Agility training is a great activity to have fun and exercise with your dog. However, this canine sport might require a considerable investment in time and money. So you might want to have an idea of how much dog agility will cost before getting started.
Training your dog to run through an obstacle course and participating in events isn’t free. Costs can quickly add up if you don’t have any budget in mind. Thus, let’s find out how much money you should expect to pay for dog agility depending on your needs.
How Much Does It Cost To Get Into Dog Agility?
For training classes, expect to pay between $100 and $200 for a basic introduction to dog agility. Then, having the proper equipment is essential, which can add another $100-$200. Entry fees for competitions are around $30 per event per dog. So the overall starting cost of agility should be anywhere from $300 to $500.
Is Dog Agility Expensive?
Dog agility can be expensive if you take a lot of training sessions with a personal trainer and buy high-quality equipment. On the other hand, there are ways to get into dog agility almost for free. So the cost will vary a lot depending on your needs and how you plan to train your dog.
What Influences The Cost Of Dog Agility?
Many factors will impact how much dog agility costs. Some people may spend under $100 to get started, while others have expenses adding up to over $1,000. How you train your dog, the agility equipment used, and the organizations you work with can influence your overall cost.
Costs To Expect In Dog Agility!
Now let’s break down all the potential expenses you might encounter during the process of training your dog for agility. The costs above might not all apply to your situation. But it’s still helpful to know all your options and how much you should expect to pay for each of them.
Training Your Dog For Agility
When it comes to training, you have a few paths you can take. The first one is to train your dog yourself without the help of anyone. It’s free and allows you to learn at your own pace, but it’s not easy and can be very long.
Another option is to join a training class for dog agility. It’s a great way to get started because it’s affordable, and you will have an instructor to help you out. There are classes for every level of agility training, so you should find one that fits you and your dog’s needs.
The last alternative is to take private lessons with a professional trainer. It can be expensive compared to other options for the time you get. But a personal trainer will only focus on you and give you personalized advice to help you progress as fast as possible.
- Train Your Dog Yourself. (Free)
- Join A Dog Agility Training Class. (Affordable)
- Hire A Professional Trainer. (Expensive)
How Much Does Dog Agility Training Cost?
Training your dog for agility generally costs between $100 and $200. For more advanced and personalized help, you will have to invest more money. On the other hand, it’s also possible to pay nothing and train your dog by yourself. So dog agility training can cost anywhere from $0 to over $500.
Cost Of Dog Agility Training Classes.
An in-person group training class for dog agility will generally cost around $150 for a 6-week program made of 50-minute sessions. On the other hand, organizations offer different options for every level of agility skills going from an introduction to advanced handling and competition.
Thus, it can quickly add up to a significant amount if you take many dog agility classes. Let’s say you need about 5 of those specific training programs. It will cost around $750. But you don’t have to take that many classes. It’s up to you.
Cost Of Dog Agility Online Courses.
Besides in-person classes, you can also opt for an online course about dog agility training. It’s usually cheaper, and you might have access to more lessons than in a 6-week program for around the same price. On the other hand, you won’t get direct support and advice.
An online training class can be an affordable way to get into dog agility at home. You will have all the instructions and theory necessary to start guiding your dog through an obstacle course. Then, all you have to do is learn and practice at your own pace.
The price of an online course for dog agility will generally vary from $50 to $200. It mainly depends on how much educational material is included, which organization sells it, the instructor, and whether you have access to support or personal feedback.
Cost Of A Personal Trainer For Agility.
If you have more specific needs or don’t mind paying a premium, hiring a personal trainer specialized in dog agility might be the best option for you. It will cost a lot more than a group class or an online course, but you get what you pay for.
Private lessons are generally around $50 per session of 30 to 50 minutes. One session per week for 6 weeks in one-on-one training for dog agility would cost approximately $350 instead of $150 for a group class.
