Making A Jump Bar (Agility) and Equipment to Train Where Back Feet Step

[Dori & Rua]

Cross posting in DIY and Agility! 

 

So, Rua and I are enrolled in a Puppy Agility Sampler training class.  I hope Rua doesn't take after me and be non-agile, but we are giving it a go anyway.  I figured even if we don't continue with actual agility classes, I would like to keep her active.

 

One of the first things was since dogs can't see their back feet, they aren't always away of where they are stepping.  In agility, it is important for dogs to be aware since if they are walking across a 4' high board and a misstep could be dangerous.  To do that, I went to Home Depot and bought 4 10' 3/4" PVC pipes and asked if they would cut them into 2' pieces.  I bought 3 rolls of electrical tape (blue, purple & yellow - no they didn't have pink) and decorated them (helps them be visible, also).  Cost excluding the tape which can be used for many projects:  $3.50 + tax.  I "lure" Rua to walk down and back by using yummy treats.

 

 

Also, I made a jump bar.  I started out by putting a broom handle on the carpet and "luring" her over it.  Then, I elevated it a bit (dogs under the age of 1-1/2 shouldn't jump any higher than their elbows until their growth plates close.  So, I decided to make my own jump bar.  You can order the kit from www.cleanrun.com, but I decided to but the pvc and do it myself.  I had to order the 4-way tees from a plumbing supply place and I ordered a set of ten clip and go jump cups, but only needed 4.  The jump clips allow you to move the jump bar higher.  Excluding shipping, it cost me $13.36.  But, most importantly, I had fun doing it. 

 

• 2 – 36" uprights
• 4 – 9" legs
• 1 – 46" ground bar
• 1 – 46" jump bar
• 2 – 4-way tees (blue PVC)
• 6 – end caps (blue PVC)
• 4 – Clip and Go Clip-on 3/4" Jump Cups (2 per side)

 

Yup, as I was told, my living room has gone to the dogs.

[Dori & Rua]

OMD...I am going to have to get a second job so I can afford to train Rua!  LOL. 

 

I had one of those treat bags you get at Petco.  Probably 4" in diameter, clips to your belt or pocker, and has a draw string close.  I used it Thursday night at agility training.  First thing that happened when I stooped over to lure Rua across a plank, the treats started raining down on her head. LOL 

 

I had ordered this bag (along with the clips for the jump) and got this on Friday and used it in our Teen Cornerstone class yesterday.  I absolutely love it and I highly recommend it.  It will clip to your waistband (which I don't like because it means you tuck your shirt into your pants and I would never do that) or you can use the adjustable (removable) strap belt, which is how I use it.  (I have been know to wear dresses to training class or even to golf in.).

 

The "bait bag" opens fully, and with just a tap of the elbow, closes to little noses or gravity.

http://www.cleanrun.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&pr...

 

So, I have been investigating making a Rocker Board (precurser to the teeter) because Rua DIDN'T LIKE IT AT ALL!  I hope to be able to make something like this!  It is 44" long and 24" wide (the one we hade in class used 2"x4"'s for the "rockers").  The one below allows you to add a pivot adaptor (not sure how they do that yet, but both of my DH's sibblings have engineer degrees).  It sells for $98.95 (plus S&H, I am sure).  So, I think I can buy a board (cut to length at Home Depot), buy some blue & yellow paint (seems to be the standard agility colors), a bag of sand make it anti-slip), a few 2"x4"'s, and most likely PVC for the pivot, for a heck of a lot less!!!

 

 

@ LoriP...thanks for the links...they were really helpful!!!!  I just know I'll be making a teeter and an A-Frame this summer!