Getting involved in dog agility is a fantastic way to bond with your furry friend, provide mental stimulation, and get some exercise for both of you. One of the core obstacles in any agility course is the pause table. As the name suggests, it’s a raised platform where your dog must jump up, hold a position (usually a sit or down) for a count of five seconds, and then continue the course. While you can buy pre-made pause tables, building one yourself can be a rewarding project that saves money and allows for customization. It’s less intimidating than it sounds, and with some basic tools and materials, you can create a sturdy and safe piece of equipment for your backyard training sessions.
Why tackle this project yourself? Firstly, cost. Commercial agility equipment can be surprisingly expensive. Building your own pause table can significantly cut down expenses, especially if you already have some tools or can source affordable materials. Secondly, customization. You can adjust the size slightly (though stick close to official dimensions if you plan to compete) and choose the surface material and color you prefer. Maybe you want it to match your garden furniture! Lastly, there’s the satisfaction of building something tangible for your dog’s enjoyment and training. It adds another layer to your shared agility journey.
Gathering Your Supplies
Before you start cutting and assembling, you’ll need to gather your materials and tools. Precision isn’t absolutely critical unless you’re aiming for competition standards, but sturdy construction is paramount for safety.
Materials:
- Plywood Sheet: A piece of 3/4 inch exterior grade plywood for the tabletop. Standard sizes are often around 36×36 inches or 30×30 inches, but check the rules for the organization you might compete under (like AKC or USDAA) if that’s your goal. For backyard fun, a square between 30 and 36 inches works well for most medium to large dogs. Adjust smaller if needed for tiny breeds.
- Lumber for Frame & Legs: 2×4 lumber is a common choice for its strength and availability. You’ll need enough for a square frame under the tabletop and for four legs. Pressure-treated lumber is good for outdoor use, but ensure it’s safe for pets once sealed or painted, or opt for a naturally rot-resistant wood like cedar if your budget allows.
- Carriage Bolts, Washers, and Nuts: For attaching the legs securely. Using bolts makes the legs removable or potentially adjustable if designed correctly. About 3/8 inch diameter bolts, long enough to go through the leg and frame, are usually sufficient.
- Wood Screws: Exterior grade screws (e.g., deck screws) of appropriate length (around 2.5 inches) for assembling the frame and attaching the tabletop.
- Surface Material: This is crucial for grip. Options include outdoor carpet (low pile), specialized rubber granules mixed with sealant (provides excellent grip but more complex), or pre-made rubber matting cut to size. Avoid smooth surfaces.
- Adhesive: A strong, waterproof adhesive suitable for bonding your chosen surface material to wood (like contact cement or specific outdoor carpet glue).
- Paint or Sealant: Exterior grade paint or a clear wood sealant to protect the wood from the elements, especially the legs and underside of the table. Choose pet-safe options.
Tools:
- Tape Measure
- Pencil
- Circular Saw or Jigsaw (for cutting plywood and lumber)
- Power Drill with drill bits and screwdriver bits
- Wrench or Socket Set (for tightening bolts)
- Sandpaper or Sander (to smooth edges)
- Safety Glasses and Gloves
- Clamps (helpful for holding pieces during assembly)
- Utility Knife (for cutting surface material)
- Notched Trowel (if using adhesive for granules or carpet)
- Paint Brushes or Rollers
Constructing Your Pause Table: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Cut the Tabletop
Measure and mark your desired dimensions on the plywood sheet. Let’s assume you’re going for a 36×36 inch top. Carefully cut the square using your circular saw or jigsaw. Sand the edges smooth to prevent splinters and create a clean look.
Step 2: Build the Support Frame
Cut four pieces of 2×4 lumber to form a square frame that will sit just underneath the plywood top. For a 36×36 inch top, you might cut four pieces slightly shorter (e.g., 33 inches each) so they form a square frame inset slightly from the plywood edge. Arrange them in a square, ensuring the corners are 90 degrees. Use clamps to hold them together if needed. Drill pilot holes and then secure the corners using 2.5-inch wood screws. Two screws per corner should be sufficient.
Step 3: Prepare and Attach the Legs
Determine the desired height for your table. Competition heights vary by organization and dog jump height class (often ranging from 12 to 24 inches). For backyard practice, 16 or 20 inches is a common starting point. Cut four identical lengths of 2×4 lumber for the legs. Remember to account for the thickness of the tabletop and frame when calculating the final height. Sand the ends smooth.
Attaching the legs securely is vital. A strong method is to use carriage bolts. Position one leg vertically at an inside corner of the frame. Clamp it in place. Drill two holes through both the frame piece and the leg. Use appropriately sized drill bits for your chosen bolts (e.g., 3/8 inch bit for 3/8 inch bolts). Insert the carriage bolts from the outside of the frame, through the leg. On the inside, add a washer and then tighten the nut securely with a wrench. Repeat for all four legs. This method makes the legs sturdy and potentially removable if needed.
Step 4: Attach the Tabletop
Place the plywood tabletop onto the frame, ensuring it’s centered. From underneath, drive wood screws through the frame pieces up into the plywood tabletop. Use screws that are long enough to get a good grip in the plywood but not so long they poke through the top surface (1.5-inch screws might work well here). Place screws every 6-8 inches along each side of the frame for a secure attachment.
Step 5: Apply the Surface Material
This step is critical for your dog’s safety and confidence. The surface needs to provide excellent grip, even in damp conditions.
If using Outdoor Carpet or Rubber Matting: Cut the material to the exact size of the tabletop (e.g., 36×36 inches). Apply the appropriate adhesive to the plywood surface according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Carefully lay the carpet or matting onto the adhesive, smoothing it out from the center towards the edges to remove any air bubbles. Ensure the edges are well bonded. Allow the adhesive to cure completely.
If using Rubber Granules: This is a more advanced technique often seen on commercial equipment. It involves mixing rubber granules with a specific binder or sealant and troweling it onto the surface. Follow the product instructions carefully for mixing ratios and application. This provides superior grip but requires more effort and specific products.
Step 6: Finishing Touches (Painting/Sealing)
Once the adhesive for the surface is fully cured, you can paint or seal the wooden parts (legs, frame, underside of the top). Apply several thin coats of exterior paint or sealant, allowing each coat to dry completely. This protects the wood from moisture and rot, extending the life of your pause table. Ensure you use pet-safe, non-toxic finishes, especially if your dog might chew on the legs.
Important Safety Checks: Before introducing your dog to the table, rigorously test its stability. Push on it from all sides and corners. Ensure it doesn’t wobble or tip easily. Double-check that all screws and bolts are tight and that there are no sharp edges or protruding fasteners. The surface must provide adequate grip; test it yourself with shoes on. Never use a table that feels unstable or has a slippery surface.
Introducing Your Dog to the Pause Table
Training your dog to use the pause table should be a positive experience. Start by luring your dog onto the low table with a treat or toy. Reward them just for getting four paws on. Gradually ask for a sit or down stay, starting with just one second and slowly increasing the duration. Use a clear release cue (like “Okay!” or “Break!”) when they can leave the table. Keep sessions short and fun. Focus on building confidence and a clear understanding of the expected behavior: jump up, hold the position, wait for the release.
Enjoy Your DIY Agility Equipment
Building your own agility pause table is a manageable weekend project that brings numerous benefits. You save money, get a piece of equipment tailored to your needs, and gain the satisfaction of creating something valuable for your canine companion’s training and fun. With careful construction and attention to safety, your homemade pause table will provide countless hours of practice and strengthen the bond between you and your agility star. So grab your tools, put on your safety glasses, and get building!
