Frequently Asked Questions: Metal Teeter (See-Saw) Base 
Here you will find commonly asked questions and shipping information about the Competition Adjustable Steel See-Saw base. Drop us a line if you have any questions or comments - we appreciate your input!
Q. "How does the board attach to the base & how easy is it?"
Q. "How sturdy is this base as compared to another material, such as wood, and how does it compare to competition bases?" Q. "How is the height adjusted?" Q. "Is the bottom of the base supposed to have that small bend in it?" Q. "What is the Stabilizer Bar?" Q. "What exactly must I get to complete this obstacle?" Q. "Do I attach the base in the exact center of the board?" Q. "What can I expect in shipping?" Q. "How does the board attach to the base & how easy is it?" A. There is no assembly required for the base itself...it is all ready to attach to the plank. To complete the teeter, you will need a plank. You can buy our aluminum teeter plank, or do it yourself! After you have the plank and the base, attaching the plank to the base, or removing the plank from the base, is quick and easy. All you have to do to separate the base and plank is pull the hinge pin. Back to Top » Q. "How sturdy is this base as compared to another material, such as wood, and how does it compare to other competition bases?" A. There is no standard for the weight of the base, and our steel-style is common in trials. The only requirement is that the center of the base has to be visible to the dog (in other words, sticking out from the sides of the board at the pivot point so they can tell they are approaching a see-saw). It also has to have a 3lb-3second rule. (A 3lb weight set 12" from the end has to make the board fall in less than 3 seconds). Our base meets all these specifications. Because this base is made of steel, and not wood, it does tend to have a little more "bounce" and a metal-sounding "jingle" when the board hits the ground. This is not uncommon. I was at a trial recently which was using this base. They alleviated the bounce by a couple tent stakes that held each side of the base feet into the ground. Sandbags would also work. You can also attach something soft on the underside of the board on each end to soften the impact. You can do all this if desired, but many trainers recommend practicing on safe equipment that is a little bouncy and noisy. This prepares the dog mentally to expect the unexpected in obstacles. Back to Top » Q. "How is the height adjusted?" A. There is a chain (included) that goes across the bottom of the base. By simply unclipping and adjusting the length of the chain, the height of the see-saw is affected. There is enough chain to make the see-saw go as low as 12" from the ground. Back to Top » Q. "Is the bottom of the base supposed to have that small bend in it?" A. YES, the slightly angled bottom makes it so the base can stand up on uneven surfaces without wobbling. Back to Top » Q. "What is the Stabilizer Bar?" A. You may quickly and easily move the teeter by removing the plank from the base using the quick release hinge. Though moving the teeter is faster if two people are available. When moving it with two people, one of the difficulties with adjustable bases that use a chain is moving the unit around a course. When you lift the board, the base flops shut. Instead, insert the chain into this bar, and the base will stay open. Click here for picture. Back to Top » Q. "What exactly must I get to complete this obstacle?" To complete the teeter, you will need a plank. You can buy our aluminum teeter plank, or make your own plank. Making your own plank can save you money. Included with the base are step-by-step instructions for making your own plank. Below is a list of what you will need to buy at your local hardware store:
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