As per AKC regulations, the seesaw consists of a plank or panel supported near the center [not at the center] by a base that acts as a fulcrum. The plank is 12" wide with a 1" tolerance [translation, the width can be anywhere from 11" to 13"]. The base extends at least 2" past the edges of the plank. In other words, the internal width of the base should be the width of the plank plus 4".

The pivot point is 24 ±2" above the ground. The plank is balanced so that it hits the ground in less than 3 seconds when a 3-pound weight is placed 12" from the raised end. The center of the pivot point is 6" inches off center so that the plank always returns to a resting position in the approach direction for the course layout.

The contact zones are 42" long and are painted any color as long as it is yellow. The paint has sand in it to allow the dog's paws to get a grip on the plank surface.

The seesaw plank can be a piece of lumber - pine or fir or redwood - that is a 2 X 12 X 12'. The actual dimensions of a board this size are 1.5" by 11" by 12 feet. A piece of lumber this size weighs about 50 pounds for redwood and more for the pine or fir. Also, a piece of lumber this size has a tendency to warp and split over time. I use plywood for the plank - a 4 foot section and an 8 foot section. The sections are held together with aluminum angle 1.25" by 1.25" by 12 feet to create the 12 foot plank which pivots on a 1" piece of black pipe.

This picture shows the bolts that secure the aluminum to the plywood. The section of plywood to the left is 4' long.

 

This picture shows the end of the plank.


On this picture of the base, note the lower hole for the training position. When the plank is in the training position, the top of the plank at the pivot point is 10" above the ground.


This picture of Aaron, shows the plank in the standard trial position.

These 2 pictures show the seesaw in the training position.

 

Customization

The picture below shows a 30 inch piece of aluminum attached to the heavy or down side of the teeter. There are holes drilled every 2 inches in the bar in order to attach weights to the teeter. The weights will slow the pivoting of the plank as the dog passes the pivot point and the plank begins to tilt. I will supply hooks, but, the weight is not included in the price. You must supply your own weight for the teeter.

Add $25. to the price of the plank if you wish to have a weight bar added.