Agility: Hurdles, Tunnel and Slalom for a Course in Your Garden
Jump, crawl through, weave: with agility equipment you can build your dog a course in the garden or on the training ground. Great fun for you both.
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Kerbl Agility Dog Tunnel 5m, Red, 60cm Diameter, Nylon with Carry Bag
Sale price: €34.10 Regular price: €44.99 (24.21% saved)
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Kerbl Agility Cone-Hurdle Set, 3 Hurdles, Adjustable Height
Sale price: €31.76 Regular price: €37.99 (16.4% saved)
Agility: Dog Sport for Garden and Training Ground
Agility combines exercise, concentration and teamwork. Your dog tackles obstacles while you guide it around the course with body language and cues. Here you'll find an agility set with a ring, hurdle and slalom poles, a 5 m agility tunnel and a height-adjustable hurdle set with cones. With these you can train at home, without joining a club or going to a lot of effort.
Setting Up a Course at Home
A few pieces of equipment are enough to get started. The slalom poles teach your dog agility and quick turns, it jumps through the ring on cue, and the tunnel soon becomes a favourite for many dogs. The hurdles are height-adjustable, so you can start very low. Set up the equipment on level, non-slip ground such as grass and secure the tunnel so it cannot slide. Short sessions with plenty of praise and rewards achieve more than long training rounds.
Training the Healthy Way
Jumps and fast turns put strain on joints and muscles. Intensive agility with high jumps only makes sense once your dog is fully grown and its musculoskeletal system has finished developing, at around 12 to 18 months depending on the breed. Young dogs can get to know the tunnel and walk over poles laid on the ground. Warm your dog up before training and keep an eye on a healthy weight, as extra pounds put more strain on every jump.
Frequently asked questions
At what age can a dog start agility?
Young dogs can get to know the equipment playfully, for example with a short tunnel or poles on the ground. Wait with jumps and intensive training until your dog is fully grown. In large breeds, that can take up to 18 months.
Is agility suitable for every dog?
Many dogs love it, whatever their breed. For very heavy dogs, seniors or dogs with joint problems, adapt the exercises and leave out the jumps. If in doubt, talk to your vet beforehand.
My dog is scared of the tunnel. How do I get it used to it?
Squash the tunnel together at first so your dog can see right through it. Lure it with a treat from the other side and praise every step. Only lengthen the tunnel once your dog runs through confidently.
Agility Equipment for Your Dog
Agility brings exercise and variety into your daily routine together. The three-piece set with a ring, hurdle and slalom poles is a good way to start and quick to set up in the garden. The 5 m tunnel gets many dogs excited straight away. The hurdle set with cones is height-adjustable, so you can start low and slowly raise the bar. Set up the equipment on level, non-slip ground and train in short sessions with lots of praise. Jumps and quick turns put strain on the joints, which is why you should only start intensive training once your dog is fully grown. Young dogs get to know the equipment playfully, for example with poles on the ground and a short tunnel. That way you will both enjoy your shared dog sport for a long time, without a club or a long drive.