Before you build
An A-frame is a climbing obstacle made of two ramps hinged at the top. The dog runs up one side and down the other. It is one of the more demanding agility obstacles, because a fall from height can cause injury. Before building, consider whether your dog is physically ready: young puppies with growing joints, dogs with joint or back problems, and very small or very large dogs may need a lower setup or a different activity. Ask your vet if you are unsure.
Also be honest about your building skills. A poorly built frame can collapse or become slippery. If you are not confident with tools, a commercial frame may be safer, and adults should handle all cutting and drilling.
Typical dimensions
Official agility organizations publish exact specifications, and these differ by organization and by dog height class, so check the current rules if you plan to compete. As a general idea, competition A-frames are tall, often with an apex in the range of five to six feet, and with ramps a few feet wide and around eight to nine feet long.
For backyard training, many people start lower and build up. A practice frame with a lower apex lets the dog learn the motion with less risk. Choose a width that comfortably fits your dog, and make the ramps long enough that the slope is not too steep.
Materials and tools
Common materials include:
- Plywood or similar boards for the two ramps, thick enough to avoid flexing under the dog’s weight
- Lumber framing for edge supports and cross-bracing
- Hinges rated for outdoor use, for the apex
- Hooks, chains or braces to hold the frame at the correct angle
- A non-slip surface, such as rubberised paint, textured paint with sand or traction mats
- Wood screws, bolts, drill, saw, sandpaper and paint suited to the materials
Use weather-resistant materials if the frame will live outdoors, and sand all surfaces and edges so there are no splinters or protruding screws.
Building the frame
The steps below are a general outline. Adjust dimensions to your dog and follow any safety instructions from the tool manufacturers.
- Cut two identical ramp panels to the same size.
- Add side and cross supports underneath each panel, to stop flexing and give rigidity.
- Join the panels at the top with hinges so they form an A shape. Make sure the hinges and screws are strong and the joint is flush so the dog cannot catch a paw.
- Attach braces or chains at the base so the two sides cannot spread apart. Test that the frame holds its shape.
- Apply a non-slip surface to the full length of both ramps, and consider adding slats or a textured finish.
- Paint contact zones in a contrasting colour at the bottom of each ramp. In agility, the dog should touch these zones on the way up and down, which encourages safe movement.
- Do a wobble test. Push on the frame firmly in several directions. It should not rock, shift or flex noticeably.
Making it safe
- Set the frame on flat, level ground, away from hard objects.
- Check screws, bolts and hinges before each session.
- Stay close, and be ready to spot your dog.
- Use short sessions, and stop at the first sign of fatigue or discomfort.
- Never force a dog onto the frame or use it if the surface becomes wet or icy.
- Keep children away from the frame unless supervised.
Introducing your dog
Start with the frame lying nearly flat or at a very low height. Reward the dog for approaching, stepping on and walking over it. Increase the height slowly over several sessions, and keep it fun with treats and praise. If the dog is nervous, go back a step. Rushing can create fear that is hard to undo.
Agility is especially popular with quick, biddable breeds; see are Border Collies easy to train? for one example. A confident dog will gain strength and coordination over time. Complementary exercises such as dog cavalettis can help build body awareness before tackling taller obstacles.
Other backyard equipment
Simple DIY options include jumps made with PVC pipe, weave poles spaced evenly in a line, and low tunnels. Many beginner guides suggest weave pole spacing around two feet, and again, official specifications differ. Build and introduce one obstacle at a time.
Common questions
How do I make my own agility course? Start with simple obstacles such as a low jump, a few weave poles and a tunnel, and add pieces slowly.
What are the commands for dog agility? Handlers often use cues such as “jump”, “tunnel”, “weave” and directional cues like “left” and “right”, but each handler chooses their own words.
What is the hardest command to teach a dog? It depends on the dog; many trainers say reliable recall in distracting settings is among the hardest; see long leash recall training.