We live in an odd world! For children who can’t have pets, the internet has options. Welcome “Foo Pets”, a website where you can adopt pets, feed them, play with them, and even pet them. The animation is adorable. I have to admit, I looked into the deep pixel eyes of the Boxer pup and fell in love. Except he kept missing my frisbee toss. Gotta work on that coordination to get him ready for agility. If you’re bored, REALLY REALLY bored (or young and just a little bored), you can spend hours here. http://www.foopets.com/adopt (But seriously folks, unless you are bed ridden, should anyone be THAT bored when there are such things as SHELTERS, where you can volunteer to love on REAL dogs?)
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16Jan
Tags: simply funny
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15Jan
One of the newest inventions at Affordable Agility is our “EZ-sacks”. These are just plain cool. Little sandbags that hold sand, and water goes through them. They just cinch up and snap, forming a little handle to carry them! They’re not so heavy you can’t move them, either, but they’re perfect for weighting down obstacles and practice tunnels too. Have you heard the EZ-sack song? Here is our short little video to watch. Beware..the tune will stick with you 
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14Jan
Q. I WOULD LIKE TO BUY MY GRANDDAUGHTER SOME AGILITY EQUIPMENT. SHE WILL BE 11 YEARS OLD IN FEBRUARY AND HAS BEEN IN AGILITY TRAINING HER DOG CHESSA FOR 2 YEARS. I WANT TO START WITH A TUNNEL. COULD YOU PLEASE TELL ME BETWEEN THE VINYL AND NYLON MATERIAL WHICH WOULD BE BETTER? IF YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS, THEY WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED, AS I AM NEW TO THIS, SO ANY INFORMATION WOULD BE HELPFUL.
THANK YOUA. Hello Nancy, No problem, I’d be glad to answer your question. There are 3 types of tunnels that you can choose from in the world of tunnels:
1) Competition Tunnels (which I assume you mean by “vinyl”)
2) Practice Tunnels (Nylon Tunnels)
3) Practice Tunnels (Nylon Cheap)1. Competition Tunnels
These tunnels are made of a heavy material that is some sort of vinyl, rubber, plastic composite, and have heavy coils to add weight and a strong structure. They have a 24″ diameter, and in AKC rules can be anywhere from 10-20′ in length (15-20 is the most common). They condense down like slinky, but can weigh up to 55 lbs for the longer ones. They are of course more expensive, but are pretty maintenance free and can be left out in any weather without worries. They also don’t roll around as much, though most people saddlebag or brace them to keep them sturdy. For encouraging serious high drive and speed, there is really no comparison to a heavier weight tunnel.2. Practice Tunnels
For the more budget conscious, practice tunnels are made of nylon, either ripstop or some sort of Dacron that feels like canvas. Affordable Agility’s practice tunnels are made of the sturdier canvas material, which holds up to dog’s claws, and is a good option for people doing general agility training. They can be left out in the rain, and will dry like a canvas tent will dry. But it’s the hot sun (with no moisture) that is probably the worst culprit for them, so if you know that you won’t be using it for an extended period of time in the heat of summer, then its best to bring it in. Also, I advise turning the tunnel in your yard from time to time, so the moisture or mud under it doesn’t rot it out.The ripstop tunnels that are made of a more flag-like material I am not fond of. I had one once and it blew away and landed on a barbed wire. Forget the idea of ripstop. It ripped up pretty bad. The canvas ones will just last you longer, plain and simple, AND if you are semi-serious in the sport, any extra weight you can get on the tunnel is an advantage for encouraging speed.
Practice Tunnels come in a variety of lengths and diameters. Keep in mind that all dogs have to go through a 24″ diameter in competitions, so bigger dogs have to crouch a little no matter what to get through that. But, if your tunnel is too small, your dog will learn to crouch a little more than is necessary, and it will slow him up a bit. If your dog is naturally fast and you are only backyard training, OR if you have a smaller dog that won’t do much crouching to begin with, you can get away with a diameter less than 24″.
Hope all this helps! If not, any other questions are welcome.
Hugs to your dogs from ours,
Pamela
PresidentTags: agility obstacles
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13Jan
In this week of product reviews, it’s worthwhile to note the newest addition to the Affordable Agility product family. I’m really excited to be able to introduce the Doggie Treadmill! A Pooped Out Dog Is A Happy Dog!
This is the time of year when our dogs don’t seem to get enough exercise. Just like us, if our dogs jump right into an agility training routine and aren’t in shape and their muscles aren’t strong, they can hurt themselves. (stretching can lessen this, but nothing beats exercise!) Not only that, but our dogs have endless energy! They love to play hard, and sleep comfortably after they’re done. There’s nothing better than watching a worn-out dog sleep. They’re so cute, and look so happy!
Training Your Dog To A Treadmill
Treadmills are easy to train with lots of positive reinforcement, if you go slow and steady, and can be safer than outdoor walks if your sidewalks are caked with salt. They’re also wonderful for strengthening the hamstring/gluteal section of your dogs body (hind end, for those who are wondering:D) if you use the incline properly. I like to use them to build endurance (something I personally have problems with at a faster-than-a-walk pace, since I have cold/humidity + exercise = asthma- and I live in New York which is by turns cold, and humid. I digress….) I can’t keep up with my dog in an endurance walk, but with a treadmill I can keep him company and encourage him to keep going and tell him how wonderful he’s doing! For an active agility dog, endurance exercises can be a godsend since it builds muscle tone and encourages deep-chested breathing.
Remember all the rules for you on a treadmill apply to your dog, too! warm-up, cool down, and cardio! Our treadmills come with instruction manuals, and if you have any questions, feel free to contact us here at the blog, or at AffordableAgility.com. We’ll be happy to help!
We Need Your Feedback! Watch the Video!
It’s not everyday you see these Dog Treadmills. We are curious as to your opinions and thoughts. Is it something your dog would enjoy? How much time would you run him or her on it? Please share after watching this cool video!)
Go here to check out the video of how it works!
Tags: Affordable Agility News, agility safety, dog products, dog safety & health
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12Jan
Most agility organizations require that a dog run ‘naked’, that is, no collar on course (if a collar is allowed, no tags are allowed). They also require that the dog be leashed after his run is completed. But why?To put it simply? Safety. If a dog is wearing a collar and it gets caught in, say, a tunnel… imagine what could happen! At the very least your dog would be scared spitless, and at the worst he could suffocate himself or damage his windpipe- and imagine trying to get him out! The rule makes sense, though many people scoff and say ‘but it would never happen!’ I grew up in the era of kids getting caught in pool drains. It’ll happen.
And the leash? Safety, again! I know an agility dog who runs beautifully off course- and is a hells’ angel off course! without a leash it would be bye-bye Emma! So before you exit the ring, the dog has to be on his or her leash, for their safety and your mental well-being.
But how do you get the collar off and on quickly? there’s a variety of ways to do this! Either use a ‘snap’ collar (this may not work for very heavy pullers), or a ‘noose’ collar and leash combo. The noose style can be hard to find, but it’s a favorite of mine! (Sit stay has a great selection! ) It’s soft, pliable, cute, and easy on and off! I keep one in my car for strays, or my dogs getting in and out. It’s perfect. (In dire situations, simply loop the leash- but for an agility competition, I’d suggest a noose leash over a slipped leash!)
Tags: dog products, dog safety & health
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