2006-07-30 17:40:32 · 4 answers · asked by strawberry fields 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
PVC pipe is inexpensive, will withstand the weather, and usually the store that sells it will cut it to length for you. Use the smallest diameter they sell, since you want lightweight poles.
For jumps, start low, and place a 3-4 foot length of PVC pipe with a brick under each end. You want to make sure if the dog's foot or leg hits it, it just rolls away and can't injure your dog.
For the weave poles, broomsticks would be too hard and expensive, but PVC pipe stuck in the ground at 2 foot intervals will work well. You want them to be about a foot taller than your dog, and in the ground at least 6" for stability.
For an open tunnel, a barrel with both ends off is great, and you can use 1 foot lengths of PVC pipe to brace it so it doesn't roll to either side. Just angle them into the ground, 3 on each side, so they fit snugly against the barrel.
For a closed tunnel, you can drape an old flat sheet or light-weight tablecloth on the end of the same barrel, duct-taping it to the barrel. On the first pass through your course the sheet can be rolled up over the top of the barrel, then for the second pass just drop the sheet down.
You'll need plywood for an A-frame, and directions for it and the dog-walk are on the website below. These peices need to be properly constructed and very sturdy and strong for the safety of your dog.
I also advise you to google "agility" and look for a good site on how to teach your dog the course and the equipment. The dogs you see competing all started slow and easy, learning how to approach and deal with each piece of equipment so it neither scared nor injured them, then working up their speed as their skill increased. It's very important your dog enjoy agility - it should be a fun game, not a job.
Enjoy and best wishes!
2006-07-30 18:02:55 · answer #1 · answered by gsdmommy 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Look online for plans. Ebay sells some equipment cheap. Most are made out of PVC pipe anyways, so go buy some and make it. A good book is "Introduction to Dog Agility". I believe there are some basic plans in that book.
2006-07-31 01:30:30 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Look online and join an agility chat group. I have several friends that have done it. There are probably plans online someplace.
2006-07-31 00:45:31 · answer #3 · answered by ARE YOUR NEWFS GELLIN'? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can dig some holes in your backyard and put broom sticks in it for the go around thing and you can start from there!
Vanessa:)
2006-07-31 00:44:53 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