Weave Pole Agility Training
Dog Agility Weave Pole Training
Weave poles in dog agility is one of the hardest obstacles for a dog to learn. Weaving in and out of poles lined up is an unnatural movement or activity for a dog to do. There are many methods of training like channel weaves. Channel weaves are a special made training weave pole set, where you spread the weaves poles out and your agility dog can run between them in a straight line, as the dog gets better you slowly move the weave poles closer to each other so the poles eventually form a straight line and the dog is properly weaving them. Another method is to weave your hand in and out of the weave poles with a treat and have the dog follow the treat, eventually move to using just weaving your finger in and out with no treat.
My favorite method is to hold a treat in your left hand and put it between the second and third pole leading your agility dog around the first and second poles (really the dog is only going around one pole the second one). Reward the dog with the treat after he makes the first and second pole. Continue putting your left hand around every other pole to lead your agility dog through the weaves. I have used and seen many others use this weave pole training method to great results. With this weave pole training method your agility dog will be making the weaving movement right from the start which makes learning to weave faster.
Weave Pole Training Tips
- Dog’s must enter the weaves poles on the right or it’s a fault
- Weave poles have a variety of spacing options from 18” to 24” find out what organization you are going to compete in and get the proper pole spacing for their competition specs
- Start slow with 5 – 10 min of weave pole training
- Take your time and make it fun for both you and your agility dog
- Find a dog agility trainer or training facility in your area and sign up for classes
- Lots and Lots of tasty treats for agility done right!
- Never use “no” “UhUh” or any other negative sound (unless the dog is aggressive or urinating on the agility obsticals)
- Most of all HAVE FUN!