weave poles?
- Thread starter zoe08
- Start date
T
Channels, 2 by 2s, and V-weaves/slanted poles, are probably the most used ways to train weaves.
I personally love the v-weaves/slanted poles. But, I usually add some channeling once the dog is on straigther poles to encourage more speed/forward motion. I love that the slanted poles teach the dog proper footwork right from the start.
If you do a google search, you should be able to find tons of information on the v-weaves(also know as weave-a-matics or WAM) and Channel weaves.
I'd suggest making a set of either 6 or 12. Though, I like my weaves to be able to come apart at the 6 pole, to make 2 seperate short weaves.
I personally love the v-weaves/slanted poles. But, I usually add some channeling once the dog is on straigther poles to encourage more speed/forward motion. I love that the slanted poles teach the dog proper footwork right from the start.
If you do a google search, you should be able to find tons of information on the v-weaves(also know as weave-a-matics or WAM) and Channel weaves.
I'd suggest making a set of either 6 or 12. Though, I like my weaves to be able to come apart at the 6 pole, to make 2 seperate short weaves.
Typically, beginner dogs only do six poles and intermediate and advanced dogs do twelve. Once your dog learns the concept of weaving pretty well, I'd go to the twelve poles just to get him used to doing that many.
Check with whatever agility organization you're interested in and see what their 'specs' are (the space between each pole can vary a bit from organization to organization). Your dog will enter the weave poles the same way for all organizations - on the right side of the first pole. There are several good books out there (if you don't have access to an instructor or agility club for lessons). I like Jeanne Simmons-Moake, she's got a series of books out called Excelling at Dog Agility and not only shows how to train the dog to do the obstacles, she also points out common handler mistakes.
I have both the v-slant weave-a-matics and weave poles on metal bases that I can break apart into a channel. I was reading Jane Simmons-Moake's book on obstacle training and she was pushing offset poles (poles are set in a channel only about 3 or 4 inches apart right at the beginning rather than a wider channel.)
I've been working with the two boys and interestingly enough, one prefers the offset poles (doesn't want anything to do with the weave-a-matic) and the other likes the weave-a-matic poles.
Check with whatever agility organization you're interested in and see what their 'specs' are (the space between each pole can vary a bit from organization to organization). Your dog will enter the weave poles the same way for all organizations - on the right side of the first pole. There are several good books out there (if you don't have access to an instructor or agility club for lessons). I like Jeanne Simmons-Moake, she's got a series of books out called Excelling at Dog Agility and not only shows how to train the dog to do the obstacles, she also points out common handler mistakes.
I have both the v-slant weave-a-matics and weave poles on metal bases that I can break apart into a channel. I was reading Jane Simmons-Moake's book on obstacle training and she was pushing offset poles (poles are set in a channel only about 3 or 4 inches apart right at the beginning rather than a wider channel.)
I've been working with the two boys and interestingly enough, one prefers the offset poles (doesn't want anything to do with the weave-a-matic) and the other likes the weave-a-matic poles.
Thanks for the help. I will have to look into getting a book. I am not looking to do it as competition, really just doing it for fun and exercise.
How far apart are the poles usually?
I am planning to make it with PVC so I am trying to figure out what I need to get.
Also for a 13 inch beagle, about how high should the hurtles be?
How far apart are the poles usually?
I am planning to make it with PVC so I am trying to figure out what I need to get.
Also for a 13 inch beagle, about how high should the hurtles be?
I believe it varies between 20 and 21 inches apart and between 36 and 48 inches tall (although when you're first training, it's easier to have shorter poles as you're leading your dog through the pattern). If you want a fairly cheap set of weave poles, you can get wooden dowels, sharpen the ends and just pound them into the ground.
Since you're just doing it for fun, I'd make the jumps 8 inches, although I think you'd jump 12 inches in competition (not sure though - all my dogs are larger.)
Since you're just doing it for fun, I'd make the jumps 8 inches, although I think you'd jump 12 inches in competition (not sure though - all my dogs are larger.)
it can take along time for them to learn, to be really good it takes about 2yrs plus. were starting with some far apart ones just so they can get used to the poles brushing against them, like this
http://www.affordableagility.com/images/wires65.jpg
then you use the slanted ones them the straight getting closer together each time.
http://www.affordableagility.com/images/wires65.jpg
then you use the slanted ones them the straight getting closer together each time.
