This is our review of the best dog agility equipment sets in 2023.
Training your dog at anything is no easy task; we can vouch for that. Agility is tricky but undoubtedly doable and great exercise – and something you should dive right into.
We’ve taken the time to look through some stand-out agility equipment for dogs on the market, and we’ve lined up a buying guide to help you find the right sets for your pet, be it an adjustable tire jump or weave pole set.
The best agility training equipment has to be the PawHut starter kit. While it might not be the most advanced of kits online, it offers everything, including the basics that a starter dog and owner will look for when starting agility for the first time.
You can invest in dog agility kits or a set to help get your pup up and moving. Cool Runner’s agility stuff is good and Pawhut does some fantastic training equipment for agility.
Ever thought about investing in weave poles or a hoop jump? They come in all shapes and sizes.
In this article, we are going to be reviewing the following dog agility training equipment:
- PawHut Pet Agility Equipment
- PawHut Dog Agility Obedience Jump Hurdle
- Goods & Gadgets Agility Tunnel
- Trixie Dog Activity Seesaw
- Pet Brands Agility Hood Jump
It’s not just the show dogs who entertain us at Crufts; many of us love to watch the agility with pooches weaving in and out and jumping two feet over obstacles. It sure looks like fun!
There are many choices regarding training equipment – so take a good look below at what’s available in affordable agility for you and your pooch.
Top Recommendations for Professional Dog Agility Equipment
PawHut Pet Agility Equipment
Are you looking for a portable agility kit ideal for a young dog? PawHut’s solid starter kit made from furniture-grade PVC will likely acquaint you with all the bits and bobs you’d typically find in other, more advanced agility training kits.
Pros:
- Very easy to pack up when not in use and might be ideal for taking with you to the local dog park
- One of the lightest yet sturdiest dog agility set systems available due to the materials
- This is genuinely affordable training kit for the absolute novice
Cons:
- It might not be the best equipment for advanced training
PawHut Dog Agility Obedience Jump Hurdle
PawHut again, and this time around, we’re focusing on dog agility products for obedience training and fitness, whatever your skill level.
This fantastic dog agility with weave pole set is made from high-quality plastic with simple height adjustment attachments on the hurdle and plenty of weave poles to wiggle in and out.
This is one of the best dog agility equipment kits for getting started.
Pros:
- This is a surprisingly sturdy dog agility kit
- An excellent all-in-one package – easily convert dog jumping bars into weave poles
- Carry Bag- meaning you could easily set this dog agility set up down at the local dog park if you wish
Cons:
- The weave poles could use a spacer for a more accuracy
Goods & Gadgets Dogs Agility Tube
Once you graduate from the agility starter kit, you might start thinking competitively! This agility kit will likely appeal to dog owners looking to get their canines navigating professional dog tunnels while getting some exercise.
As you may already know, this set will be a standard fixture at most competitions.
Pros:
- One of the lightest sets online – easy to pack away and take with you thanks to a carrying bag.
- You can quickly and flexibly set this up on a complex or straightforward basis – great for a novice or more experienced dog.
- There are three different sizes available.
Cons:
- However, be aware that this set is not ideal for training larger dogs – it is worth looking for more extensive, heavy-duty agility gear for bulkier dog breeds such as a border collies.
Trixie Dog Activity Seesaw
Who doesn’t like an excellent tippy board or teeter-totter? Add dogs into that equation, too! Experienced owners might want to add a great dog seesaw alongside a weave pole set and pause box to finish off the perfect agility set-up.
Pros:
- One of the most durable you’ll find online
- One of the best-made dog agility equipment options on our list
Cons:
- There’s a fair amount of assembly required – put some time aside
Pet Brands Agility Hood Jump
What agility equipment set is complete without a brilliant training jump hoop? This is a tyre hoop with brilliantly low shipping weight and a great alternative to a solid bar jump; it should help to get those paws off the ground in no time.
Pros:
- Perfect for a starter kit – some of the easiest agility gear to set up and gain some confidence starting out
- Value for money training jump
- Light shipping weight means you can easily set up this equipment almost anywhere.
Cons:
- The spikes provided in the carrying bag may not be the sturdiest
What to Look For in Good Agility Equipment for Dogs
Regarding agility equipment for dogs, there are a few things to consider. First and foremost, safety should always be a priority; any equipment that is unstable or made of materials that could cause injury should be avoided. When looking for quality agility gear, look for lightweight, easy-to-transport, and adjustable items. Additionally, look for things that offer several different ways to set up an agility course so you can find the perfect challenge for your pup!
