7 DIY Dog Agility Course Plans You Can Make Today (With Pictures)
If you have one energetic pup that can’t get enough exercise, you might be looking for ways to challenge them at home. If you have the yard space, agility courses can be a phenomenal backyard game where your pup can burn off steam.
If you're a handy person with available resources, you can make a top-notch setup—and all the neighborhood dogs will want to play. Here are a few you can try at home today!
The 7 DIY Dog Agility Course Plans
1. Dog Agility Training At-Home Agility Course
| Materials: | Pool noodles, hula hoop, ski poles |
| Tools: | Not specified |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
This Dog Agility Training At-Home Agility Course is a good beginning guideline to consider. You might need tutorials or specifics on how to make each piece. This is more of an overall guide and display of ideas that can turn your backyard from drab to fab.
You can even use old materials you have hanging around your house. Hula hoop rings, skis, pool noodles—you might not even have to go to the store.
2. This Old House DIY Dog Agility Course
| Materials: | PVC pipe, wood, bolts |
| Tools: | Drill, hacksaw, drill bits, spade bit, hammer, woodblock |
| Difficulty Level: | Moderate |
We appreciate this DIY Dog Agility Course from This Old House. It is an incredibly detailed, well-planned selection for intermediate builders. There is quite a bit of cutting precise measurements, using tools, and other aspects that might make it difficult for beginners.
However, we think the final product is amazing. Your dog will appreciate the intricacy. You can even place the hurdles to create higher or lower jumps at will.
3. Pet DIY Dog Agility Course
| Materials: | Wood, paint, PVC pipe |
| Tools: | Hacksaw |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
If you’re looking for a single piece to create that tests your dog's balance, we recommend the Pet DIY Dog Agility Course. It is a super simple teeter-totter design that can keep your pup occupied for hours in the backyard.
Pet DIYS links to the full project so you can get all the step-by-step details for creation. The finished product will be worth it for your pooch.
4. Instructables DIY Dog Agility A-Frame
| Materials: | Plywood, sand, paint, chains |
| Tools: | Miter saw, safety goggles, pencil, drill, Dremel |
| Difficulty Level: | Difficult |
Check out the Instructables DIY Dog Agility A-Frame if your dog loves a good climb. This adorable A-frame design is a little pricier and construction-heavy than some others on our list, but the results can be worth it.
This DIY uses a few power tools and specific materials you might not have on hand, so prepare to buy.
5. Sit Stay DIY Dog Agility Course
| Materials: | Collapsible tunnel, poles, PVC pipe, plywood, wood |
| Tools: | N/A |
| Difficulty Level: | Varied |
The Sit Stay DIY Dog Agility Course is a terrific rundown of ideas, basic steps, and necessary supplies for a course you can make from the comfort of your backyard. Some pieces they touch on are tunnels, weave poles, tire jumps, hurdles, dog walks, pause tables, and seesaws.
These ideas are great as standalone pieces or as part of a bigger setup. Most projects are simple and others are more complex. So go with your experience level.
6. Grace and Buster Tire Jump
| Materials: | PVC pipe, bungees, drainage pipe, 4-way tees, cap ends |
| Tools: | N/A |
| Difficulty Level: | Moderate |
Take agility training to a whole new level by building the Grace and Buster Tire Jump. This interesting setup comes out a hundred ways—you can look at all the finished products on the page. This piece will teach your dog precision in jumping.
You might have to work with your guy or gal until they learn the ropes. But soon, they will be pros. This is a great training tool, and your dog might be able to get excellent use out of it.
7. PetDIYS DIY Tire Tunnel
| Materials: | Tire, paint, nuts, bolts |
| Tools: | Paintbrush, drill |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
For your dog, you can make the PetDIYS DIY Tire Tunnel. It’s a cheap, easy setup that your dog can walk through or jump on. You simply grab a few tires—either old ones you have on hand or a junkyard. Paint them if you want, and dress them up how you will.
You can use as many times as you want to create the tunnel length. However, the process is the same. You dig, tie, or link the tires together, cover the bottom with sand or dirt to make them level—and there you have it.
Benefits of Dog Agility Courses
Dog agility courses are super beneficial for your dog if you have the space. They promote healthy exercise and can enhance advanced training.
Channels active breeds
More active breeds love having a task to do and love learning new things. Having an agility course will help them channel their energy and precision.
Helps older dogs stay active
You can develop agility courses for seniors or disabled dogs to strengthen and work their muscles. The movement of certain muscles can help regain function.
At-home training is possible
Even though trainers are great at their jobs, you can do that at home. You can build an agility course where you and your dog can practice different exercises.
It gives your dogs a playground
If you have multiple dogs, they can have tons of fun jumping and running around the backyard together. It doesn't always have to be all work with no play.
Final Thoughts
Having an agility course set up at home has its perks. You can use recycled, upcycled, or cheap components to create these courses—it doesn't have to break the bank. Plus, making the equipment yourself will save you a lot of cash as opposed to buying commercially.
Agility courses are a great way to keep your dog active and feeling its best. We don't think you'll regret it.
See Also:
Featured Image Credit: Murilo Viviani, Unsplash
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Ashley Bates is a freelance dog writer and pet enthusiast who is currently studying the art of animal therapy. A mother to four human children— and 23 furry and feathery kids, too – Ashley volunteers at local shelters, advocates for animal well-being, and rescues every creature in need. Her mission is to create awareness, education, and entertainment about pets to prevent homelessness. Her specialties are dogs and cats.
