For anyone who’s ever tried to buy agility equipment for their German shepherds, it can be a frustrating experience. There are so many different options on the market, and it can be hard to know which one is right for your dog.
Some people try to save money by buying cheap equipment, but this can often lead to problems down the road. Cheap equipment is often less durable and may not meet your dog’s needs.
On the other hand, some people spend a fortune on the agility equipment, only to find that their dog doesn’t enjoy it or isn’t good at it.
The key is to find a balance between cost and quality. You don’t want to overspend on equipment that your dog won’t use, but you also don’t want to skimp on quality and end up with something that will break easily.
Our review can help take the guesswork out of buying agility equipment for your German shepherd. We’ve done the research so you don’t have to, and we’ve narrowed down the list of options to only the very best.
So whether you’re looking for an agility tunnel, set of weave poles, or anything else, our review can help you find the perfect product for your shepherd.
Our Picks for The Best Dog Agility Equipment Kits for German Shepherds
- XiaZ Dog Agility Course Equipments – Best Starter Kit
- SparklyPets Dog Agility Training Equipment Set – Best Complete Set
- Outward Hound Dog Agility Training Kit – Best Budget Kit
- Sowsun Dog Agility Training Equipment
- CHEERING PET Dog Agility Training Equipment
5 Best Dog Agility Equipment Kits For German Shepherds Reviewed
1. Best Starter Kit: XiaZ Dog Agility Course Equipments
If you’re looking for the perfect starter kit for your German shepherd’s agility training, look no further than the XiaZ Dog Agility Course Equipments.
Made of ABS material, it’s lightweight and durable, making it ideal for use indoors or outdoors. Plus, it comes with everything you need to get started, including a pause box, tunnel with ground stake, jump hurdle, and weave pole.
And because it’s made of safe and non-toxic materials, you can rest assured that your shepherd will be safe while using it.
While this set was a great starter kit, there were a few downsides.
The first was that the hoop clips did not have enough tension to hold the hoop. This made it difficult to keep the hoops in place, and we had to adjust them several times during our trials.
The second downside was that the plastic pieces did not seem as durable as we would have liked. We were concerned that they might break if our dog knocked into them too hard.
Overall, this is a great starter kit to teach your German shepherd the basics of agility. However, we wouldn’t consider it for long-term use.
Pros:
- Comes with everything you need to get started.
- Made of safe and non-toxic materials.
- Easy to set up and take down.
Cons:
- Hoop clips did not have enough tension to hold the hoop.
- Plastic pieces did not seem as durable as we would have liked.
2. Best Complete Set: SparklyPets Dog Agility Training Equipment Set
The SparklyPets Dog Agility Training Equipment Set is our choice for the best-rated agility complete set for German shepherds.
This ergonomic dog training course uses a unique clip-on system that makes it easy to set it up or take it down so that you can use it wherever you go.
It also comes with a variety of obstacles, including a weave pole set, tunnel, pause box, tire, and hurdle jump. Perhaps what makes this set unique compared to others on the market is its 2-in-1 frame design, which allows you to use it as either a tire jump or a hurdle.
Plus, you’ll also get two carrying cases that make it easy to transport all of the equipment, and the sleek design is sure to turn heads at the next big agility meet.
While this set was undoubtedly high-quality, some owners complained about the lack of instructions. You might need to spend some time figuring out how to put everything together if you’re new to the world of dog agility.
Pros:
- Easy to set up and take down.
- Comes with a variety of obstacles.
- The 2-in-1 frame design allows you to use it as either a tire jump or hurdle.
Cons:
- Some owners complained about the lack of instructions.
3. Best Budget kit: Outward Hound Dog Agility Training Kit
If you’re looking for an agility training kit for your dog that won’t break the bank, the Outward Hound Dog Agility Training Kit is the best budget choice.
Less than $30, it’s a great value for the money. Indoor and outdoor options are sold separately, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
The portable design means you can take it with you wherever you go, making it a great choice for busy dog owners. Plus, the brightly colored cones and tunnel are sure to capture your dog’s attention.
