Miztiki Posted April 19, 2005 Report Share Posted April 19, 2005 I found a source of unlimited free mulch. Actually, it's the wood chips from ground tree stumps. Our tree guys said we are welcome to as much of it as we want - FOR FREE! I was just toying with the idea of building some kind of agility course. Boyden likes to play on the agility equipment at the dog park and just does whatever I ask him to do, and he seems to have fun with it. I don't know anything about agility equipment though. At the dog park there is a ramp, a tunnel, a thing to jump over, and a thing to jump through. I could make stuff like that, but what other equipment is there? Anyone here built their own course and have tips or ideas? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kitch Posted April 19, 2005 Report Share Posted April 19, 2005 If you do a google search for dog agility, you will find a ton of stuff. I am attempting to attach a link to one of the sites, Free Agility Equipment Plans : http://futuremach.baka.com/equip.html The basic stuff is pretty easy to make, mostly PVC pipes and some boards....good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelpiegirl Posted April 19, 2005 Report Share Posted April 19, 2005 hi: Just be careful what is in the mulch (the poison ivy, sumac, oaks come to mind). Also make sure there is no unknown pre-made stuff in there either. As for agility equip, I have made most of mine, and it is not hard as long as you have the right tools, directions, and vision I would start by making some jumps and a dog walk. Julie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miztiki Posted April 19, 2005 Author Report Share Posted April 19, 2005 I'm surprised there is not more difficult and challenging equipment, especially for BC's. Hmmm, maybe I'll create something... I seem to recall someone posting pictures of their agility course a long time back. My memory is not the best, but it seems they used mulch or some sort of material for the course, and it looked really good. Who was that? I don't want to put mulch down and have the grass grow up through it. Any tips on how to prevent that from happening? I can't believe I can have all the free mulch I want! That is SO cool! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
airbear Posted April 20, 2005 Report Share Posted April 20, 2005 Originally posted by Miztiki:... but it seems they used mulch or some sort of material for the course, and it looked really good... To be honest, I HATE running on mulch. Grass is by far my fave surface to run agility on. Mulch gets stuck everywhere, dog's feet and mouth, your ears and nose (yes, it's true). Plus it's hard to run on, given that it's uneven (more for the handler than the dog). But then again, I am a wimpy city girl who truly doesn't like to get dirty. As for other equipment, you can make weave poles by taking those fibreglass electric fence step-in poles and shoving them in the ground, then covering 'em with 3/4" PVC pipe. They're not the same as weaving on a rigid set (the step-ins have a lot of give) but you can get the idea. Space them about 20" apart. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
INU Posted April 22, 2005 Report Share Posted April 22, 2005 Hey Miz, There is an agility place near your house. They only charge 10 bucks per hour. There are not gates or anything so you can go and check out the equipment. Agility Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miztiki Posted April 22, 2005 Author Report Share Posted April 22, 2005 Yeah, a new guy at the dog park told me about it yesterday. I drove by looking for it but it was too dark to see. We are on our way over there once I eat lunch. Says people are welcome to stop in and check it out, so I'm going to do just that. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
INU Posted April 22, 2005 Report Share Posted April 22, 2005 Yeah, a new guy at the dog park told me about it yesterdaySounds like you are a regular at the dog park! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karrie Posted April 22, 2005 Report Share Posted April 22, 2005 old carpet under the mulch will prevent the grass from coming up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miztiki Posted April 22, 2005 Author Report Share Posted April 22, 2005 That's a good idea Karrie. I don't have any carpets at all (old or new) but it probably wouldn't be hard to find someone who wanted to get rid of some. Thanks for the suggestion! Yeah, we're regulars. I checked the place out but it was empty. I didn't see anyone I could ask questions of or anything. I'll have to email them I guess. It's 4.3 miles away. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mutt Posted April 24, 2005 Report Share Posted April 24, 2005 "I'm surprised there is not more difficult and challenging equipment, especially for BC's. Hmmm, maybe I'll create something..." Miztiki The trick to agility is not necessarily getting the dog to do the equipment but to do the equipment the way you want your dog to do it. If Boyden loves to play on the equipment that's a good start. take some classes and learn how to manage your dog on course, if he's fast that's where the challange will come.....equipment is easy to make with a little imagination. I have built an A frame, jumps, tetter, weave poles and dog walk. Now I just need a tunnel and chute.....Agility is a blast and a great outlet for the dogs. Have fun with it. Tony Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
punkrockbc Posted April 24, 2005 Report Share Posted April 24, 2005 OMG, Tony! :eek: I am SO jealous of your equiptment!! Right now, we only have weave poles (just stakes with pvc pipes over them) and jumps. . I want to get this practice set (http://affordableagility.com/agilityinbag.htm). . and its only $159.99 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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