Urban Agility: Using Everyday Obstacles as Enrichment

An introduction to urban agility (dog parkour)

Urban Agility, also known as Dog Parkour, is a growing activity where you and your dog move through your environment together, conquering whatever obstacles cross your path, logs, tree stumps, kerbs, or specially designed equipment. It combines balancing, jumping, climbing, self-control and a bit of fear-conquering, giving your dog real mental and physical challenge, not just exercise. We introduced our own Urban Agility course here at Royvon as part of our play days programme, so it's something guests can try during a stay rather than just something to read about.

Who can take part

Dogs of any breed, size or age can get involved, puppies through to seniors, and it works equally well as a fun hobby or a competitive sport, with parkour competitions now running fairly regularly across the UK for anyone who wants to take it further. All that's needed to start is basic obedience and a solid recall.

Starting safely

Begin with low, stable obstacles, a kerb, a low log, a flat garden wall, rather than anything requiring a jump. Reward calm, confident engagement rather than speed, a dog that pauses to check its footing is learning the skill properly. Until you've learned from someone experienced, it's best to stick to obstacles that don't involve all four paws leaving the ground at once, since a bad landing on an unfamiliar surface is where most injuries in this sport happen.

Why it's worth trying

Guiding your dog through new obstacles builds genuine trust and strengthens your relationship, since they're learning to follow your lead somewhere unfamiliar. It's a great outlet for high-energy breeds needing to burn off steam, and equally a fun, low-pressure alternative to a standard walk for smaller dogs. It's also a genuinely good family activity, and a decent workout for the humans involved too, climbing, running and jumping alongside your dog. Since it's still a fairly new sport in the UK, there's real scope to get involved early as it grows in popularity. For more ideas on turning ordinary surroundings into enrichment, our guides on using movement to motivate your dog and indoor enrichment activities cover related ground for days when getting outside isn't an option, and our guide to making the most of summer with your dog pairs well with parkour once the weather warms up. Get in touch to find out about our Urban Agility equipment and sessions, part of our wider cognitive enrichment approach.