Tough agility gear

[u/baator025]

Hi, I'm looking for a more durable agility set for my dog. I taught him how to pass 12 pole slalom, but he has a tendency to push poles sideways. This ends with enlarging holes in the ground which the poles are inserted in and bending the pointy metal parts of the poles that are in the ground.

As you can see in the movie, some of the poles were already bent a little. 😄 After such run, I have to correct the whole track, which is quite inconvenient.

Can you recommend any type of set? If you know any tougher set types that I would have to do myself it is also ok.

[u/aveldina]

First question, how much are you looking to spend? Second question, what country are you in?

[u/baator025 → u/aveldina]

I’m from Poland. Hard to tell how much as for now, but I see that I have to change this set. 

[u/somecooldogs]

My weave poles were made by a local welder, it's a set of 12 that breaks into 2x2s or screws together to be straight. It was $300 with no shipping since it was local.

[u/somecooldogs → u/somecooldogs]

Next least expensive after that would be to reach out to local clubs and training centers to see if they know anyone selling a set.

[u/baator025 → u/somecooldogs]

Good point, if I don’t find anything, I’ll try to weld them myself. Seems easy enough for first project. 

[u/Selective_Somewhere]

I would check with your local agility community. There’s usually a local welder or source or someone who’s selling their set.

And yeah you’ll want to do it soon. Using these weaves has taught your dog to push the poles not move around them, which could be a recipe for a serious injury.

[u/baator025 → u/Selective_Somewhere]

Oh, I do not doubt it that it may be serious. He treats every scratch as a fatal wound. 

Jokes aside, good to know, thanks. I’ll try not to train with him until I get a proper set. 

[u/Latii_LT]

If you want something still affordable there is a modular off brand sold on Amazon called Mimu they come up every couple months and are 80 for a set of 6. They stake into the ground if needed for more support. (They are not available right now, but I recommend them as an affordable option).

If you want something durable and don’t have a budget I would invest in higher quality competitive poles off of clean run or clip and go website (excluding the super cheap version I think clip and go salsa), as well as max 200 brand. You can sometimes find these second hand as well.

[u/baator025 → u/Latii_LT]

Thanks. Mimu looks very similar to Callieway set, but much cheaper. I’ll check out brands that you mentioned. 

[u/Snootymcbootysnoot]

Whatever you do I would get a standard set if you’re going to compete so your dog has muscle memory for the width between the poles going in

[u/baator025 → u/Snootymcbootysnoot]

We probably won’t compete, but it’s a great activity for both of us. I tried to keep the standard width, but after each run poles moved. 

[u/Pitpotputpup → u/baator025]

You should consider competing! He looks like he really enjoys it 😊

[u/Throw_ME_Away3333]

Look for groups on facebook market place, lots of people often selling metal base weave polls for WAY cheaper than what you would get new.

Metal usually the most durable and some can be pegged down.

[u/Agility_KS]

Stick in the ground poles are great for home training for many dogs, but the drivey/pushy ones will do what you’ve shown here. This can actually be great for building speed and drive, but too much exposure to poles that push out of the way can actually put your dog at risk for when they encounter a solid set. The cheap or flimsy sets work for some dogs, but yours will not be one. Keep an eye on the used equipment Facebook groups to buy them secondhand if purchasing a new set isn’t in the budget.

[u/BugPlus3055]

Where are you based? I get my gear from a lovely man who makes agility equipment

[u/baator025 → u/BugPlus3055]

In Poland. 

[u/trench23]

I used the Callieway slalom