While agility courses are packed with dog agility equipment, the most common obstacles are dog agility jumps. Let’s take a look at some of the jumps you might encounter at an agility competition, and, keep in mind, we have all of these jumps as well as a full selection of dog agility equipment available at Carlson Agility.
Single Dog Agility Jumps
The single jump is exactly what it sounds like. This is a jump with just one pole set at a specific height. The height varies based upon the height class of the dogs competing. Obviously, smaller breeds will jump at lower heights than the bigger breeds. Senior dogs and novice dogs also will have lower jump heights than the dogs in the agility prime so to speak.
Every course will have a plethora of single jumps, and it is often recommended to begin your dog agility training with a few jumps on your course. Dog agility jumping training can begin by simply having your dog jump over a pole on the ground and once they understand the jump command or signal and seem to get a general idea, set the jump at the lowest setting and practice until this is mastered. Eventually, you will want to set the jump at the competition setting and only practice at that level.
Double Dog Agility Jumps
A double dog agility jump is not a jump that just contains two poles instead of one. Instead, it is a jump with two poles set parallel but a few inches apart so that your dog must jump a farther distance. The second pole sometimes is set higher than the first pole, as well, so it can be smart to practice with the two poles set at the same height and also with the second pole higher.
We have both AKC double dog jumps and USDAA double jumps, and most other dog agility organizations will use a variation similar to one of these organizations. Just take a look at what is typically found on your organization’s competition courses and select the best match. We also have a training double jump, which is shown in the picture to the right. This can be a great easy way to train those distance jumps at the beginning.
Triple Dog Agility Jumps
The triple jump takes the distance a bit further than the double jump, and you may or may not see this on a competition course. If your dog excels at jumping, there are agility competitions that focus just on jumping, which are, not surprisingly, called Jumpers. You might find a triple jump either on a Jumper course or on a regular competition course. Again, we have both AKC triple jumps and USDAA triple jumps, so just select the best match for your dog agility organization.
Fence Wing Jumps
Fence wing jumps are a common site on agility courses, and these are simply jumps with little fences or wings on each end. They do tend to restrict sight a bit, which is why these jumps can be trickier than a plain old bar jump without fences or wings. These look a bit like the fence jumps at horse show jumping competitions, although they are set at a much lower height.
Panel Dog Jumps
Panel dog agility jumps utilize panels instead of bars, and these typically are single jumps. These can be trickier than bar jumps because the dog cannot see through the jump as you can with a bar jump. The panel jumps may or may not include fence wings, but they often do, so be prepared for that, as well.
Dog Agility Tire Jumps
Just about every agility course includes a tire jump, and we sell both full-size and mini tire jumps on our website. The tire jump can be tricky for dogs to learn, so we recommend that you simply hold the tire jump up on the ground and have your dog walk through it at first. Repeat this process several times whilst heaping on some praise when they navigate through the jump.
Once your dog can walk through, place the jump onto its frame in the lowest position and have them practice jumping through at a low height. Once they understand to jump through the tire jump, you can raise it to competition height.
Unique Jump Options
In addition to dog agility, other types of dog sports utilize jumping as a skill. Obedience courses, for instance often include some unique obedience jumps, such as a broad jump. The broad jump is simply a set of raised slats placed near to the ground at a short distance apart. Navigating the broad jump is more about being able to jump far rather than high. UKC also offers a few unique jumping options, including a window jump, as well as a few other interesting obstacles such as a sway bridge or a crawl tunnel.
Shop For Dog Agility Jumps Now
At Carlson Agility, we have just about every type of dog agility jump that you could need, including mini agility jumps and mini tire jumps for small breeds. Our selection also includes all types of dog agility equipment and mini agility equipment including dog tunnels, weave poles, agility dog walks, a dog agility a-frame, the pause table and much more. All our agility equipment is built to competition standards and handmade using the highest quality components. If you have any questions about our dog agility jumps or any of our agility equipment, feel free to email us at any time. If you aren’t quite sure which items to purchase, consider purchasing a dog agility starter kit, which will include several pieces of dog agility equipment.
