DIY Custom Dog Jumps

Boing! Boing! Springs for feet!

Have you taught your dog to jump yet?  If you have and you want something a little more standardized, let me present the jump tutorial!

I really like these because they're cheap, quick and hands free while your dog is jumping. Your dog can also jump through it in a series if you have more than one jump, you can add it into a larger course or use it as an obstacle in training.

First you need to know what height to make your jump. For that, you need to measure your dog and find its jump class. Dogs are measured at the withers, that is, the highest point where the neck meets the back down to the floor. From there you can generally determine a jump height. The charts for different clubs and their jump heights can be found here (you can also order equipment on this site too, if you're so inclined). Max is 15 1/2" at the withers so the highest he will jump is a 16" bar, which is what I made.

Now that you've found your jump height let's get started! You will need 3/4 inch schedule 40 pvc pipe and slip fittings, how much depends on your jump height and a few other variables. Small dogs could probably get away with 1/2 inch pipe. Generally you can find pvc in the plumbing department. If you don't find it, don't hesitate to ask and ignore the "not it's intended use" statements employees sometimes prattle off. You'll also need a hack saw or electric saw, we used a miter saw, tape measure, permanent marker and pvc glue if you want it. *As always, if you're working with tools or glues please take appropriate safety measures.*

Here we go!

Calling All Circus Dog Wannabe's!

Maybe you want a new trick for your dog. Maybe you're exploring dog sports like Agility or Rally or maybe you just need to wear your dog out. Whichever way you're exploring, teaching your dog to jump over things or through things is relatively easy and fun too!

Max was jumping on things and over things as soon as he came home so it was a natural extension of that "skill" to shape a jump for him. We started with a hula hoop, good treats and Max. For him the skill took about an hour on a rainy afternoon when we couldn't walk outside. In next week's post we'll talk about constructing a custom jump for your dog at different jump heights.

Here's what we did (and you can too!)