Dog agility is an exciting way to have fun with your dog, strengthen your connection, and give them a great physical and mental workout. But is it an expensive sport? The short answer: it can be—but it doesn’t have to be! Whether you’re just starting out or looking to compete, agility can be adapted to suit different budgets.
Getting started in dog agility: No equipment needed!
One of the best things about agility is that you can start training without any equipment at all. The foundations of agility—teaching your dog to follow your movement, respond to cues, and navigate obstacles—can be practiced in everyday life. Simple exercises like teaching your dog to move with you, follow your handling, and respond to direction changes can be done in your backyard, at a park, or even inside your home.
For easy ways to get started with agility training, download our free OneMind Dogs Agility Starter Kit for expert tips and guidance!
DIY dog agility equipment: A budget-friendly option
When you’re ready to introduce obstacles, you don’t need to spend a fortune. Many agility obstacles can be safely DIYed with common materials. For example:
- You can make jumps from PVC pipes
- If you’re keen to start weaving all you need are garden stakes and PVC
- Many agility handlers find tunnels second-hand or repurpose them from sturdy play tunnels.
However, it’s important to ensure any homemade equipment is safe for your dog. A larger, more powerful dog will need extra tunnel bags to keep the tunnel secure compared to a small poodle, for example. For more DIY agility ideas, check out our blog on DIY agility obstacles.
Competing: Where costs can add up
If you decide to take agility to the next level and compete, costs can increase due to:
- Entry fees for competitions
- Travel expenses (fuel, accommodation, food)
- Training fees for in-person lessons and seminars
That said, there are ways to keep competition affordable. You can camp near the trial grounds instead of booking hotels, enter only a few classes per day to manage costs, and stick to local competitions whenever possible.
Learning dog agility on a budget
Training is one of the biggest investments in agility, but online learning can save you money compared to in-person lessons. With OneMind Dogs Foundation for Agility, you can start training with world-class coaches for just €9.99 per month (around $10.99 USD). This option:
- Gives you expert guidance to avoid mistakes and bad habits.
- Offers a safe and structured way for you to train.
- Lets you learn at your own pace, at home, and without travel expenses.
Most of our students hire a hall/field once a month or attend a club to practice running courses on a full set of obstacles, putting the skills they learned online into real practice. It’s a very practical and affordable way to learn!
Final thoughts
Agility is a sport for all dogs and handlers, and you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy it. Whether you train in your backyard, at a local club, or in competitions, agility is a fantastic way to build a stronger partnership with your dog while having fun.
Ready to start? Download our free Agility Starter Kit and take your first steps toward an exciting agility journey today!
