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)

 

And yes, my living room has gone to the dogs, as someone told me!

[Kyoko]

That is awesome!! I thought about making(?) weave poles in my yard by simply sticking the PVC pipe in the ground !!

[Linda and "Toby"]

Wow! It looks so professionally made! I'm impressed! Please keep us posted on how she's doing with her training. :)

[F, Calla & Luca]

Thanks for the interesting and well documented post.

[Kyoko]

What are 4 way tees? And did you order the jump clip from Clean run? I want to make one, too!!

[Dori & Rua]

 

what is needed

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

 

Jump clips

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

 

I bought PVC and tape at Home Depot. 

 

I had to buy the 4-way tee's on-line.  Do some searching.  Here's what they look like.  Today, I found one place on line that for 2 with USPS shipping was $7 -$10 (I can't remember where it was, though).

 

 

Here's one that I found today that doesn't need the 4-way tee.

 

http://www.caninecrib.com/dog/training/standard-jump.asp

 

Show us what you made when you are done!