How to Hang Clearance Bars

Whether you want to train your dog for competition or add a new element to his exercise routine, a set of clearance bars is sure to increase his agility. PVC pipes are sturdy, lightweight and readily available, making them an ideal material to use for this project. This project can be completed in an afternoon, so you can start training your dog right away.

Things You'll Need

  • 4 PVC pipes, 18 inches long
  • 2 PVC pipes, 2 1/4 inches long
  • 3 PVC pipes, 4 feet long
  • 4 T connectors
  • 4 end caps, split vertically
  • Drill
  • 1/2-inch screws
  • 4 PVC pipes, cut to fit
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Instructions

    • 1

      Insert an 18-inch PVC pipe into each side of a T connector. Insert a 2 1/4-inch pipe into the base of the T connector. This forms one side of the stabilizing base of the jump.

    • 2

      Repeat to form a second stabilizer unit. Place both units on the ground with the 2 1/4-inch pipe upward.

    • 3

      Attach one side of another T connector to each 2 1/4-inch pipe, with the base of the T connector facing inward.

    • 4

      Attach a 4-foot PVC pipe to the T connector bases to join the stabilizer units.

    • 5

      Connect a 4-foot PVC pipe to the open side of each T connector to form the uprights.

    • 6

      Drill a pilot hole through the cap portion of each end-cap half and through the upright pipes at the heights you want your bars. Check with your local kennel club or a national association, such as the United States Dog Agility Association, to find the appropriate heights for your dog.

    • 7

      Mount the end caps, open side upward, to the poles using screws.

    • 8

      Measure the distance between the caps and cut lengths of PVC pipe to fit.

    • 9

      Lay the bars across the end caps. They will fall if your dog hits them, which helps avoid injury.