Disclosed are various embodiments for a balance beam apparatus for exercising or training pets that may include, for example, a balance beam having a first distal end, a second distal end, and a portion raised from a ground surface, the first distal end of the balance beam being positioned on a first beam base, the second distal end of the balance beam being positioned on a second beam base, where the first beam base comprises a first beam and a second beam stacked vertically to form steps leading up to the balance beam, and where the second beam base includes a third beam and a fourth beam stacked vertically to form steps leading down from the balance beam. The first beam base and the second beam base may have a width substantially similar to a width of the balance beam. The balance beam apparatus may be free-standing and portable.