Young puppies need to be introduced to as many new sights, sounds, textures, experiences, surfaces, places, people, smells and things as possible. This will help to get them socialized and ready for the big, wide world.  A puppy jungle gym is a fun way to work on socializing puppies. There are expensive ones for sale but it’s also an easy DIY project to build. These are easy to put together with a few supplies from your local hardware store and a local Dollar store. Creativity is key when choosing items to hang from the bars. Get the kids involved in making your selection – things that make noise, are bright colors, have soft bristles, are different shapes, sizes, etc. For younger puppies start with softer, quieter items.  Change it up as they get older and to keep the experiences new.

Once the jungle gym is built, lure the puppies in and around it, giving treats for exploring each different item on their own. Never leave the puppies unattended while playing in and around the jungle gym. And most important, if there are any signs of fear or distress, end the session for that puppy and get them back to a space where they feel secure. Try again later. It helps puppies feel more comfortable around startling noises and objects. Want to make one of your own? Here’s how:

Materials needed:

  • 1” PVC pipe – 12 pieces cut to 28”
  • 1” PVC 3-Way Elbow – 8 total
  • 16 feet of plastic chain
  • Zip ties (or carabiners) to attach items to chain and chain to the box

16-20 items to hang around the gym – BE CREATIVE! 

  • Pie tins
  • Wooden spoons
  • Paint brushes
  • Measuring cups
  • Drinking cups
  • Tennis Balls
  • Cow Bells
  • Rattles
  • Rings
  • Etc.

Instructions:

  • Make a square from (4) PVC 28” pieces and (4) PVC 3-Way Elbows. This is your base square.
  • Put (4) more PVC 28” pieces upright in each of the four corners.
  • Attach (4) PVC 3-Way Elbows to each upright piece, then complete the top square by adding the last (4) PVC 28” pieces. You now have a box.
  • Attach a plastic chain to the box using a zip tie (or to the chain by looping around the PVC using a carabiner). Cut the chain to the length needed per toy you are attaching. Some will be longer, some will be shorter. 
  • Move around the box, attaching a plastic chain to both the box and item until the jungle gym is full! Clip off zip tie ends at the base.
  • Introduce your puppy to the jungle gym. Do NOT force your puppy to go through it. Rather, use treats and praise to encourage them to explore. Reward them for sniffing it. Then reward them for playing with an item. Reward them for walking into the middle. Reward them for walking through it. 
  • Use the jungle gym to practice behavior. Try calling them to “COME” from the other side. You may need someone to help hold them on one side while you excitedly call them through from the other. 
  • Try getting them to “SIT” in the middle. What other behaviors can you think to try? Have fun!