I understand it’s expensive, and not everyone can afford that. But having a professional trainer all to yourself will allow you to progress much faster in dog agility. Proper support and guidance can also make this activity even more fun and safe for both you and your dog.
Dog Agility Equipment
When it comes to dog agility equipment, most people think about obstacles. Buying an open tunnel, jump, and weave poles might not be that expensive. Nonetheless, more advanced obstacles can be very pricey.
Another option would be to build obstacles yourself. It can be a fun DIY project, and you will save a lot of money. But homemade dog agility equipment won’t be as high-quality, durable, and safe as products available to purchase.
If you don’t have enough space for an obstacle course at home, you can pay to use one. It shouldn’t be too expensive, and you will have access to all the equipment used in agility events and competitions.
The only problem is that agility courses are generally complicated to find, and over time it might be more profitable to have your own gear. However, you can have access to professional equipment for cheap if you join a club, buy a pass, or sign up for an ongoing class.
How Much Does Dog Agility Equipment Cost?
Dog agility equipment can cost anywhere from $100 to over $4,000. It will depend on what obstacles you need, the quality you want, and where you buy them. For a cheap equipment set, including a tunnel, jumps, and weave poles, you should expect to pay around $100. But contact obstacles can cost more than $3,000.
Learn more about contact obstacles!
Besides that, you might also need training aids. They won’t be as expensive as obstacles, but they can still represent small expenses to consider. Treats, toys, a treat pouch, and a clicker or whistle are all convenient accessories to have for dog agility training.
List Of Price Ranges For Each Piece Of Dog Agility Equipment.
Obstacles:
- Tunnel: $30-$500
- Bag Holders: $40-$80
- Jumps: $30-$250
- Weave Poles: $40-$300
- A-Frame: $500-$1,400
- Dog Walk: $500-$1,600
- Seesaw: $200-$800
- Pause Table: $200-$400
Check out some of the best tunnels and jumps for dog agility!
Training Accessories:
- Treats: $5-$15
- Toys: $10-$20
- Treat Pouch: $5-$20
- Clicker or Whistle: $5-$10
With the list above, you can add up the cost of all the equipment you plan to buy. I gave ranges because the price of an item will vary a lot depending on its design, quality, dimensions, and seller.
Fees To Participate In Dog Agility Competitions
The last cost involved in dog agility is when you decide to compete. Organizations such as the AKC host events in which you can participate. However, you must pay fees to enter competitions and show the world what your dog is capable of doing.
Here are the fees to compete in agility for the different organizations:
American Kennel Club
Basic Online Registration Fees: $33
- $25 for the first entry of each dog (includes $3.50 AKC recording fee).
- $20 for the second and third entries of the same dog (includes $3.00 AKC recording fee).
- $15 for the fourth, fifth, and sixth entries of the same dog (includes $3.00 AKC recording fee).
United States Dog Agility Association
Registration Fees: $40.
Entry Fees: Vary depending on the agility class and event, but it’s usually between $15 and $30.
United Kennel Club
Registration Fees: $35
Pre-Entry Fees: $15-$20
Day Of The Show Fees: $20-$25
North American Dog Agility Council
Registration Fees: $25 (Non-Associate Dog) or $20 (Associate Dog)
Associate Fees: $15 (1 year), $35 (3 years), $50 (5 years), and $500 (Lifetime).
Canine Performance Events Inc.
Registration Fees: 39$ (New membership with the first dog) and $20 (For each additional dog).
Entry Fees: $14-$15.
With those numbers, we can say that most dog agility enthusiasts will pay between $100 and $200 in fees per year for competitions. It will mainly depend on how many events you participate in and which organization you’re dealing with.
Examples Of How Much Dog Agility Might Cost!
With all the potential expenses you might have to pay for training and equipment, it can be hard to figure out how much dog agility will cost you. So let’s take some more concrete examples to give you a better idea of what you should expect to pay for this activity.
