Best Agility Equipment for Your Dog

Whether you have a dog that keeps getting away or you just want to be able to sniff the air to find his way out of a sticky situation, you will need to invest in a good dog agility training set.

It’s an investment that you should not take lightly. With agility and training, there are a lot of factors that have to come together in order for the dog to learn to perform the tricks and responses required to navigate through the training area.

Luckily, many of the best dog training sets are made with safety in mind in the design, materials, and even the number of treats that will be provided for your dog.

In order to choose the right dog Agility training equipment, it is important to consider your own dog and what he will like to do with the equipment.

The agility tunnel training apparatus should be appropriate for his size, build, shedding habits, presence, intelligence, resistance, reaction time, body language, vocalizations, etc.

In addition to the above, the agility tunnels should also be easy to clean, durable, small enough for you to store it in your home, waterproof, lightweight, non-discoloring, easy-to-hide, long-lasting, comfortable, stable, repeatable, manageable and easy for any trainer to use.

So let‘s take a look at some of our favorite dog training equipment sets that can help you train your canine friend to keep him safe and make him a faster, better friend.

TIPS

When using agility training equipment, you should always use a good quality leash. The material, although not essential, can make a world of difference in your dog’s performance.

Agility leashes are generally made from thick nylon that allows for easy and secure attachment. A good leash should also be adjustable so that your pooch can be maneuvered safely through the air.

Some agility leashing systems include a carrying bag to make it easier to carry your training gear from location to location. Your pup will thank you for it.

You'll be able to walk with your pup without the worry of them running off somewhere and possibly causing you or someone else harm.

It‘s important to choose an agility leash with a variety of buckle systems. Each buckle offers a different degree of security and maneuverability.

CONSIDERATIONS

Dog agility is more than agility with a training dog. It’s all about the gear. Agility mats are used to train both dogs and humans. They can be used indoors or outdoors in a variety of environments.

The dog agility mat has dog-specific features that aid in building trust and confidence. While you can use the agility mats indoors, you should choose a mat that is not too heavy so your dog can still move around.

Most agility pads are made of plastic or foam. Plastic is the least expensive option and is also the most flexible. Foam is a durable option that can withstand harsh environments and can last for years. You also need to consider your available space when choosing a dog training mat.

A mat for an indoor dog has a base that you need access to, whereas one for a wild animal needs a larger space. If space is an issue, there are models that fold for storage.

Regardless of the type of mat, it's important to make sure you choose the right type for your needs. In most cases, training with an agility pad requires you to lie on the mat with your back to the handler.

However, the dog must be able to see you, so look for mats that have lights or reflective markings to help your pup see your face. Another option is to purchase a bag of balls to use with the training pad.

Balls are inexpensive, but they can also wear out over time.

PRICES

Dog agility training equipment is not a costly investment, but you do need to purchase a small amount of equipment in order to work with your dog.

If you purchase just one piece of dog agility gear, you may find it challenging to use, and you will probably have to switch pieces frequently.

Inexpensive

The least expensive dog training gear costs $15 to $20. These items work well for training your pup to walk on a leash but will not be as effective for working with larger dogs.

Mid-range

For $30 to more than $50, the gear will work for most dogs, though you should expect some durability issues with some items.

Expensive

High-end dog Agility training products cost $100 or more. For the most part, these pieces of training apparatus are made of high-quality, durable materials that will last for many years.

FEATURES

Agility is an excellent skill to master for any dog, but just because your pooch can’t jump as high as a raccoon doesn‘t mean that agility training equipment is useless.

Features To Look For in Best Dog Training Gear Dog agility is a full-contact sport, so you need to make sure your training apparatus is tough enough to tackle the sheer number of obstacles your dog will encounter while participating.

There are several different items to consider when it comes to picking out the best dog agility apparatus for your pup. While most of these items are designed for indoor use, some are suitable for outdoor use.

If you‪'re looking for a basic set of dog training gear, you may be able to find something that suits your needs.

However, if you want to invest in something with a little more substance, we have listed some features you should consider before buying.

Size 

Agility training is no joke. You don't just want something small and unobtrusive; you also want the ability to adjust the size of the training area to suit your pet s size. This is particularly important if your canine is prone to jumping on things.

Training ranges can be anywhere from around 8 feet to 20 feet and there are different sizes for dogs of different size and weight. The size you choose will largely depend on the difficulty level of your chosen dog trainer.

Also, remember that the larger the dog the heavier it will be when using the equipment. Consider which size best suits you and your best friend.

Weight 

If your agility dog likes to chew on anything that moves, then a lightweight agility track is the way forward. Agility courses vary in difficulty so it's important that you pick out a track that is suitable not just for the level or size your canines are at, as this will affect the weight of any training balls you use with them.

Additionally, the track itself should be constructed of sturdy and grippy material so that your four-legged friend can do most with it.

Material 

Most agility agility tracks are made from a combination of plastic and rubber. Plastic is lightweight and easy to maneuver, while rubber is durable enough for tough training. Both will withstand the rigors of jumping and running on a variety of surfaces.

ABOUT

What makes an agility toy dog agility level?

Agility toys generally follow the same three requirements. They must be large enough to satisfy the physical and cognitive needs of your dog, they must have some kind of trigger that the dog can use to let the toy go, and they should be easy for your pooch to get hold of.

Smaller toys are typically made of simple plastic and can be set to ring, click, or pull. They’re ideal for pet owners who want to play with their four-legged friends, but they don”t have the challenge of larger toys.

Large toys may be made from heavy-duty plastic that your pup can‘t crack. Training Agility Toys Agility training toys come in all shapes and sizes, from simple pull rings to challenging obstacle courses. If your canine friend doesn't mind a bit of trial and error, choosing a toy that requires her to work for it can make training much more fun.

You'll want a small toy with a trigger or other mechanism that he has to pull in order to advance the ring or piece of equipment. Agility ring toys usually feature a metal ring that must eventually be pulled taut to open a door or trigger a switch to turn on an on-camera light.

This type of toy is ideal if your puppy needs to learn how to progress through multiple levels of agility. Although it s important that you train your pet to be able to successfully navigate a complex set of obstacles, agility training rings are an excellent choice for dog owners with small dogs who aren‐t always able or willing to master the first few levels.

Similarly, obstacle course toys can help train a dog to stay away from things that scare or irritate her, such as rattles, cones, spikes, water guns, fire pits, glue guns (which can come with some toy versions), and fire hoses.

Some agility trainers say that if you can stimulate your animal‖s senses with the right stimuli, he will more willingly go through with obstacles that might scare her. That's because the stimuli will trigger happy thoughts in her mind, too, which will help keep her motivated to perform.