Dog parks with agility

What is a dog park with agility?

A dog park (hundeskov) is a fenced area where your dog may run freely off-lead. The areas are free and typically open around the clock, all year round. Several of the dog parks - including some of the areas run by Naturstyrelsen (the Danish Nature Agency) - also have agility equipment, so you can play and train with your dog in the middle of nature.

A typical obstacle course consists of equipment such as high jumps, slalom poles, a seesaw, a balance beam, an A-frame, a tunnel and a wheel or tyre. The combination varies from place to place, but what they have in common is that they give your dog different and more demanding tasks than free running alone.

Why is agility good for your dog?

Agility works both body and mind. Getting through a tunnel, balancing on a beam or weaving through slalom poles takes concentration and more mental energy than ordinary free running. The mental tiredness often brings calm afterwards - a dog that has worked with its head is typically more balanced in everyday life.

Physically, the equipment strengthens your dog's coordination, body awareness and muscles more than plain runs do. At the same time, the variety prevents boredom. Under-stimulation is a common cause of problem behaviour such as barking, restlessness and destructive behaviour, and mental stimulation is just as important as exercise.

Why is it good for you as an owner?

Training together strengthens the teamwork and the bond between you and your dog. On the obstacle course you practise contact and obedience in a playful way, where your dog succeeds and builds confidence. A dog that is suitably active, mentally and physically, is also easier to live with at home.

The off-lead areas are also a free, social meeting place where dogs can meet other dogs and owners can share experiences.

Tips for agility in the dog park

• Combine exercise and brainwork. Variety is key - it is not either physical or mental activity, but both.
• Start easy and build up gradually. For example, begin with low jumps so your dog succeeds and gains confidence before the difficulty is increased.
• Use food as a reward. Treats at the equipment motivate better than the food bowl and make training a good experience.
• Avoid overstimulation. Too much activity can leave a dog that is tired in body while its mind keeps racing. Keep sessions short and finish on a positive note.
• Add search games. Scatter treats in grass and leaves, hide toys at different heights, and do simple nose work along the way.
• Adjust the load. Match jumps and exercises to your dog's age, size and fitness - avoid hard jumps with very young puppies and with older or injured dogs.
• Check the equipment and ground. Look over the condition of the equipment and the ground before use, and keep your dog under control out of consideration for other users.

Find a dog park with agility near you

Below you can see the dog parks with agility equipment on the map and in the list. Click through to each dog park to see its facilities, whether the area is fenced, photos and reviews, so you can find the place that suits you and your dog best.