While this set was undoubtedly decent for the price, some dog owners thought it was a little flimsy. We would recommend that you use it with supervision to make sure that your dog doesn’t accidentally knock it over and hurt themselves.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly.
- Portable design.
- Decent quality for the price.
Cons:
- Some dog owners thought it was a little flimsy.
4. Sowsun Dog Agility Training Equipment
This well-crafted set is made from sturdy materials like 190T polyester, plastic, and metal, so you can rest assured that it will withstand plenty of wear and tear.
And if you’re not using it, the set is easy to assemble and store away until your next training session.
Best of all, the equipment is fully adjustable, so you can customize the obstacles to match your dog’s size and skill level.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, the Sowsun Dog Agility Training Equipment is sure to provide hours of fun for both you and your four-legged friend.
However, one dog owner said the poles and stakes were not sturdy enough and after two days of use, she needed to re-insert the stakes into the ground again.
Pros:
- Made from sturdy materials.
- Easy to assemble and store away.
- Fully adjustable.
Cons:
- Poles and stakes might not be sturdy enough.
5. CHEERING PET Dog Agility Training Equipment
This 28-piece set comes with everything you need to set up an obstacle course in your backyard, and it’s also pretty lightweight and portable, so you can take it with you on trips.
The two color options (blue and orange, and blue and yellow) are both pretty eye-catching, but we have to say we’re partial to the orange/yellow combo. The course includes hurdles, tunnels, weave poles, and more, so your dog will be kept busy for hours.
Overall, we’re satisfied with the quality of this set, but a few customers said that the set was not as sturdy as they would have liked. In addition, the lack of instructions made some people feel overwhelmed.
Pros:
- Lightweight and portable.
- Two-color options.
- Comes with a variety of obstacles.
Cons:
- Some dog owners thought the set was not as sturdy as they would have liked.
- Instructions could be more clear.
What Are The Benefits of Doing Agility Training With Your German Shepherd?
There are many benefits to doing agility training with your German shepherd. Here are just a few of the benefits that you and your dog can enjoy:
Improved physical fitness
Agility training is a great way to keep your dog fit and healthy.
Unlike traditional forms of exercise, such as walking or playing fetch, agility training provides a full-body workout that helps to build muscle, improve flexibility, and increase endurance.
In addition, agility training helps to improve your dog’s coordination and balance.
Mental stimulation and boredom relief
A tired dog is a good dog – that’s something any pet parent can get behind. But what many don’t realize is just how important it is to tire our dogs out mentally, as well as physically.
That’s where agility training comes in! Agility training provides mental stimulation and can help relieve boredom, two things that are essential for any happy and healthy pup.
Agility training requires your dog to think on their feet and navigate a course of obstacles. This type of mental stimulation is essential for keeping your dog’s mind sharp and can help to stave off cognitive decline as they age.
Improved obedience skills
Obedience is an important part of any dog-owner relationship. After all, you need to be able to trust that your dog will listen to you and follow your commands – especially when you’re out in public.
Fortunately, agility training can help to improve your dog’s obedience skills.
This is because agility training requires your dog to focus on you and follow your commands in order to navigate the course. As a result, your dog will learn to trust and obey you, which can make everyday activities, such as walks and trips to the park, much more enjoyable.
Socialization opportunities
If you’re looking for a way to socialize your German shepherd, agility training is a great option.
This is because agility classes provide an opportunity for you and your dog to interact with other pet parents and their dogs.
Not only will this help your dog to become more comfortable around other people and animals, but it will also give you a chance to meet other dog owners in your area.
What Are The Different Types of Agility Equipment?
If you’re serious about doing agility training with your German shepherd, then you’ll need to invest in some quality equipment. There are many different types of agility equipment on the market, but the most popular items include:
Agility tunnels
An agility tunnel is one of the most essential pieces of equipment for any dog agility course. Tunnels provide a space for your dog to run through, encouraging them to move quickly and develop their speed and agility.
