Thinking about dipping your toes, or rather your dog’s paws, into the exciting world of agility? It’s a fantastic way to bond with your furry friend, provide mental stimulation, and get some exercise for both of you. One of the staple obstacles you’ll encounter is the pause table. As the name suggests, it requires your dog to jump onto a table, hold a position (usually a sit or a down) for a set count, and then continue the course. While you can buy pre-made ones, building your own DIY pause table is a rewarding project that saves money and allows for customization.
Creating your own equipment adds a special touch to your training sessions. You get the satisfaction of knowing you built that obstacle your dog is conquering! Plus, you control the materials and the final dimensions, which can be handy if you have limited space or a particularly large or small canine companion. Let’s get building!
Gathering Your Supplies: What You’ll Need
Before you start cutting wood, it’s essential to gather all your materials and tools. This preparation makes the actual construction process much smoother. Here’s a general list, though feel free to adapt based on what you have available or prefer:
Materials:
- Plywood Sheet: A piece of 3/4 inch thick plywood is ideal for the tabletop. The size depends on your dog, but a common dimension is 36 inches by 36 inches. Ensure it’s exterior grade if it will live outside.
- Lumber for Legs: Four pieces of 4×4 lumber work great for sturdy legs. You could also use 2x4s doubled up or other sturdy timber. The length determines the table height (more on that later).
- Lumber for Frame (Optional but Recommended): 2×4 lumber to build a supporting frame under the tabletop adds significant stability. You’ll need enough to outline the underside perimeter of your tabletop.
- Screws: Get good quality wood screws or deck screws. Various lengths will be needed – shorter ones for the frame (if using) and longer, sturdier ones (like lag screws) for attaching the legs. Aim for exterior-grade screws for weather resistance.
- Wood Glue (Optional): Exterior-grade wood glue adds extra strength to joints before screwing.
- Non-Slip Surface Material: This is crucial for safety. Options include:
- Rubber matting (like stall mats or playground surfacing)
- Outdoor carpet/artificial turf
- Paint mixed with sand (creates a textured finish)
- Adhesive or Staples: For securing the non-slip surface (construction adhesive, contact cement, or heavy-duty staples).
- Sandpaper: Medium and fine grit sandpaper for smoothing edges and surfaces.
- Paint or Sealant: Pet-safe, exterior-grade paint or wood sealant to protect the wood from the elements and make it look finished. Choose a light color for the top if using sand paint, as competition tables often have specific color requirements (though less critical for home practice).
Tools:
- Measuring Tape
- Pencil
- Safety Glasses & Gloves
- Circular Saw or Jigsaw: For cutting the plywood and lumber. A miter saw is helpful for accurate leg cuts.
- Drill/Driver: With drill bits for pilot holes and driver bits for screws.
- Level: To ensure the table sits flat and stable.
- Clamps (Optional but helpful): To hold pieces together while glue dries or screws are driven.
- Paint Brushes or Rollers
- Utility Knife: For cutting rubber matting or carpet.
- Sander (Optional): An orbital or belt sander speeds up the smoothing process, but manual sanding works too.
Safety First! Always wear safety glasses when cutting or drilling wood. Use caution when operating power tools and follow manufacturer instructions. Ensure your work area is clear and stable. Remember to use pet-safe paints and sealants, allowing them to cure fully before your dog uses the table.
Designing Your Pause Table
While official agility organizations have specific size requirements, for home practice, you have some flexibility. The most common size for competition pause tables is 36 inches x 36 inches. This provides ample space for most breeds to comfortably jump on and perform a sit or down.
Height Considerations:
The height depends on your dog’s jump height category in official competitions, or simply what seems appropriate and safe for your individual dog for home use. Common heights are:
- Small dogs: 8 or 12 inches
- Medium dogs: 16 inches
- Large dogs: 20 or 24 inches
If you’re unsure, starting lower is always safer. You can always build taller legs later or create simple, sturdy blocks to raise the table if needed. The key is stability. The table must not wobble or tip when your dog jumps onto it.
Step-by-Step Construction Guide
Alright, let’s turn that pile of wood into a functional piece of agility equipment!
