How to Build Your Own A-Frame Agility Equipment

Of all the standard pieces of agility equipment, the A-frame is one of the more difficult to build on your own. With effort and care, however, you can build a homemade A-frame and avoid spending the $600 to $1,000 that a ready-made one often costs. The main features of a well-built A-frame include safety, stability and the ability to withstand the elements if kept outdoors. As well, your A-frame should meet the requirements of the dog agility organization through which you plan to compete.

Things You'll Need

  • 2 sheets of 1/2-inch plywood, 9 feet by 3 feet
  • 4 boards, 2 by 4 inch, 9 feet long each
  • 4 boards, 2 by 4 inch, 3 feet long each
  • 4 boards, 2 by 4 inch, 32 inches long each
  • 18 wood strips 1 by 1/2 inch, 3 feet long each
  • 3-inch wood screws
  • Screwdriver or drill with screwdriver bit
  • 6 hinges, 3 inches long, or other heavy-duty hinges as appropriate
  • 4, 1-inch screw-in eye bolts
  • 2 lengths of galvanized or stainless steel hardware chain, 4 feet long each
  • 2 permanent chain clips
  • 2 double-headed snap clips
  • Blue paint
  • Yellow paint
  • Protective top coat finish (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Research the particular requirements and specifications for the A-frame apparatus for your agility organization (United States Dog Agility Association, North American Dog Agility Council, Teacup Dog Agility Association, etc.) List those specifications and diligently include them in your finished A-frame so that your dog will not get used to using substandard equipment and possibly have difficulty with changes in the competition ring.

    • 2

      Cut ½-inch thick plywood to create two sheets that are 9 feet long by 3 feet wide. Frame these sheets on the reverse side with 2-by-4-inch lumber along the perimeter, adding horizontal cross pieces to provide added stability at either the mid point or between each third of the frame. Use the 3-inch wood screws to attach the plywood to the frame.

    • 3

      Measure from the bottom of each panel up 42 inches to delineate the contact section of the panel and mark as such. Cut 1-inch-by-½-inch strips to make traction slats the same width of your panels. Position slats every 12 inches along the panels, making sure to space them a minimum of 4 inches but not more than 6 inches above and below the contact section edge. Affix slats with liquid adhesive and use wood screws on each side to firmly attach to the plywood panel.

    • 4

      Place one panel face down and the other on top facing up. Line up the top edges and screw three heavy-duty 3-inch hinges into the panels to join them together. Use gate hinges or other heavy-duty hinges if you expect frequent use by extra large dog breeds.

    • 5

      Screw two eye bolts into the back sides of the frame of each panel at or just below the mid point. Permanently clip or wire one end of the two, 4-feet lengths of galvanized or stainless steel hardware chain to the eye bolts on each side of one panel. Set up your A-frame and measure the chain length that would allow the top of the frame to be at a 5-feet-10-inch height for larger dogs and a 5-feet-6-inch height for smaller dogs (USDAA). Mark the appropriate link for each height on each chain with tape, marker or paint. Clip a double-headed snap to the chain at the appropriate level, which will be hooked to the eye bolt to hold the angle of the A-frame steady when in use.

    • 6

      Use exterior paint to mark the contact section of each panel---yellow is commonly used. Paint the top of the A-frame a darker color, blue is common, to create contrast from the contacts. Consider using a textured paint or mixing sand into your paint to provide extra traction. Weatherize your A-frame with a protective top coating if necessary.