5 Must-Have Dog Agility Training Supplies for Beginners

Have you ever seen a dog agility competition on TV and thought, “Wow, that looks like a fun activity for my dog and me to try!”

Agility is a sport that relies on teamwork. You, the handler, provide the instructions, and your pup uses your guidance to overcome a variety of obstacles. Along the way, the two of you learn to flawlessly communicate and work with one another, forging an enduring human-and-canine bond.

Sounds amazing! But what do you and your pup need to get started with agility training? Apart from the obvious jumps, teeters, walks, and weaves, here are five must-have dog agility training supplies for beginners.

Plenty of Water

Agility training is hard work! Whether you’re training at home or at the local dog park, you’ll want to have access to cool and fresh water for you and your pup. Proper hydration will help the two of you stay concentrated on the task at hand.

A Clicker and Treats

If you want to successfully train your pup, positive reinforcement is key. There are dozens of ways to reinforce good behavior, from ear scratches to snack breaks, but most owners prefer the clicker method for agility training.

When their pup performs a task correctly, the owner presses the clicker and then tosses their dog a bone (or another treat of their choosing). It’s classic Pavlov’s conditioning! Before long, your pup will learn that clicks mean snacks and that to get a click and a snack, they just have to zoom around some cones and leap over a bar!

Agility Collar

Did you know that regular collars can snag on training equipment and seriously injure your pup? That’s why the next must-have dog agility training supply for beginners is an agility collar. An agility collar is a collar that doesn’t have any add-ons—no identification tags or little charms.

If you’re worried about letting your dog run loose outdoors without identification, you can train in your backyard, a fenced-in dog park, or at an indoor pooch training and fitness center—yes, those actually exist!

A Place To Lie Down

Your dog will need breaks in-between training sessions, so remember to bring along a comfy place for them to rest. A soft-sided dog crate is ideal since it’s comfortable, soft, and keeps away the sun’s scorching rays.

Course Maps

Even if you’re not ready for or interested in bona fide competitions, head online and download some agility competition course maps! These maps were carefully curated by pros. You can use them as inspiration when setting up your own course.

Looking for the supplies you need to get started with agility training? DogGoods® is a dog accessories store that has quality pet products you and your pup will love!

Our soft-sided dog crate is perfect for dogs that need a quick break in-between training exercises, and our hands-free leash belt makes it easy to carry essentials like water, a clicker, and your pup’s choice snacks.