Step 1: Cut the Tabletop
Measure and mark your plywood sheet. A standard 36″ x 36″ square is a good starting point. Use your circular saw or jigsaw to carefully cut along the lines. Take your time to ensure straight cuts. Lightly sand the edges to remove any splintering.
Step 2: Build the Support Frame (Optional)
This step significantly increases rigidity. Cut your 2×4 lumber to create a square frame that will fit just inside the perimeter of your tabletop underside. For a 36″ x 36″ top, you’d typically cut four pieces of 2×4, perhaps two at 36″ and two at 33″ (to fit inside the others, accounting for the 1.5″ thickness of the 2x4s). Assemble the frame using wood glue and screws. Attach this frame flush with the edges on the underside of the plywood tabletop using glue and screws.
Step 3: Cut the Legs
Determine your desired table height. Remember to subtract the thickness of your tabletop (and frame, if used) from your target height to get the required leg length. For example, for a 16-inch high table with a 3/4″ top and a 1.5″ frame (total 2.25″), your 4×4 legs need to be cut to 13.75 inches. Use a miter saw if possible for perfectly square cuts. Cut all four legs to the exact same length – this is critical for stability.
Step 4: Attach the Legs
This is arguably the most crucial step for stability. Position the legs at the corners on the underside of the tabletop (inside the frame, if you built one). Ensure they are perfectly vertical (use a small square or level if needed).
There are several ways to attach them securely:
- Direct Screwing (from top): If not using a frame, you can drive long screws down through the tabletop into the center of each leg. Drill pilot holes first. Use at least 2-3 screws per leg.
- Pocket Holes (into frame): If using a frame, pocket holes drilled into the top of the legs and angling into the frame provide a strong, hidden connection.
- Angle Brackets: Metal angle brackets screwed to both the leg and the underside/frame offer good support.
- Lag Bolts (through frame): Drill holes through the frame and into the legs, then use sturdy lag bolts with washers for a very secure attachment. This is often the preferred method for maximum durability.
Whichever method you choose, ensure the legs are firmly attached and don’t wiggle. Apply wood glue before screwing for added strength. Once attached, flip the table upright and check for wobbles using your level. Adjust as needed.
Step 5: Sanding and Finishing
Now, thoroughly sand everything. Pay special attention to the tabletop edges and corners, as well as the legs. You want a smooth finish everywhere to prevent splinters for both you and your dog. Start with medium-grit sandpaper and finish with fine-grit.
Step 6: Painting or Sealing
Wipe away all sanding dust. Apply your chosen pet-safe paint or sealant. Exterior paint provides weather protection and color. Apply at least two coats, allowing proper drying time between each coat as per the manufacturer’s instructions. If you plan to use the sand-paint method for grip, apply that as your final top coat according to its directions.
Official Specs Note: For reference, AKC regulations often specify a 36″x36″ top surface. UKI might allow slightly smaller (e.g., 30″x30″ for smaller dogs). The required pause duration is typically 5 seconds in competitions. Knowing the official standards can be helpful, even if your home build varies slightly.
Step 7: Apply the Non-Slip Surface
Once the paint is fully cured, it’s time to add the crucial non-slip surface.
- Rubber Matting/Carpet: Cut the material to the exact size of the tabletop. Apply a suitable construction adhesive or contact cement evenly to the tabletop (or the back of the matting, depending on adhesive instructions). Carefully place the matting, smoothing it out to remove air bubbles. You might add some heavy-duty staples around the very edge for extra security, ensuring they are flush with the surface.
- Sand Paint: If you opted for sand paint in the previous step, your surface is already done! Ensure it provides adequate grip.
Let any adhesives cure completely according to the manufacturer’s directions before use.
Introducing Your Dog to the Pause Table
Construction complete! Now comes the fun part – teaching your dog to use it. Start slowly and positively. Lure your dog onto the low table with a treat. Reward heavily for simply getting all four paws on. Gradually introduce the concept of staying, starting with just a second, then building duration. Keep sessions short, fun, and rewarding. Never force your dog onto the obstacle. Focus on making it a positive experience.
Enjoy Your Handiwork!
Building your own agility pause table is a manageable project that provides a great sense of accomplishment. You’ve created a safe, functional piece of equipment tailored to your needs. More importantly, you’ve opened up another avenue for fun, training, and strengthening the incredible bond you share with your dog. Happy training!
