The planks for an official dog agility seesaw are usually 12 feet (3.7 m) in length. Purchase a long 2 by 12 in (5.1 by 30.5 cm) plank of wood online or from your local hardware store. If the plank isn't the right length, measure it and trim it to size with a handsaw or jigsaw.  In some longer planks, the wood will begin to crack towards the end. To prevent this from happening with your seesaw plank, purchase a piece of wood that is 14 feet (4.3 m) long and trim 1 foot (0.30 m) off of each end to remove and halt any cracking. Avoid using pressure-treated wood for your plank, as it will be too heavy. If you need to waterproof the plank, paint it with waterproof paint or sealant. The seesaw is a one-way obstacle on an agility course, meaning one end should always be lower than the other when not in use. Use a measuring tape to find the mid-point of the plank. Move 2 inches (5.1 cm) towards one end of the plank and draw a line to mark the fulcrum.  Moving the fulcrum of the plank closer to one end will make sure that the longer side always sits on the ground when the seesaw isn't in use. If you move too far away from the mid-point, the plank may fall too slowly as your dog walks over it, or it may begin to lift up while your dog is still on it. Don't make the mark more than 2 inches (5.1 cm) from the center of the plank. Measure along the marked line of your plank to find the middle. Place a 3⁄4 inch (1.9 cm) pipe strap on the mid-point and screw it into place with 2 1 in (2.5 cm) wood screws. Attach 2 more pipe straps along the same line, roughly 4 inches (10 cm) away from the first strap.  The pipe straps will be used to hold the pipe that works as a fulcrum for your seesaw. Pipe straps should be available online or from your local hardware store. If you can't find 3⁄4 inch (1.9 cm) pipe straps, you could also use 1⁄2 inch (1.3 cm) straps that aren't screwed into the plank as tightly. To make sure the pipe fits in the pipe straps properly, place it on the line you have marked across the plank and screw in the pipe straps over the top of it. They should be loose enough that the pipe can still turn freely in the straps. By changing the height of the fulcrum in your seesaw, you change how difficult it is to get over. Use a measuring tape to mark 4 points along one of your uprights, noting the measurements as you go. Repeat the same process on the other side, making sure the marks are identical.  The standard heights for a dog agility seesaw are 8 inches (20 cm), 12 inches (30 cm), 18 inches (46 cm), and 24 inches (61 cm) from the ground. The lower heights can be used to train your dog, building its confidence towards the 24 in (61 cm) standard for most dog agility competitions. If you want to use different measurements or mark a different number of points, you can easily do so. Make sure that the space between your marks remains at least 3 inches (7.6 cm) thick, and that the height of the holes is identical between the 2 sides of your base. By moving the pipe on your plank between these points, you can change the height of your seesaw. Making the fulcrum of your seesaw higher will also make the plank steeper to walk on. Attach a 1 in (2.5 cm) paddle or spade bit to your electric drill. Place the point of the bit against the first point you marked and begin drilling through it to make a 1 in (2.5 cm) hole. Repeat the same process for each of the marks you made on both of the uprights. Purchase a piece of 1⁄2 inch (1.3 cm) galvanized pipe that is roughly 18 inches (46 cm) in length. Use 1 hand to hold the plank so the pipe straps line up with 1 set of holes in your uprights. Thread the pipe into one hole, through the pipe straps, and out the opposing hole.  Once the pipe is in place, you should have a fully assembled and functional dog agility seesaw! At this point, you can leave the seesaw as it is and it will still work. However, it will be better protected and easier to use if you paint it properly and make the plank less slippery. If your plank is too heavy, it may be difficult to adjust the height of the seesaw. Ask a friend or someone nearby to help hold the plank while you thread the pipe through. Make sure you use a galvanized pipe, as other piping may not be strong enough to hold the weight of the plank and your dog.

Summary: Cut a piece of 2 by 12 in (5.1 by 30.5 cm) wood to make the seesaw plank. Mark a line 2 inches (5.1 cm) from the mid-point of the plank. Screw 3 3⁄4 in (1.9 cm) pipe straps along the marked line on the plank. Mark 4 points along each upright to change the height of your seesaw. Drill a 1 inch (2.5 cm) hole through the center of each mark. Thread a 1⁄2 inch (1.3 cm) galvanized pipe through the holes and pipe straps.


Ask mutual friends about the boy’s hobbies or favorite past times. Snoop on his social media to find out his favorite music, movies, and television shows. Pay attention to any sports he plays at school or when he is around friends. For example, you may ask his mutual friends, “What is his favorite thing to do outside of school?” or “Can you tell me what his favorite television show is?” Find him on social media platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, and Facebook. Follow him so you can get to know him better through social media. If he follows you back, this can help to build your friendship. You can also use social media to learn more about his interests as well as a direct line of communication. This may help you feel more comfortable with talking to him and help your friendship blossom. People are generally attracted to others with similar backgrounds and it will be easier for him to connect with you if he sees these similarities. Think about interests you have in common with the boy, such as a favorite television show or sport. Then, use these shared interests as icebreakers for your first conversations.  For example, you may find out that you both like action movies. Or you may discover that you share a common interest in video games. Do not pretend to like things the boy likes just to become friends with him. You will likely find at least one thing you have in common with him so you do not have to fake it. If you have not had a lot of interaction with him, you may feel more comfortable getting to know him within a group. If you have mutual friends, ask them to help facilitate an introduction when you’re all together. If you do not have mutual friends, you could consider becoming involved in a group or club that he attends. This will not only aid in increasing your interaction with him, but will also create an instant common ground that may feel more natural. When you are around the boy, try to project an open, friendly demeanor. Avoid aggressive body language such as clenching your fists and crossing your arms. Instead, maintain open body language by keeping your arms relaxed at your sides and smiling or nodding at him. When you chat with the boy, you should also maintain eye contact with him to show him you are engaged in what he has to say.
Summary: Find out his interests. Follow him on social media. Focus on interests you have in common. Approach him in a group setting. Maintain open body language around him.