Q&A for How to Build a Dog Agility Course

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Question

How can I make my own dog agility course indoors?

Elisabeth Weiss
Professional Dog Trainer
Elisabeth Weiss is a Professional Dog Trainer and owner of Dog Relations NYC, a dog training service in New York, New York. Elisabeth relies on science-based, force-free, and reward-based techniques. Elisabeth offers behavior training, puppy manners, body awareness and injury prevention, diet, exercise and dog nutrition services. Her work has been featured in New York Magazine and on the Dog Save the People podcast. She also trained all the dogs in the movie "Heart of a Dog" by Laurie Anderson that features Elisabeth's journey with Laurie Anderson's and Lou Reed's dog Lolabelle and how her passion for playing the keyboards played a significant role in improving her quality of life after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Elisabeth Weiss

Professional Dog Trainer

Expert Answer

You can use all kinds of things around the house to help your dog improve its agility. I've used broomsticks, plumbing, squeegees, ramps, and even plungers. Just be sure to familiarize the dog with the equipment and show them what you want them to do.

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Question

Can older dogs be in a competition?

Community Answer

Honestly, it depends on the competition rules and how old your dog is. But you can always make your own competition and have some friends come over to be judges.

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Question

How far apart should the jumps be for a medium size dog?

Bleaky

Community Answer

Just make sure there's enough room for your pooch to land safely and then bound over the next jump. Don't cram the jumps together or it'll be physically impossible for your pup to make the jump. This may take some adjusting as your dog practices.

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Question

Are beagles good for agility? I want to do agility with him, but I'm not sure if he likes it.

Community Answer

Any healthy dog can do agility! Before treating the sport as a competition, it should be seen as a fun game to play with your dog. If your dog doesn't seem to be enjoying himself, lowering your expectations of your dog can make it more fun for everyone. Remember, it's a game!

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Question

Are all of these obstacles often used in actual competitions? I know weaving poles are but what about a tire jump?

Community Answer

Yes, a tire jump is used in competition as well as a bar jump, broad/long jump, dog walk, a-frame, tunnel, chute tunnel, teeter totter/see saw, and triple jump. Keep in mind competition grade equipment is a different quality than the equipment most people use for practice.

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Question

How long should I train my puppy before entering her in a contest?

Elliott

Community Answer

It differs for every puppy; as long as you and your puppy are confident, prepared, and ready to go, then it's never too early to enter them in a contest!

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Question

Should I wait until my dog is an adult to try the weaving poles? I heard that it’s not good for a young dog’s back because they’re still growing.

Community Answer

If your dog is a small dog probably three years old is the right age. For a big dog, two years old should be fine to start learning.

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Question

If I want to do a dog show with small dogs, and I am using a garage with rugs down where the dogs walk. Is that a good place? I did my research, so I have made it a safe and welcoming place.

Rebecca Clark

Community Answer

As long as the dogs feel happy and it doesn’t get too hot in there, it should be a great place for a dog show!

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