How to Make Jumps for Dogs

If a dog gets enjoyment out of physical activity and loves a challenge, an owner can build a dog agility jump so it can indulge its natural grace and physical prowess. Many dog-centered organizations also use jumps as part of a test course for agile dogs and, if the owner is interested in the sport, a bit of practice can set the dog up for future championship wins.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring tape
  • 6 4-foot by 3-inch by 2-inch planks
  • Pencil
  • 6 nails
  • Hammer
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the dog's height at the withers. This distance runs from the ground it stands on up to its shoulders. This gives you the appropriate height of the jump for the dog. For example, the American Kennel Club splits up its jump classes into five different heights, depending on the height of the dog. A dog with a shoulder height of 11 inches or less is suitable for a jump of 8 inches; 14 inches or less for a jump of 12 inches; 18 inches height for a 16-inch jump; 22 inches or less for 20-inch jumps; and dogs that are taller than 22 inches can handle a jump of 24 inches. Any jump taller than this may be too high for most big dogs, unless the owner thinks it is safe for his dog.

    • 2

      Inspect the planks of wood for splinters or loose nails that could potentially injure the dog. Remove any nails and sand down splinters so the surface is smooth.

    • 3

      Lay two of the planks on the ground parallel to each other about 4 feet apart so they are vertical when you look at them.

    • 4

      Mark with pencil the appropriate jump height for your dog on the two planks. Also make a mark at 2 inches above the bottom of the planks.

    • 5

      Place one more plank at a right angle to the first two planks, on top of the first planks, so that it is horizontal and has one end on one plank and one end on the parallel plank.

    • 6

      Arrange the horizontal plank so that it forms a "U" shape with the first bits of wood, but leave about 2 inches of space under the bottom edge.

    • 7

      Nail both ends of the horizontal bar to the vertical posts. This forms the lowest bar of the jump that acts as a stabilizer. Another plank, positioned at a higher level, is the jump height.

    • 8

      Lay another plank at a higher level across the two upright planks. Align the top edge of this plank with the pencil mark that represents the appropriate jump height. Nail this plank to the uprights.

    • 9

      Lift up the unfinished jump, and attach the last two planks as supports to the bottom ends of each upright, using the last two nails. The support planks lay directly on the ground at a right angle to the other planks, and act as a stand for the jump to keep it stable.