How to Build a Cross Over

The cross over is an agility obstacle that takes a good deal of skill to master. It consists of four ramps and a platform in the middle that the dog must navigate at the direction of the handler. Not many organizations use the cross over in competition, but having one handy to train on will give you and your dog an upper hand in the agility ring.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 4 2 inch by 2 foot by 12 foot planks
• 1 sheet of 4 by 8 foot plywood
• 4 1 inch by 4 inch by 8 foot boards
• 8 heavy wood brackets
• 8 L-shaped brackets
• 4 3-inch heavy duty hinges
• 24 1 by 24 inch square wooden dowels
• Heavy screws
• Large clamps
• Wood glue
• Power saw
• Power drill
• Measuring tape
• Paint
• Sand or other traction item

1. Measure four 48 inch lengths from two of your 1 inch by 4 inch by 8 foot boards. Use your power saw to cut these sections, and screw them together to form a large square. This square will make up the bottom of the base to the cross over.

2. Take your remaining 1” by 4” by 8’ boards and cut 4 36” sections from them. Using your heavy wood brackets, screw these 36” sections upright at each of the 4 corners of your large square, so that you form a support base on which to place your platform top.

3. Cut your sheet of plywood in half, so that you have two 4’ by 4’ squares. Glue these two squares together, and clamp them until the glue dries. You can also screw these two sections together to ensure they are well connected. This 4’ by 4’ square will make up the middle platform section of your cross over.

4. Paint or seal these base sections now if you wish. Your base can be painted in just a regular flat paint, but your platform top will need to be painted with traction paint. Mix sand or other traction material in with your paint, and apply two coats to your platform top.

5. Attach your platform top to the base when your paint is dry. Set the top squarely in the middle of your upright leg sections, and attach each leg to the platform using two of the L-shaped brackets. Be sure to screw them together well, so that the platform does not move or shift.

6. Mark a spot every 24” in each of your 4 12’ long boards. Over these marks, attach one of your square wooden dowels with screws. These dowels will allow for extra traction when your dog is running up and down the ramps.

7. Paint these boards using your traction paint. You will want to paint the entire board one solid color, and then use a contrasting color on the bottom of each of the ramps for your contact zones. Contact zones are vital areas on your ramps that your dog must touch in order for the cross over to count during a run, so the contrasting colors help the dog recognize the area.

8. Using the hinges, attach one of your ramps squarely in the center of each of the 4 sides of your platform. Be sure the hinges are screwed down securely, so that the ramps do not move or shift when your dog is performing the obstacle.

9. Sand any rough spots, and check for any protruding sharp edges. Once you’ve checked to make sure your obstacle is safe, you and your dog are ready to train and perfect your skills on the cross over.

Tips & Warnings

• Use sturdy lumber for your cross over. Anything that is damaged or warped will be unstable and unsafe.
• Measure your wood carefully. It’s always better to be sure your markings are accurate before cutting.
• Don’t use power tools without appropriate safety gear. Power tools can be very dangerous, so safety is vital.