If you’re looking for a way to get your pet more engaged and active, it’s not a bad idea to check out dog exercise equipment and agility training courses. It doesn’t have to be an official course —
you can purchase obstacles for dogs and set them up in your backyard. You can also visit a dog park where they may already have agility equipment set up, which can also give them the chance to interact with other dogs. Even though dogs between the ages of a year and a half to four years will need more exercise than older dogs, if they’re too young, certain types of exercise or agility training can hurt growing joints. Let’s get into the benefits of agility training, where you can find obstacles for dogs or other pet exercise equipment, and the benefits of exercising your pet in general.
What are the Benefits of Dog Agility Training?
This type of play and exercise will appeal to your dog’s base instincts — chasing after prey through various kinds of barriers. In the wild, for example, wolves will run through underbrush, jump over logs or streams, and go up and down hills or slopes in order to catch their prey. Agility training simulates this through a canine obstacle course.
It’s also good exercise and if you’re worried that your dog is putting on some extra weight because he or she simply eats and sleeps, agility training can be a good fix for that. It will keep his muscles strong, his mind sharp, his coordination at the ready, and give him greater endurance for long walks or bouts of play.
If your dog proves to be really excellent at agility training, you can even try your hand at competitions, which can be fun and rewarding for both you and your pet, as well as offer the possibility of prize money!
Where Can I Get Obstacles for Dogs and Other Equipment?
Though there is equipment you can specifically buy for dog agility training, you can often build obstacles for dogs yourself or purchase items like orange cones, tires, or PVC pipes, which can all be used. There are plenty of instructions available online that teach you how to create your own obstacle course for your dog, using pretty basic and inexpensive materials. If you’re a little crafty,
you can make your own agility course look pretty great and can tailor it to your dog’s size.
If you don’t have the time or simply want to get more professional equipment, you can purchase some of it from pet stores or online. There’s a wide range of prices available, so you should be able to find something that fits within your budget. Depending on where you live, you may also have the option to sign your dog up for agility courses at a location that already has all the equipment. Dog parks are another good place to potentially find obstacles for dogs already set up and free to use.
What are the Benefits to Exercising My Dog Regularly?
Keeping your dog fit will help keep his or her weight down, which reduces stress on joints as he or she ages, can improve cardiovascular health, and can keep them more comfortable in the heat. Additionally, if you’re exercising your dog, that generally means that you’re exercising too! Who else is going to take your dog on those walks or runs?
Exercise can also be a good outlet for your dog. If there’s been behavioral issues, it could be that your dog is just bored or has too much pent up energy. Incorporating more exercise into his or her day can help alleviate some of those issues.
You may also find that you develop a stronger bond with your dog if you’re the one primarily playing with him or engaging him with exercise.
Do your dog a favor and think about investing in dog obstacle course equipment. A little agility can go a long way and will undoubtedly result a happier, healthier, and more energetic dog.