Agility hoops
Hoop jumps are another common piece of agility equipment. Hoops can be used for a variety of different exercises, such as jumping and weaving.
Weave poles
Weave poles are a series of poles that your dog will need to weave in and out of. This exercise helps to improve your dog’s coordination and agility.
Contact equipment
Contact equipment includes items such as the A-frame, seesaw, and dog walk. These pieces of equipment require your dog to make physical contact in order to complete the exercise.
Tires
Tire jumps are a great way to add variety to your dog’s agility course. Tires can be used for a variety of different exercises, such as jumping and climbing.
Dog walk
A dog walk is a raised platform that your dog will need to walk across. This exercise helps to improve your dog’s balance and coordination.
Paused tables
A paused table looks like a regular picnic table but with one key difference – it has a paused center section. This exercise requires your dog to pause in the middle of the table before continuing to the other side.
Which Breed of Dog Is Best Suited for Agility Training?
While any breed of dog can benefit from agility training, some breeds are more suited to this type of activity than others.
Top Breeds for Agility Training include:
1. Border Collie
If you’re looking for a dog that can keep up with your active lifestyle, a border collie is a perfect choice. Medium in size, these herding dogs are known for their intelligence, high energy, and trainability.
Border collies excel at agility training, making them the perfect partner for those seriously considering competing in agility trials.
And because of their high intelligence, border collies are also quick learners, meaning they can pick up new tricks and commands with ease.
2. German Shepherd
There’s no denying that German shepherds are one of the top breeds for agility training. But did you know that they’re also used for jumping out of planes in military gear? That’s right – these dogs are athletes in every sense of the word.
And there’s no better proof than the fact that they’re often used in military and law enforcement operations.
Not only do they have the strength and stamina to keep up with the most demanding tasks, but they also have the intelligence and focus to complete them successfully.
3. Australian Shepherd
If you’re looking for a dog that can herd cattle and catch bad guys, look no further than the Australian shepherd. These dogs are the cowboy’s number one choice for a reason – they’re smart, athletic, and hardworking.
But what about those of us who don’t live on a ranch or work for the police? For those of us who just want a fun and friendly companion, the Australian shepherd is still a top breed.
Thanks to their athleticism and intelligence, these dogs excel at agility training. They’re also great at obedience and trick training, making them the perfect canine partner for dog sport enthusiasts.
4. Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russell Terriers are little balls of energy that never seem to tire. This is one of the reasons they make such excellent agility dogs. They have the stamina to keep going long after larger breeds have run out of gas.
But it’s not just their endurance that makes them top agility dogs. Jack Russells are also intelligent, enthusiastic, and very trainable.
They love to work and please their owners, which makes them quick to learn new tricks and commands. And once they’ve mastered a task, they’re always eager to do it again and show off their skills.
5. Standard Poddle
The Standard Poodle is a top breed for agility training, and don’t let the breed’s perfectly coifed hairstyle fool you. Standard Poodles are intelligent, athletic dogs that excel at dog sports such as agility.
The Standard Poodle’s intelligence makes the breed easy to train, and the breed’s athleticism means that the dog is well-suited for fast-paced activities such as agility.
In addition, their size makes them well-suited for tight turns and other agility obstacles.
What To Consider When Buying Agility Equipment Kits For Your German Shepherd
When you’re shopping for agility equipment for your German shepherd, there are a few things that you’ll need to keep in mind. Here are some of the most important factors to consider:
Purpose
One of the most important things to consider is the purpose of the equipment. Are you looking for something to help your dog burn off energy? Or are you hoping to compete in agility trials? Once you have a clear idea of your goals, you can start narrowing down your options.
Size
Another important factor to consider is the size of the equipment. You’ll need to make sure that the equipment is the right size for your German shepherd.
Weight
The size of the equipment can also have a big impact on your dog’s performance. If the jumps are too small, your dog may not be able to clear them. If the tunnels are too narrow, your dog may get stuck.
