angulation, there's not a lot of stress on the spine in this case. As speed increases, the way a smaller dog moves through the weaves will also change-either the hind limbs are moving together with joints flexed, or each leg may be in an individual step. Large dogs will have a greater arc throughout the weaves. The dog may make an "S" shape (two curves), so they can move quickly and effectively through the poles. The neck has a greater flex around the pole, and the forelimbs are moving in either a one- or two-sided action while the center of the body arcs in the opposite direction. Their hind limbs perform a more exaggerated version of the small dog's movement. In one-sided movement through the poles, loads on the individual leg increase as the leg has to quickly absorb the impact of landing and pushing off to the next stride. These photos show large dogs weaving. Notice that they have a greater arc than the small dogs. The dog may even make an "S" shape (two curves). You may be wondering whether the single-step or double-step bounce for weaving is physically safer. The truth of the matter is that while a double step may be physically easier on the body, your dog will naturally fall into a rhythm they're comfortable with. © karie elizabeth These photos show small dogs weaving with both forelimbs on the same side of a pole at the same time, and the hind limbs following through together. 10 This large dog prefers a two-sided action. This large dog prefers a one-sided action. Clean Run | June 20