An agility run at a trial is made up of a number of obstacles designed to demonstrate the agility of the dog. While there are several different venues that host agility trials in the US, the obstacles are generally the same or similar. The heights or lengths of the contact obstacles may vary from venue to venue, but here is a brief overview of each obstacle.
Tunnels:
Rigid tunnels consist of a wire frame, covered in vinyl. They are tubular in fashion and remain open for their entire length. They generally have the flexibility to be stretched out in a straight or curved line. Standards usually call for a tunnel 10-20′ in length, 24″ in diameter.
Collapsed tunnels are constructed with a rigid, tubular entrance. Connected is an 8-10′ fabric trailer, which the dog must push his way through. These are often referred to as a Chute in many agility venues.
Seesaw:
A seesaw, or teeter-totter, is constructed using a plank, attached and perpendicular to, a center support pole. The plank is weighted on the entrance side so that it will automatically return to the starting position. The dog enters on the lowered side. As he reaches the center of the plank, his weight will cause the plank to shift, like a seesaw, and he will walk down, and off the exit side.
Dog Walk:
A dog walk is built using one center plank, 4′ from, and parallel to, the ground. Two other identical planks serve as the entrance to and the exit from this center plank, mounted at opposing angles from it to the ground. All 3 planks are to be 9-12″ wide and 8-12′ long.
Pause Table:
The pause table is just that – a table on which the dog pauses. It can be any 3′ by 3′ table or platform, 8-30″ from the ground (differs per height class). The dog jumps onto it and remains there for 5 seconds. A recent rule change (AKC) allows the dog to sit, stand or lie down on the table.
Pause Box:
A pause box is used just like a pause table, except that it is simply a 3′ by 3′ square marked off with tape or other material on the ground.
Jumps:
A tire jump is built by supporting or suspending a tire from a frame. The dog must jump through without touching the tire.
Not a high jump, the broad jump is made by adjoining low platforms on the ground.
The single jump is constructed of two vertical side bars, with one adjustable horizontal bar for jumping over.
The double jump is fashioned after the single jump, but rather consists of 2 sets of vertical supports, placed one set in front of the other, with horizontal bars mounted at differing heights.
Additionally, the triple jump is built using 3 sets of vertical supports and horizontal bars, at varying depths and heights, much like stair steps.
Finally, a panel jump also uses vertical supports, but rather than a bar for jumping, a solid, removal panel is utilized. Panels of varying heights are used for different height classes.
A-Frame:
A-Frames are constructed from 2 planks, placed at upright angles, to form a rough “A” shape. Each plank is 8′-9′ long and 36″ wide. They are hinged at the top, where they meet. Contact zones of 36-42″ are required on the entry and exit sides, and grips or ridges are necessary to help the dog in navigating up one side and down the other.
Weave Poles:
Weave Poles are upright and fixed in a straight line, 24″ from one another. The dog must weave in and out of the 3′ tall poles, in a zigzag fashion, entering with the first pole at his left shoulder.