Danger, The Truth About Dog Agility

Hey! After 4 days there is something that needs to be addressed about agility. A danger you may not be ready for  with the sport of agility.

So I am here to tell you the TRUTH about Dog Agility!

DANGER: Agility is HIGHLY ADDICTIVE, and may have an impact on your wallet. 

It’s sad but true. If you get the agility bug it can be a danger and impact your wallet. But don’t worry, just look at it as a new hobby! And with every new hobby there has to be an investment period. I do have to say though that I don’t find it to be costly as having a photography addition.

Expenses

• Equipment: Being able to practice at home is important if you want to compete. If you make a lot of your own equipment w/ pvc you can save a lot of money, but it will still cost you. But sometimes, investments in equipment such as Tunnels and an A-Frame may be necessary.
• Training: Group Training is common so be expected, depending on your area, spending $125 – 250 per 6-8 week session.
• Agility Trials: This is where things can get expensive. Entry fees can fluctuate anywhere from $12 – $20 per class. But unless you have an RV, expect to spend at least 2-3 nights in a hotel, plus food!

Ways to Save

Honestly though, it’s not that bad. There are ways of saving money.

• Buy an RV or … I have my eye on one and since I just recently purchased a truck, I now have the ability to pull a travel trailer. Not only does that save on hotel rooms, but I can also make my own meals and I wouldn’t need to eat out!
• Carpool Make friends with someone from your class and start going to trials together, not only does it help the environment, but you have someone to split the cost of gas with!
• DIY Treats Making your own treats is a great way to save on money! I have a great recipe that I will share later that Riley absolutely loves! 
• Books & Videos If you do not have the ability to go to class once a week, there are some great videos on YouTube along with great books. Clean Run Magazine is also a great source.
• Talk to a Trainer Finding a great agility trainer is key, if you are not able afford a full 6 or 8 week class, how about sharing a private lesson with another person and then getting “homework” to do until your next lesson?

So don’t let any of this scare you… it’s a great sport that both you and your dog will love. And even if you never compete, it’s so much fun to make new friends and having great experiences with your dog and creating that unbreakable bond!

Sorry we are getting to you a little late on Saturday, Riley and I went to our first fun match this morning 🙂 You’ll hear more about that at a later date! 🙂

We are happy to continue on our journey of the A to Z Challenge celebrating the letter “D”! Please join us on Monday!

Woofs, Wags & Lots of Love, 

Christine & Riley