Here are some other significant factors to keep an eye out for:
- Durability – Look for equipment designed with sturdy materials like PVC pipe or metal frames so your dog’s playtime lasts longer.
- Portability – Choose equipment with collapsible parts or folding features so you can easily transport it from one place to another.
- Adjustable Heights – Look for agility obstacles with adjustable heights so they can grow with your pup as they get stronger and more skilled in their training routine.
- Variety of Obstacles – It’s vital to find agility sets that include a variety of obstacles like jumps, hoops, tunnels, weave poles, ramps and more!
- Training Literature – If possible, find sets which explain how to use each piece properly and have a training tips booklet.
What Equipment is Used in Dog Agility?
There are loads of types of dog agility gear. It is best to start with basic dog agility jumps and move on to the more challenging obstacles. Still, some excellent agility starter kits are available, including the dog poles and hoops.
Jumps
Dog agility jumps come in various styles, including simple bar, double and triple combinations, hoop jumps that can arrive in plastic, or even tyres, which the pup has to jump through – and there are long doggy jumps, too.
A dog breed with the propensity to leap high or long boundaries will cope well with these. However, always check out the description and features of any equipment you consider buying.
All these should be fully adjustable depending on the height of the puppy. You can find the Kennel Club recommended height options Here.
Weave poles
A famous piece of professional dog agility equipment, a weave pole, stands in a row that your four-legged friend weaves in and out of. These improve speed, agility and balance.
Ideally, there should be a distance of 60cm between each weave pole, with the minimum number of poles being five and the maximum allowed in a competition being 12.
Most affordable agility training sets you find online or at a dog agility shop have six poles. They are a fantastic way of improving your dog’s flexibility.
Your dog might not be the fleetest of the foot, but at the same time, enhancing your dog’s agility is all about challenging them to new things like a weave pole.
Weave poles are great additions to all dog agility equipment kits; therefore, you should look for them online in the best dog starter kit products. A good agility dog must be nippy on the ground and in the air.
Contact a-frames and teeter-totters
Contact obstacles are generally not found in a dog agility equipment set as they can be bulky and awkward. They usually take the form of walks or A-frames.
They involve walking on the apparatus, touching the correct areas, which are different colours and sometimes rubber or silica sand is added to the flat paint for a sure-footed grip.
Why not look for dog contact A-frames alongside the best dog agility training kits? If you’re serious about upping your dog’s agility, perhaps competing in dog shows, you should be keen to invest in some of the top dog agility items to be found in your dog agility shop or online.
Second-Hand Kits Are More Affordable
Second-hand agility kits are excellent options for dog owners looking to save money. Generally, second-hand sets are more affordable than new ones due to the following reasons:
- Not Brand New – The most obvious reason is that you’re not paying for new stuff.
- Used Equipment – The used equipment will likely have some wear and tear since another dog owner already used it.
- No Warranties – Since they are not brand new, these kits do not have warranties or guarantees. That being said, often, the seller will disclose any damage or flaws in advance so you can make an informed decision before purchasing.
FAQ’s
Can you use dog training equipment indoors?
Yes, you can undoubtedly use dog training equipment indoors. Of course, choosing pieces that work with the size of your space is essential so you can handle it. You’ll probably want to start with smaller agility training toys. Additionally, ensure the materials are safe for your home and won’t cause any damage. For example, PVC pipes are lightweight and easy to assemble without nails or screws, making them perfect for indoor use.
How much should I spend on dog training?
The amount you should spend on dog training will depend on your particular needs, budget and the type of training you want to provide. Basic obedience classes can range from £50 to £200 per session. The cost will likely be higher if you’re interested in specialised services such as agility classes.
What dog has the best agility?
The best agility dogs are typically those that have been bred for speed, strength and agility. Popular breeds include:
- Border Collies
- Australian Shepherds
- German Shepherds
- Golden Retrievers
- Jack Russell Terriers
At what age should you start agility?
Many experts recommend waiting until a puppy is six months old before starting agility training. This gives the pup time to mature enough to understand instruction and develop an attention span.
Last Word
We hope we’ve been some help with your search for the top dog agility equipment kits. New to training agility in your pet? Don’t worry! Give it a try and see how you get on – who knows, you may be competing at the next Crufts – but if not, you are still guaranteed to have a lot of fun! Invest in the best canine kit that will get your dog moving for their health as much as their ongoing training.