Disclaimer: I can’t show the exact prices of the products because they might change in the future, and it’s against the Amazon LCC Associates Program Guidelines.
However, you can click on my links to check the price, and the budget should give you an idea of how much it costs. Note that as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Affordable Way To Get Started
Budget: $0-$200
Training: Train your dog at home without taking any class or online course or find an affordable one.
Equipment: Build your own obstacles or buy a cheap equipment set.
Other Fees: There are no additional costs except if you decide to participate in agility events.
Example Of Potential Buying List
Ideal Beginner Scenario
Budget: $300-$500
Training: Sign up for a 6-week dog agility class (~$150) or buy an online course (~$200) and train your dog at home.
Equipment: Invest in a high-quality dog agility starter kit and training aids. ($100-$200)
Other Fees: Pay for registration fees and one or two entries. (~$100)
Example Of Potential Buying List
- Agility Introduction Program (In-Person Group Classes) or Dog Agility @ Home (Online Course)
- Better Sporting Dogs Complete Starter Agility Set
- Treats & Treat Pouch or Dog Training Toy
- Clicker or Whistle
Serious Intermediate Dog Agility Enthusiasts
Budget: $500-$1,000
Training: Take multiple in-person group classes for dog agility. ($300-$600)
Equipment: Invest in obstacles you need individually for better quality and buy training accessories. ($200-$400)
Other Fees: Pay for your dog’s registration and enter in 3 to 4 agility events. (~$150)
Example Of Potential Buying List
- 2-4 Beginner to Intermediate Dog Agility Training Programs
- Tunnel With Bag Holders
- Jumps
- Weave Poles
- Treats & Treat Pouch or Dog Training Toy
- Clicker or Whistle
Premium Dog Agility Option
Budget: $1,000-$5,000+
Training: Hire a personal trainer specialized in dog agility and take private lessons. ($500-$1,000+)
Equipment: Buy all the obstacles you need and training aids. ($500-$4,000+)
Other Fees: Pay registration and as many entries to competitions as you want. ($200-$500+)
Example Of Potential Buying List
- Tunnel & Bag Holders
- Jumps
- Weave Poles
- A-Frame
- Dog Walk
- Seesaw
- Pause Table
- Treats & Treat Pouch or Dog Training Toy
- Clicker or Whistle
- Dog Agility Training Book
As you can see, there’s a way for everyone to get into agility whatever budget and needs they have. So now it’s your turn to figure out how much you’re ready to invest in this fun activity. But in general, the higher the cost of dog agility is, the better experience you will get.
Other Things You Should Know About Dog Agility!
Understanding how much money you might have to put in dog agility shouldn’t be your only concern. First of all, you must make sure your dog is suitable for such a sport. There should be no problem if he’s in good physical condition, healthy, and old enough.
However, it’s always better to check with your vet if it’s safe for your dog to do agility before getting started. Once you know he’s well-suited for this activity, it’s time to train him. Then, keeping in mind your dog’s limits and conditions is essential during this long process.
Dog agility isn’t easy nor quick to learn for both you and your four-legged partner. Thus, be patient and don’t overdo it. You will need a lot of training and practice before performing well on an obstacle course.
Last Thoughts About The Cost Of Dog Agility Training!
Finally, dog agility can be relatively expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. If you train your dog at home and buy an affordable equipment set, your initial investment shouldn’t be too high. On the other hand, dog agility training and high-quality obstacles might cost a lot of money.
In general, you should expect to spend between $300-$500 in your first year of dog agility. Your main costs will be training classes or an online course and the equipment such as a tunnel, jumps, and weave poles.
Now, it’s time to forget about money and get started. Even if agility training involves many costs, it’s worth all the fun you will have with your dog. Consider that as an investment, not an expense.
See You On The Agility Course!
Price Disclaimer: All the prices and estimations I’ve made in this article are probably not exact and may change in the future. It’s just to give you a representative idea of the cost involved in dog agility. So take all the information above with a grain of salt.
