If you’ve watched those dog agility competitions and were thinking, “my dog could do that,” maybe it’s time to order a dog agility kit and get started. We have several different kits to consider, and each of them provides hours of fun entertainment.
Which Dog Agility Kit Should You Choose?
Honestly, any of our kits can be a great option, and it costs a bit less to purchase a kit versus buying individual pieces, although some of our customers do prefer buying a piece at a time, and that’s certainly an option. Here’s a quick look at our kits:
Dog Agility Kit A – This includes four jumps and weave poles. This can be a great option if you are ready to teach weaves and also want to add some jumps to your existing course. After all, jumps are the most common obstacle at any competition.
Dog Agility Kit B – This kit contains two single jumps and a tunnel and is great option if you are just getting started. Dogs love jumps and the tunnel and these usually are easier skill to teach.
Dog Agility Kit C – This kit has a bit of everything and works as a great little backyard course. This kit includes a jump, pause table, weave and a tire jump for tons of agility fun.
Dog Agility Kit D – This one contains two jumps and a pause table, so it’s a great choice for beginners, but if you want a few more jumps, check out our next kit . . .
Dog Agility Kit E – This is a great option for beginners as it contains four jumps, which are always a favorite with dogs, and a pause table, which dogs don’t always love, but it’s crucial to be able to sit, stay and lay down on the table. This can be a great option for a dog that needs some fun and some obedience training.
Dog Agility Kit F – If you love jumps and love weaves, this is the kit for you. There are four jumps, a teeter and a full set of weaves packed into one set.
Dog Agility Kit G – This has a bunch of fun packed into one kit and includes a teeter, tire jump and a full set of weaves. These are challenging obstacles, but dogs love them and it’s fun to watch them zip through those weaves.
Dog Agility Kit H – With this kit, you get something similar to Kit A, but we’ve thrown in a pause table, which can be a great obstacle for some distance training.
Why Dog Agility?
Dog agility is an amazing and fun sport, and even if you never set a foot (or a paw) on an agility course, there are several benefits from agility training, including:
• Agility provides an all-body workout for your pooch (and for the handler)
• Agility training keeps dogs from getting bored; bored dogs can be destructive or bark too much
• Agility training improves the bond between you and your dog
• Agility training can improve the confidence of a shy or timid dog
• Agility training improves the obedience level of any dog
The Major Players
If you want to compete there are several different organizations that sponsor agility competitions. Each one is a little bit different in terms of rules and regulations, but competing is a blast no matter which group you select. Here’s a quick look at just a few of the groups in the U.S.
United States Dog Agility Association (USDAA) – This group truly sets the standards for agility worldwide and their courses are pretty tough to navigate, but if you can handle a USDAA course, you can probably handle courses from just about any other agility organization.
North American Dog Agility Council (NADAC) – At NADAC, the focus is definitely on fun and inclusion. In the past not all agility groups allowed mixed breeds, but NADAC is one that always has allowed mixed-breed dogs to compete. They even have options suitable for amputee dogs, so every pooch can get in on the action.
American Kennel Club (AKC) – When one thinks about the AKC, one might imagine dainty pure-bread dogs with bows that probably eat off fine china in a candlelit room filled with the soothing sounds of a live string quartet, but the AKC has really lightened up, at least in regards to agility. Mixed-breeds may compete, and their courses are bit trickier than NADAC courses, and a bit easier than USDAA courses.
United Kennel Club (UKC) – The UKC is another organization where you might think the pedigree is crucial, but UKC is actually s very inclusive organization, allowing pure-breed and mixed-breed dogs to compete. Amputee dogs and Deaf dogs both are able to compete, as well, provided they can safely handle all of the course requirements.
Teacup Dog Agility Association (TDAA) – This group was created especially for the littlest of our furry friends. All breeds and mixed breeds are welcome to participate; you just have to measure 20” or less to be included. Deaf dogs may compete, but blind dogs are not eligible. Amputee dogs may be able to compete as long as they can safely navigate the course.
Canine Performance Events – This group focuses on the fun, and all breeds and mixed breeds are allowed. Deaf dogs and dogs that are blind in one eye also might be able to compete.
How To Get Started
There are really no hard and fast rules about how you should get started with agility. Some people like to take lessons or join an agility club, while others like to study up a bit and go it alone.
If you plan to compete, check out which groups often host events in your general vicinity and then take a look at the rules and regulations for that group. This will give you a baseline of which pieces of dog agility equipment to purchase and how high to (eventually) set jumps.
Using a dog agility kit can be a great option, simply because you can save a bit of money and you’ll have several pieces of equipment to use. While you can start with any of our agility kits, Starter Kit B, Kit D or Starter Kit H might be the best suited for someone with no agility experience, as these include items that are a bit easier to teach.
No matter which dog agility kit you select, you and your pooch are sure to have a blast learning these agility skills. You can see pictures and more info about each kit by heading to our “Products” tab and scrolling down to “Agility Starter Kit.” If you have any questions about any of our dog agility equipment, just click on the “Contact” tab on our homepage.
