How to Make Dog Hurdles

Hurdles are one of the most important components of any canine agility course. The hurdle tests the animal's ability to jump over high obstacles without knocking the hurdles down. A dog hurdle consists of different lengths of PVC pipe and requires a cutting tool, measuring tape and strong glue.

Things You'll Need

  • 6 PVC slip end caps
  • 4 PVC "T" connectors
  • 4 12" PVC pipes
  • 2 30" PVC pipes
  • 2 1.75" PVC pipe stubs
  • 1 50" PVC pipe
  • 1 48" PVC pipe
  • 2 1" Snap On Saddles (Available in the irrigation section of home retail stores)
  • 2 2″ sections of 1″ diameter PVC pipe
  • PVC cutting tool
  • Measuring tape
  • Permanent marker
  • Glue
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Instructions

    • 1

      Build the "feet" of the hurdle. Beginning with the four 12" PVC pipes, glue four end caps to one end of each pipe. Slide and glue the pipe end without the end cap into one end of the PVC "T" connector. Repeat this process four times until all four 12" PVC pipes are connected to two "T" connectors. Glue a stub into both "T" connectors in the hole not containing a 12" PVC pipe.

    • 2

      Set aside the hurdle feet. Glue each end of the 50" PVC pipe into the base area of the "T" connector. The "T" connectors must be coplanar -- meaning the connectors are even with each other when lying on their side. Turn the 50" PVC pipe with its "T" connectors so that the "T" hole is facing upward. Glue the feet perpendicular to the 50" pipe, and let all components dry.

    • 3

      Glue two remaining end caps onto one side each of the 30" PVC pipes. Glue the other end of each 30" PVC pipe into either side of the foundation assembled in Steps 1 and 2. At this point, the base and structure of the dog hurdle are complete.

    • 4

      Create two adjustable jump cups. This serves as the hurdle height and can be adjusted up and down. Using a PVC cutting tool, cut approximately halfway across the 2" PVC pipe width-wise. Then use the PVC cutter to cut length-wise down the pipe to meet the first cut and repeat on the other side of the pipe with the goal being to remove the entire rectangular piece to form a "cup." Illustrations are available in Reference 2. Once the cup is complete, apply some glue, and slide it onto the 1" Snap-On Saddle. Repeat again to create two jump cups.

    • 5

      Snap in the 48" PVC pipe jump bar to each jump cup and snap the jump bar onto the hurdle. Be sure to provide color on the bar so the dog can see the jump bar contrasting with the rest of the structure. Adjust the bar according to the dog's height and jump goals.