For those who train or show dogs, an agility apparatus is a must. Even for dogs that do not train, an agility apparatus can keep a dog in shape, keep its mind active and provide a fun way for humans to interact with it. To create the pieces on a budget, look for parts at thrift, plumbing supply and toy stores. The following are ideas for making the standard agility elements of weave poles and standard jumps. Similar patterns can be followed to create additional elements such as a teeter board or a tire jump.
Things You'll Need
- 21 1/4-feet of 1-inch PVC pipe
- 6 one inch PVC "T" connectors
- Colored electrical tape
- 2 3/8-inch fiberglass electric fence posts, found at farm supply stores
- 2 2-inch binder clips
- 40-inch length of 3/4-inch PVC pipe
Instructions
Weave Poles
Cut four vertical poles from the PVC pipe 30 inches long. Cut six end poles at 12 inches long, and cut three base poles of 19 inches long.
Form end of weave poles. For simplicity, each "T" is numbered from one to six. Beginning with a PVC "T1," insert three end poles into the "T1." Lay flat. This is one end of the weave poles.
Insert one straight side of "T2" onto the end of the perpendicular pole. One hole should point up. Into the opposite straight side, add another base pole. Insert the straight side of "T3" onto the base pole, again with the perpendicular hole pointing up. Add another base pole onto the opposite straight side. Continue with "T4" and "T5."
Lay the "T6" flat on the ground. Insert the last end pole from "T5" into the perpendicular hole. Add end pieces into each of the straight ends.
Put colored electrical tape at intervals along each of the four 30-inch poles. Insert the poles into the "T" holes that are pointing up. Secure to the ground with "U" shaped pieces of stiff wire hammered over the end pieces.
Basic Jump
Place colored electrical tape stripes around the 40-inch piece of PVC pipe, which will act as a jump bar. For convenience, place the stripes at regular intervals such as every 3 or 4 inches to act as measuring devices as well. Install end caps on the ends of the pole, if desired.
Pound the fiberglass pipes, which will act as fence posts, into the ground about 36 inches apart.
Place binder clips at an equal distance from the ground. The binder clips hold the jump bar off of the ground.
Install jump bar. Place the jump bar onto the binder clips.
Repeat process for additional jumps. Most courses have more than one basic jump, so this simple jump can be duplicated easily.