Modified Agility or other type of working training?

[schneider]

When my boy first fully lost his sight, he went through severe depression. The more I work him with training, the better he does. The vet suggested some type of agility or "job" for Buddy to do. I can't find a trainer willing to take a beginner student for private agility training (and I don't think he would do well in group classes). I am considering building him a modified course at home with tunnel and weave polls...but he refuses to do any type of steps (as would I if I was 6 lbs and blind) so he couldn't do any of the higher stuff.

Does anyone have any ideas on HOW to make some homemade agility equipment and/or how to train it? In addition, if you have alternative training ideas that we could do to give him a "job" - that would be great too!

We are open to anything, keeping in mind he is a young 8 year old. He has been called a senior dog by the vet, although we try to not let him know about that.

[Blinddogs.net]

Our JRT Lucy had just finished one session of agility classes right before she went blind, so she never went back for more. I think I'd saved information on making some of the equipment for a course at home, but don't know if I have it anymore. If I remember correctly, It seems like there were quite a few things that could be made using PVC pipes (jumps, weave poles etc.) You might try doing a search on google for making agility equipment and see what's out there.

If you haven't been to my website: http:/blinddogs.net there is a "tips" page there that has some links to sites that have activities for dogs (not just blind) that might have some other fun ideas for you.

There is also something called K-9 Noise Work that has started to get really popular, and might be really fun for your guy!
This website has listings of workshops that are put on nationwide: http://www.k9nosework.com/ A local pet store where we live has been holding workshops, and I'm planning to take Lucy to one soon. Bark magazine did a story & video on it here: http://www.thebark.com/content/k9-nose-work-0