1) Adjustable Bar Jump (PVC)

A lightweight jump with a bar that falls on contact to prevent injury.

Materials (per jump)

• 3/4 in PVC pipe: ~20 ft (6 m)
• Fittings: 4 × T, 4 × elbows, 2 × end caps
• 1 lightweight jump bar (same PVC or a thin dowel wrapped in tape)
• Vinyl tape or clip-on jump cups (or use extra T-fittings as cups)

Cut List

• Uprights: 2 × 36 in (91 cm)
• Feet: 4 × 12 in (30 cm)
• Bases: 2 × 24 in (61 cm)
• Top connectors: 2 × 6 in (15 cm)
• Jump bar: 1 × 36–48 in (91–122 cm), sized to your dog/space

Steps

1. Build two H-shaped sides: connect a 24 in base with T-fittings and 12 in feet perpendicular for stability; attach the 36 in upright with elbows and a 6 in top piece.
2. Place the sides parallel. Use tape bands or clip-on cups at desired heights on the uprights.
3. Rest the bar on cups so it can fall freely. Add sandbags to stabilize if needed.

Tip: Start at ground level and raise by 2 in (5 cm) increments once your dog is clearing confidently.

2) Tire Jump (Breakaway)

Use a hula hoop or foam-wrapped ring that detaches easily on impact.

Materials

• PVC frame: ~24 ft (7.3 m), 4 × elbows, 4 × T, 2 × cross fittings
• Hula hoop (or foam-wrapped tubing) sized 22–26 in (56–66 cm) inner diameter
• Velcro straps or light bungee with quick-release clips

Steps

1. Build a rectangular frame ~40 in wide × 48 in tall (102 × 122 cm) with feet like the bar jump.
2. Suspend the hoop with four Velcro straps so it sits centered and can detach if hit.
3. Mark height tape lines to adjust the hoop center from 10–24 in (25–61 cm) based on dog size.

Safety: Never hard-mount the hoop; make it breakaway to avoid entanglement.

3) Panel Jump (Soft Panels)

For variety and confidence. Use lightweight foam panels that fall with the bar.

Materials

• Same frame as bar jump
• Foam board or corrugated plastic panels cut to 36–40 in (91–102 cm) width
• Velcro tabs or light magnets to mount panels between uprights

Steps

1. Mount one or more foam panels between uprights underneath a low bar.
2. Ensure panels dislodge easily if brushed.

4) Broad/Long Jump (Foam)

Encourages length rather than height.

• Foam yoga blocks or cut pool noodles in semi-circles
• Non-slip mat underlay

1. Arrange 3–5 foam elements in a row, each 2–4 in (5–10 cm) tall, spaced 4–6 in (10–15 cm) apart.
2. Keep total length modest (12–36 in / 30–90 cm) and increase gradually.

5) Weave Poles (Base or Ground-Stake)

Two options: a connected base for indoor use, or spike-mounted poles for lawns.

Materials

• 6 or 12 poles of 3/4 in PVC, 36–40 in (91–102 cm) long
• Base option: PVC spine with T-fittings or a flat wooden strip with screw-on flanges
• Ground option: 6–12 metal spikes or 10 in (25 cm) nails fitted into PVC ends
• Vinyl tape to mark entry side and number poles

Dimensions

• Spacing: 24 in (61 cm) center-to-center

Steps (Base)

1. Create a straight base using a long PVC spine with T-fittings every 24 in.
2. Insert vertical poles; cap tops; tape stripes for visibility.

Steps (Ground-Stake)

1. Mark a straight line and hammer spikes at 24 in intervals.
2. Slide poles over spikes; ensure they’re vertical and secure but removable.

Tip: Start with “channel weaves” by offsetting two rows to create a lane, then close the channel over time.

6) Tunnel

A collapsible kids’ play tunnel works great for beginners.

Materials

• Children’s play tunnel (6–10 ft / 1.8–3 m)
• Sandbags or tunnel bags to prevent rolling
• Optional: tarp and tent stakes to add shade/length outdoors

Steps

1. Stake or weight both ends to maintain shape.
2. Start straight; later add gentle curves.

Safety: Check for sharp wires and tears; supervise until your dog is confident.

7) Pause Table or Pause Box

Teaches impulse control: sit or down and hold for a count.

Pause Box (easiest)

• Rubber mat or carpet square, 36 × 36 in (91 × 91 cm)
• Vinyl tape border to define the box

Pause Table (low)

• Sturdy crate platform, stable ottoman, or DIY wood table
• Height: 8–16 in (20–40 cm); cover with non-slip mat

8) Contact Trainer (Mini A-Frame/Dog Walk)

Instead of full-height contact obstacles, build a safe low trainer.

Materials

• 2 × wood planks, 8 ft × 12 in (244 × 30 cm)
• 1 × heavy-duty door hinge
• Exterior screws, sanded edges
• Traction: rubber mat or textured paint + sand
• Chains or ropes to limit opening angle (optional)

Steps

1. Hinge planks together on one end to create a folding A-frame.
2. Add traction: glue rubber matting or apply textured paint.
3. Open to a low angle so the apex is 18–24 in (46–61 cm) high; secure sides to prevent slipping.

Alternative: Single low ramp on a stable box to practice contact zones (“2-on/2-off”).

Note: Full-size A-frames, dog walks, and teeters require advanced carpentry and safety features; keep home versions low.

9) Teeter/Seesaw Trainer (Low Pivot)

Build a gentle rocker to introduce motion without height or slam.

Materials

• 1 × plank, 6–8 ft × 12 in (183–244 × 30 cm)
• Round PVC (2–3 in / 50–75 mm diameter) as a pivot, or a low wobble base
• Rubber surface, end-stop bumpers (pool noodles), small sandbags

Steps

1. Center the PVC under the plank to create a rocker; secure lightly so it can’t roll away.
2. Add bumpers near ends to reduce slam; keep total tip height under 6–8 in (15–20 cm).
3. Reward for stepping on, then for tipping control; increase motion slowly.

Never use a high, fast teeter without appropriate counterweights and secure pivots.

10) Hoops and Ground Bars

Great for warming up and flatwork.

• Lay pool noodles or PVC on the ground to shape lines and turns.
• Use low hoops (pool noodles arched on garden stakes) as visual guides.