You know, I taught beginner agility classes for almost two years, and always used a mix of the V-set weaves and the channel. When I got Meg, I started taking agility at a different school, where they teach them straight right from the start. I thought it was crazy. That was in... March? I think. She now does all six, straight up, beautifully. She's fast, she does the snaking motion, and she is about 80% accurate as far as the correct entry. That would probably be even better if I worked on entries more
They taught it using shaping. Just standing with the dog on the right side of the poles, and clicking for any look between the first and second pole. Then for walking through them. Once they were walking though consistently, giving the treat between the second and third pole, so they came back through.
I seriously though it would take forever, if it worked at all. I'm stunned, and so proud of her
They taught it using shaping. Just standing with the dog on the right side of the poles, and clicking for any look between the first and second pole. Then for walking through them. Once they were walking though consistently, giving the treat between the second and third pole, so they came back through.
I seriously though it would take forever, if it worked at all. I'm stunned, and so proud of her
I also teach using straight up method which was an old Nancy Gye's method, I believe she's moved on to the 2 x 2's, which don't impress me.
I tried differing methods of weave pole training and always come back to straight up poles for my own dogs anyhow. It's always good to try different methods, and what works for one dog may not work for another, but I do like the straight up one
Diane
I tried differing methods of weave pole training and always come back to straight up poles for my own dogs anyhow. It's always good to try different methods, and what works for one dog may not work for another, but I do like the straight up one
Diane
Weave poles is one of the hardest obstacles for Sprout and I, we're still getting it down after a couple years now.
Anyways.. a helpful way to teach your dog is to set up some weave poles.. or pretty much anything sticking up (as long as it can sub for the poles) in your living room while you're watching TV.. on the commericals, just do it over and over with your dog (make sure to have a command with it, like 'weave').. when your show comes back on settle for a break, then do it again. Oh.. and in most patterns you begin on the right side of the poles!
Good luck
Anyways.. a helpful way to teach your dog is to set up some weave poles.. or pretty much anything sticking up (as long as it can sub for the poles) in your living room while you're watching TV.. on the commericals, just do it over and over with your dog (make sure to have a command with it, like 'weave').. when your show comes back on settle for a break, then do it again. Oh.. and in most patterns you begin on the right side of the poles!
Good luck
Riot loves weave poles now
I took a video of him doing them today that I'll try and upload tomorrow sometime for you. I'll post it in General
We have a set of weaves at my house(my moms an agility instructor). Riot started with the straight up poles, then did some "refreshers" in his RallyO class with Vpoles and now hes back to straights again and bounces through them
I took a video of him doing them today that I'll try and upload tomorrow sometime for you. I'll post it in General
We have a set of weaves at my house(my moms an agility instructor). Riot started with the straight up poles, then did some "refreshers" in his RallyO class with Vpoles and now hes back to straights again and bounces through them
Keep it happy and fun! When I first started with Roxy, I had my "obedience" mentality... first mistake. It's supposed to be happy and fun, I try not to really correct her, other then "ah ah" and showing her what I want her to do now.
Take your time with each obstacle. Let them really get to know them. Practice sending your dog to obstacles once they know them. I'm having a heck of time with Roxy now, she doesn't like to go on her own, I've got to run beside her. (this is one thing I think she's not too confident about yet) But hey, it's great exercise for me! LMAO
I'm just starting out myself, and I'm not very patient, it's my downfall. Just remember it's supposed to be fun for your dog. When they start looking confused, frusterated and not happy it's time to step back. Always be happy, tonnes of praise!
It's a lot of fun, I'm sure your girl will love it
Take your time with each obstacle. Let them really get to know them. Practice sending your dog to obstacles once they know them. I'm having a heck of time with Roxy now, she doesn't like to go on her own, I've got to run beside her. (this is one thing I think she's not too confident about yet) But hey, it's great exercise for me! LMAO
I'm just starting out myself, and I'm not very patient, it's my downfall. Just remember it's supposed to be fun for your dog. When they start looking confused, frusterated and not happy it's time to step back. Always be happy, tonnes of praise!
It's a lot of fun, I'm sure your girl will love it
(Gotten off of http://www.affordableagility.com/weavesground.htm )
You can't get simpler than this set - simply push the spiked poles into the ground approximately 19"-21" apart, in a straight line. Included is free colored tape for decorating the poles, and a 20" spacer stick to help you space them apart. The poles are 30" tall.
May be shorter space between for smaller dogs, though?
You can't get simpler than this set - simply push the spiked poles into the ground approximately 19"-21" apart, in a straight line. Included is free colored tape for decorating the poles, and a 20" spacer stick to help you space them apart. The poles are 30" tall.
May be shorter space between for smaller dogs, though?