiest for your dog. For example, if they love climbing, an A-frame might be no problem for them, but if they don’t jump much, hurdles might be tricky.
While you can successfully train your dog for agility at home, some dogs understand it faster than others. If you’re ever struggling with agility (or any type of training), consult a professional dog trainer. They can help you find the best way to help your dog learn agility by using personalized methods as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Any Dog Do Agility?
Dogs of any breed and size can do agility. However, you need to consider your dog’s temperament. If they’re stubborn when it comes to learning new tasks or if the agility equipment makes them anxious, agility might not be the best form of exercise for them.
At What Age Should Dogs Start Agility Training?
Dogs shouldn’t start agility training until they’re full-grown, so around 12 to 18 months. The physical exertion of agility can be too much on young puppies who are still growing.
How Long Does it Take a Dog to Train for Agility?
It depends on the dog, but it usually takes about a year or two for a dog to go from beginner training to competition ready. Be patient with your dog and go at a pace that works for them.
How Do You Find Dog Agility Competitions?
You can find dog agility competitions through the American Kennel Club and agility organizations. Connecting with other dog owners involved in agility can help you learn more.
Dog Agility Equipment is Great for High-Energy Dogs
Many dogs benefit from agility equipment, especially dogs with a lot of energy. If you suspect your dog needs more exercise and/or entertainment in their daily routine, consider agility training. Get a few small obstacles and try teaching your dog to use them. Then, you can work your way up to more challenging equipment from there.
However, it’s important to remember that not all dogs enjoy agility. If you give it a try and your dog seems overly anxious or uninterested, it’s probably not for them. Try finding less stressful ways to entertain them instead, such as puzzle toys. Every dog is unique, so it’s important to find forms of mental and physical exercise that works well for them.
