how do you...

elle · 06-27-2008, 01:46 AM

teach the entrance into the weave poles?

Cathy43 · 06-28-2008, 12:03 PM

With Pullo, I used the 2x2 method for the entry. Simply set up 2 poles and click(or whatever) any motion between the poles. After getting to 4 poles and an additional set, I decided to go to gates. That is what was set up at the class I'm attending and it really clicked for Pullo.

alwayshadpets · 06-28-2008, 04:25 PM

Use a lure, can be food, toy. I kept Tamora on a leash at first and held it straight up over her head as she weaved. Dogs need to always enter on the left.I use the word weave. I started with the 12 poles. I say weave and she just goes now. Tamora loves agility.

AfordableAgility.com
Has pictures of the slanted weave set, channel, and weave wires plus others. (Several methods of training) The training facility I am currently training at uses the channel and weave wires depending on the dog.

musicdobe · 06-28-2008, 05:28 PM

There are two main methods for training the weaves (I know there are others, but these are the 2 most often cited). One is to offset the weave poles. You can buy specific equipment for this one. The poles are alternated on either side and there is a pathway between the poles the dog goes through. The poles eventually get closer until the dog naturally weaves through the poles.

The other way is to get a set of poles and just angle them outward to create the pathway. Eventually the poles stand upright. The first method is the more popular one.

Clean Run - Everything for the agility dog is the best resource for agility training out there. I have met many of the people who run this company and they are exceptional. There are books and DVDs at their site specifically for weaves. Just check it out.

elle · 06-28-2008, 06:49 PM

thanks for the responses everyone! let me clarify my question a bit:

at this point he understands the concept of weaving, what i want to know is what method you guys use to proof the entrance into the poles.

in one class we used a game where i stand in the poles and set up him up at different angles 6-10ft away from the poles and then call him up and lure him or have him target my hand between the first two poles and click and reward.
the method i've currently been trying is to teach him to touch the first pole with the left side of his muzzle. he is beginning to pick up on this, but he hasn't been able to discriminate between left and right yet.

he knows to "go go go go" once he is in the weave, but i don't think he truly understands the entrance yet. right now i need to physically use my body (ie my hand or my positioning) so that he understands where to go. what other methods have you guys used that will make this picture clearer to the dog?

Thanks!

Dobemom2b · 06-28-2008, 07:18 PM

Would something like a few bands of electrical tape as the target for him to touch with his cheek help him find it?

I have never worked a dog on weaves but had a friend who did years ago, her setup started out with half circle 'guards' between each set of poles so the dog initially had to weave to get through them.

hrd2gt · 06-29-2008, 12:24 AM

repetition repetition repetition! I started karma on offset soft poles (they were like tubes, they are from flashpaws.com) and I used a dowel with a nail on the end to put a treat on it to lure her thru to get the pattern. but it sounds like your past that already.

I did have that same issue come up when i was teaching her 'out'. She would jump and out to the weaves but take the wrong entry. :| so I put a big pot there

she knows better, but I guess just needed a reminder.

ALSO, something I learned from her and had another friend with her dobie try... in class we use treats for rewards, but at home with the weaves i use her favorite toy (rope with tennis ball) i dont know why, but it totally sped her up!! if she nails her weaves, i throw it for her... if she blows it, i go back, do the same direction till she gets it right then throw the ball. made a huge difference!!

alwayshadpets · 06-29-2008, 07:12 AM

In class one of the methods we have used is where the instructor is at the beginning of the weaves. She holds the dog on his or her soft collar and she says are you ready ready. The dog is straight facing the poles (weave wires are used). The owner is at the other end and when the dog is released they weave toward you. A tug toy (if your dog is a tugger is used as the prize, when the weave is completed correctly).
When the dog is entering correctly eventually wires are removed and distance is added plus you will send them with you on the right or left of the weaves. If done incorrectly the word is wrong or whatever and thats a good try but lets try again. You can also add wing gates so the only real way they can get in is to the left of the first pole.
Repetition truly is the best answer.

Cathy43 · 06-29-2008, 10:14 AM

I'll agree with the repetition. With my first dog, I did a lot of off-side weaves. With an "out, weave" with a hand pushing out, he really had to wrap around that first pole to get in the weaves. He learned very quickly and had very reliable entries and fast weaves.

musicdobe · 06-29-2008, 11:07 AM

Yep, repetition. Dogs are habitual creatures... so repeat repeat repeat...

This is good for me since I'm a bit dyslexic and have trouble with right and left. Have to trust my dog to know right from left when entering the weaves.

The books and DVDs at the Clean Run site are also good resources for hints and tricks for weaves.