And if the teeter-totter is too short, well, let’s just say you don’t want to be there when that happens. So when you’re shopping for dog agility equipment, make sure to take size into account.
Material
Material is definitely something you’ll want to consider when you’re shopping for agility equipment. After all, you don’t want your dog biting into a jump cup made of cheap plastic – that’s just asking for trouble.
Instead, look for agility equipment that’s made from durable materials like stainless steel or powder-coated aluminum. Not only will this help to ensure that your dog remains safe while training, but it will also prolong the life of your gear.
Ease of use
When it comes to dog agility equipment, there are a lot of factors to consider. Of course, you want something that is safe and sturdy. But you also want something that is easy to use.
After all, there’s no point in buying a fancy set of obstacles if you can’t figure out how to set it up. And if you’re not careful, you might end up with a tangled mess of equipment that your dog can barely navigate.
Another plus point of easy-to-use agility equipment is that it’s also portable. This means that you can take your dog’s agility course with you when you travel.
So when you’re shopping for dog agility equipment, be sure to keep ease of use in mind. Otherwise, you might just end up with a big headache – and a very confused dog.
Price
Of course, you’ll also need to consider your budget when shopping for agility equipment. There are plenty of high-quality options on the market, but they can definitely come with a hefty price tag.
If you’re on a tight budget, there are still plenty of options available. Just be sure to read online reviews before making your purchase. This way, you can be sure that you’re getting a good quality product without breaking the bank.
Wrapping Up
When it comes to choosing the best dog agility equipment set, there are a lot of factors to consider. But after considering all of the options, we believe that the Xiaz Dog Agility Kit is the best starter kit for those just getting started in agility training.
The SparklyPets Dog Agility Set is our top pick for complete sets. It comes with everything you need to get started in agility training, and it’s made from high-quality materials that will withstand plenty of wear and tear.
So whether you’re just getting started in agility training or you’re looking for a complete set to take your dog to the next level, we hope that our list has helped you find what you’re looking for.
Happy agility training!
FAQ
1. Is agility training good for German shepherds?
If you’re looking for a fun and effective way to bond with your German Shepherd, Agility training is a great option! Not only will it wear out your shepherd’s boundless energy, but it will also provide a challenging mental workout.
You’ll be amazed at how quickly your dog learns to navigate the agility course – and you might even find yourself getting a little competitive.
At the end of the day, there’s no doubt that Agility training is good for German Shepherds – and their humans too!
2. What age should a German shepherd dog be to do agility?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as every dog is different. However, most experts agree that German Shepherds should be at least 12 – 18 months old before starting Agility training.
This gives them time to mature physically and mentally and ensures that they are big enough to safely navigate the obstacles.
Of course, if you have any concerns about your dog’s age or health, it’s always best to check with your veterinarian first.
3. How long should a dog agility training session be?
Most experts agree that a dog agility training session should be between 15 – 30 minutes long. This gives your dog enough time to work up a sweat without overdoing it – and it’s the perfect length of time for most humans too!
Of course, you can always adjust the length of your training sessions to suit your dog’s needs. If your shepherd is full of energy, you might want to extend the session to 45 minutes or even an hour.
On the other hand, if your dog is getting tired, you can always cut the session short.
4. What agility commands should I teach my dog first?
There are a variety of different agility commands that you can teach your dog, but some are more important than others. The first few commands that you should focus on teaching are “come”, “go”, “back”, “jump”, “halt”, and “left/right”.
These commands will help you to direct your dog around the course and ensure that they are safely navigating the obstacles.
Why Trust Us?
Here at TrainYourGSD, we’re all about helping dog parents to find the best products for their furry friends.
We’ve been working hard to create helpful and informative content for dog lovers all over the world, and we only recommend products that we believe in.
We’ve put a lot of time and effort into researching and testing the products on our list, and we’re confident that they are the best of the best. But if you’re still not sure which product is right for you and your German Shepherd, we’re here to help!