So if you think you might want to try some agility with your dog, but also want to do it safely (no broomstick on a chair), then building your own equipment out of pvc may be right up your alley.
Today I am going to show you how I made my jumps, and also give you links for additional equipment plans.
Tools Needed
- Saw (not needed now, but for future DIY equipment)
- PVC cutter (Tube Cutter) – spend a little bit more for a tube cutter like the one below, the lower priced ratchet cutters are a lot harder to use.
There are several ways you can make jumps, but I like using a base bar method.
Required PVC
- 2 – 8 foot Schedule 40 PVC
- Cut into the following: 5 – 30inch pieces ; 4 – 6 inch pieces
- 6 – 1 inch end caps
- 2 – PVC 4-Way Connectors : these can be purchased at Clean Run Magazine
- 1 – Set of Clip n’ Go Jump Cup Strips
- Colored Electrical Tape
I use the above lengths due to the size of the Shih Tzu’s. I find that it saves a little money by only having to buy only 2 pieces of PVC. But if you have a medium to large dog here are a set of jump plans from Clean Run that help you build a little bit taller and wider jump.
As you can see from the picture, the bars appear to be a little smaller (diameter) than the uprights. At the time when I made these jumps I made more than one, so I used 3/4″ PVC for the cross bars (2- 3/4inch 8ft pvc and 3 – 1 inch 8ft pvc).
I hope this helps and inspires you to make your own jump(s). Always start out with 1 jump, then make 3, and finally work your way up to 5 jumps for your backyard drills. And if you want more equipment plans? Don’t worry, we will have a few more posts with detailed instructions on making, a teeter, pause table and dog walk!
Thanks for joining me today in the 2015 A to Z Challenge! Don’t forget to stop by tomorrow!
Made some one summer – no one was even interested 🙁 It looked impressive though….
GROOVY GOLDENDOODLES recently posted…HONORED TO RECEIVE THIS AWARD
I am so glad that you wrote this post – so many folks I know want to do backyard agility but you really have to be careful and know what you are doing. Can be hard on the dog, too. 🙂
Carol Bryant recently posted…Dogs Love Gays and You Should Too
I love this idea! Making my own would have ordinarily intimidated me, but this looks like something I can do – thanks for sharing and the detailed instructions and photos!
Anne recently posted…Dogs Supporting Autism Awareness!
I got lazy and just bought my back yard jumps from Amazon. It would have been way cheaper to make them though. It looks super easy.
Jessica @ YouDidWhatWithYourWeiner recently posted…Pawstruck Natural Chews: The Stuff Doggy Dreams Are Made Of
I keep contemplating making some agility equipment for the pups. I think they would really enjoy it 🙂
It’s Dog or Nothing recently posted…All Tuckered Out
That’s awesome; and PVC is something I think I can see myself working with. I’m going to ask my boyfriend if I can borrow some of his tools and see if I can put some of these together 🙂
Jen Gabbard recently posted…Roundup: Our Favorite Dog Articles, Deals & Videos of the Week
Very awesome! I’ll have to keep this in mind for ours! I’ve been wanting to do agility with a few of them!
Victoria Carter recently posted…Not so Wordless Wednesday #25
Great way to save money while practicing agility!
–Wags (and purrs) from Life with Dogs and Cats
Susan and the gang from Life with Dogs and Cats recently posted…Text from Dog: Mud. Bath.
My husband is the handy one in this household, but I’d love to get him to do this. He loves PVC, uses it for everything! Thanks for sharing this DIY project
Love & Biscuits,
Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them
Cathy Armato recently posted…Dogs’ Love Spring!
Fantastic! I homemade my agility equipment before we started actual classes. Now we have jumps, tunnels and contacts at home to work on. Practice makes perfect!
This looks really fun, and easy to do! I wonder if my dog would like something like this! 🙂
Jillian Cameron recently posted…5 Easy Ways to Make Your Cat’s Day
Great ideas! May have to give this a try.
Carol recently posted…(Not at All) Wordless Wednesday; From Shelter to Home
This is a cool idea! The dog agility runs always look like a lot of fun. I hope you guys have fun learning all of your new tricks 🙂
Robin recently posted…Why Do Cats Hate Water?
We need some of this stuff. Do have a tunnel for now.
Jana Rade recently posted…The Pet PT Pit Stop: What’s in a Dog’s Gait?
great idea..must try this
These Shih Tzu sized jumps would be perfect for the cats! Might just have to add this to my DIY list of jobs. Happy Easter to you and the family. xx
Pawesome Cats recently posted…7 Steps to Get Your Cat Used to the Cat Carrier
Brilliant idea for DIY agility equipment. Very helpful for my 3 pups buddies.
Great project! I’m looking forward to seeing the other plans too.
Elaine recently posted…Adopting a Dog When You Have a Cat
We have some of those! Unfortunately, Leo forgets what his back legs are supposed to do, so he knocks them over a lot.
Kari recently posted…B is for Baseball Caps
Good idea. We jump all over without agility stuff
Lily & Edward
Backyard agility equipment sure is handy.
sumskersandearlskers13.blogspot.com
Earl Lover recently posted…B is for Breaks
Bookmarking this for when we have a backyard. We will definitely be building some backyard equipment!
Jessica Shipman | Beagles and Bargains recently posted…Beautiful, But Deadly Easter Flowers for Dogs and Cats
I am literally squealing with delight a I write this! Yes, I DO want to make backyard agility equipment!!
What a cool DIY project! It’s a shame that when I see those agility jump bars that I just run around them. BOL Ma could never convince me to jump over them.
Oz
Oz the Terrier recently posted…Birthday Fun at Jupiter Dog Beach
Very cool! We are getting our dad on this as soon as the snow melts!! Thanks for sharing!