Dog agility is both a competitive sport and a fun activity for you and your pet. High jumps are one event that is part of dog agility competitions. You can buy agility jumps, but you can also make your own out of PVC pipe and a few simple tools. Whether you and your dog want to enter agility competitions or you just want a way for your dog to get some exercise and have fun, you can easily make a portable agility jump with multiple height positions for your canine friend.
Things You'll Need
- Hacksaw or PVC cutter
- 3/4-inch PVC pipe, 10 feet long, 3
- Electrical tape (any color)
- 3/4-inch PVC T connectors, 4
- 3/4-inch PVC end caps, 10
- Yardstick
- Permanent marker
- Drill
- 1/2-inch screws, 8
- Screwdriver
Instructions
Cut the PVC
Use the hacksaw or PVC cutter to cut the PVC pipes into the following lengths: three 42-inch pieces, two 35-inch pieces, four 12-inch pieces and two 2-inch pieces.
Use the hacksaw or PVC cutter to cut four of the end caps in half vertically.
Wrap strips of electrical tape around two of the 42-inch pieces of PVC pipe. These will be the jump bars. The electrical tape helps your dog see the bar better.
Assemble the Base
Use a T connector to connect two of the 12-inch pieces of PVC together. Place an end cap on the two open ends, then repeat for the remaining two 12-inch pieces of PVC pipe. These are the base pieces of your high jump.
Place a 2-inch piece of PVC pipe in the open end of the T connector on each of the base pieces.
Place another T connector on the other end of the 2-inch pieces of PVC pipe, rotated so the leg of the T is aiming up.
Connect the two base pieces together by placing the 42-inch piece of PVC pipe into the open end of the T connector. The base should look like a capital letter I.
Assemble the Uprights
Place the 35-inch pieces of PVC pipe into the T connectors in the base. Place an end cap on the other end of the 35-inch pieces.
Use the yardstick and marker to mark the 35-inch pieces at the following intervals, measuring from the ground: 8 inches, 12 inches, 16 inches and 22 inches. These are the standard performance class jump heights for the United States Dog Agility Association.
Remove the 35-inch pieces from the T connector and drill a small hole at each location you marked.
Drill a small hole through the flat portion of the eight end cap halves.
Screw the end cap halves to the 35-inch pieces of PVC pipe, forming jump cups.
Place the 35-inch PVC pieces back in the T connectors, rotating them so the jump cups face inward.
Place the jump bars on the jump cups at whichever height you wish to use for your dog.