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This is a set of training equipment I'm developing that I hope can make Agility more accessible and more inclusive.
I started Agility in 2001. Back in those halcyon days, a few friends would often get some equipment together and do Agility. This continued for many years but things gradually changed and this element of Agility has sadly faded.
Time to make it possible to return to those halcyon days and experience the magic of working with your dog.
So, to the design criteria:
1) Safe for dogs and handlers.
2) Light and compact so quick and easy to set up and change.
2a) I further define this as: Able to fit in and on a small car with rear seats in place. 2 people and 2 dog crates! I'll be testing this on a Citroen C1 soon so watch for up-dates and pics!
3) Must be able to present all handling and equipment skills.
4) Must be able to set up small courses.
Competition equipment is now much better, much safer but so much more expensive. A set of competition equipment is around £7,000 or more and you need a truck with a 12 ft bed to move it and a lot of people to set it up or change it during a training session.
Training equipment is designed for training where you want to move items easily to present different training points. Though much lighter there is no compromise on safety. When competing (Champ/Masters level) my training was on training equipment.
The idea is that you can gradually build up this set and work on the skills appropriate to what you have whilst deciding what you would like next.