Dog play/agility training area surface

[Patchworkpony]

I have fenced off a 10 metres by 10 metres safe dog play/agility training area which has road sub base rolled in to deal with wet and mud but I now want to put a dog friendly surface on it. The easiest choice is play bark BUT I think there could be health issues with that one. I don't want gravel and I think sand could be too messy. Any ideas?

 

[CorvusCorax]

Astroturf or shredded carpet?

 

[Patchworkpony]

Thanks that's a great idea. I wonder how difficult Astroturf is to put down.

 

[satinbaze]

I was warned against Astro turf for my garden. It can be harsh on dogs pads and has been known to cause grazing to the pads when dogs hoon around

 

[CorvusCorax]

Oh right. I know a few people who use it with no issue, and I know of at least one big national championship in Europe taking place on astroturf this year. Maybe it's to do with the grade?

 

[Patchworkpony]

Actually I've just done to sums. Ouch!!!

 

[Patchworkpony]

I wonder if normal horse bedding shaving would work and then replace them when they start to rot down. Our early schooling areas years ago were used (manure free) wood shavings from the stables.

 

[MissTyc]

Those antislip rubber surfaces they use for playgrounds?

 

[Patchworkpony]

Those antislip rubber surfaces they use for playgrounds?

Thanks - not quite sure what you mean.

 

[Patchworkpony]

Would sand be bad? I've seen lots of dogs hooning round sand schools in the past.

 

[CorvusCorax]

Cow matting?

 

[Patchworkpony]

Cow matting?

Gosh what's that like?

 

[CorvusCorax]

Thick rubber sheets with non-slip bumps

 

[Red-1]

If you already have a hard surface I think I would buy some rubber shred, like for an arena. Frost free, free draining, comfy to fall on..... easy to 'muck out'.

 

[Patchworkpony]

If you already have a hard surface I think I would buy some rubber shred, like for an arena. Frost free, free draining, comfy to fall on..... easy to 'muck out'.

I thought of that but a puppy might eat it and choke.

 

[galaxy]

Plenty of agility clubs hire arenas for hire. The one I train with has 2 locations one has just sand which has to be kept damp and to be honest is hard to move on with a fast dog! The other has a lovely waved surface.... pricey though clearly! The waxed surface was messy when new but neither now cause that kind of issue.