How to Build a Dog Jump

A dog jump is a very basic piece of equipment used in canine agility training and can be very effective when properly utilized. It teaches dogs to listen and to follow directions and also boosts their self-confidence. A dog jump is simple and inexpensive to build on your own. Follow these instructions to build a dog jump.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Plan the location of your dog jump ahead of time. Place the jump in a wide open flat area to ensure its stability and give your dog plenty of room to take off running and slow down after jumping. There also needs to be room for you to stand opposite of the jump where your dog can see you so you can coach and encourage him.
2. Construct two feet for your dog jump using two lengths of heavy duty PVC pipe for each foot. Use a connector to attach them together so that they form an X that will be sturdy enough to hold the rest of the jump.
3. Drill holes 2 inches apart in two more lengths of PVC pipe that are at least 4 feet high. Attach these lengths to the dog jump's base with the holes facing the middle of the jump.
4. Select a lighter weight, flexible piece of plastic pipe to be the crosspiece for the dog to jump over. Use material slim enough that it will not obstruct the dog's progress when jumping and that will "give" a little and not injure the dog if it does not complete the jump successfully.
5. Connect the crosspiece to the jump by inserting each end of the crosspiece into a hole in the PVC pieces on either side.
   
   
6. Adjust the height of the jump according to your dog's needs by moving the crosspiece up and down as necessary. Begin with a lower height for dogs that are just learning how to maneuver the dog jump and save higher heights for a later challenge.