Designed to be inspected, maintained and used well

Dog Agility Equipment Materials & Safety

Dog agility equipment safety is not defined by one material or one manufacturing method. Design, material selection, manufacturing quality, installation, use, storage, weather exposure and ongoing inspection all affect how a component performs and how it fails when struck.

3D printing is used for prototyping

Our 3D-printing work is used to develop and test ideas. Do not assume that finished production or structural components are 3D printed. The material and manufacturing method for each finished product will be stated on its product page.

What 3D-printed failure can look like

Broken red 3D-printed component showing layer separation and sharp fractured edges — A failed 3D-printed component showing layer separation and brittle fracture. The broken edges and loose fragments demonstrate why material choice, print orientation, manufacturing quality and inspection matter for impact-prone equipment.

What we consider

Impact behaviour

How a component moves, releases, bends or breaks when contacted by a dog matters as much as its strength in normal use.

Failure surfaces

Splitting, splintering, sharp fragments and exposed edges must be considered when selecting, using and retiring equipment.

Exposure and ageing

Wear, weather, moisture and UV exposure can change a product over time, even when it appeared sound when new.

Inspection before use

Inspect equipment before every session. Pay particular attention to high-contact areas, moving or adjustable parts, fasteners, joins and surfaces exposed to weather.

Check for cracks, splits, splinters and deformation
Check for loose fittings, sharp edges and protrusions
Confirm cups, bars and adjustment points release and move as intended
Make sure the equipment sits securely on the training surface
Remove any questionable item from use until it has been assessed, repaired or replaced

Material claims

We do not claim that every 3D-printed component is unsafe, or that another manufacturing method is automatically safe. Suitability depends on the material, design, manufacturing quality and intended conditions of use. Product-specific guidance takes priority over general statements on this page.

Training remains an active safety process.

Use equipment appropriate to the dog, surface, skill level and governing rules. Stop if the equipment is damaged, unstable or behaving unexpectedly.

Specifications, products and delivery

Use this guidance alongside our dog agility equipment specifications. Browse the current shop, view the Replacement Broad Jump Height Sticker, or review delivery and collection.