Clean Run Magazine - October 2007 - 42

orld-Class By Joe Canova The weave poles are considered a challenging obstacle for dogs to learn and are one of the most frequently faulted obstacles on an agility course, regardless of the level. At Mountain Freaks, we do not believe weave poles are difficult to teach, but it is very timeconsuming to achieve a consistent performance. Independent weave pole competency is based on training, not handling. To this end, we train weave poles in a specific, step-by-step method that eliminates problems. There are no props or secrets with this method, just a solid system that builds a strong foundation. Our goal is to train weaves that are accurate and fast, under all conditions. A rock-solid foundation gives the dog the ability to find the weave pole entry from any location and to stay in the poles despite distractions. Our dogs literally hunt for the weaves and they weave efficiently regardless of where the handler is or where the handler moves. Weave poles are unique in that the dog must learn to ignore his handler’s motion while weaving. This training is the opposite of groundwork, where we want the dog to follow our body. Weave pole training is also age restricted because weaving is strenuous and requires considerable mental focus. The decision to begin weaving depends on the breed and the individual dog’s maturity. Generally, we do not teach weave poles until the dogs are at least eight months old and frequently wait until the dog is a year old. With dogs too young to Trotting Some dogs walk or trot between the poles. Trotting can be hard to identify in photos since it can appear as if the dog might bounce. But if you look closely, you’ll notice that these trotting dogs are in the space between the poles and will need to take one or more steps to reach the next pole in line. On the other hand, notice how the hopping dogs are right next to a pole. Their next hop will take them all the way to the next pole in line. H o p p Methods and Styles There are a variety of methods used to train weave poles and a variety of weaving styles that dogs develop. After decades of agility training, a number of methods have evolved to teach weave poles. Most can be successful and can be used with most dogs. Common methods include 2 x 2, wires, Weave-A-Matic (or WAM), and channel. For the 2 x 2 method, the dog is introduced to the poles in sets of two. The weave behavior is shaped slowly, two weave poles at a time, until the dog is weaving 6 sets or 12 poles. The wire method uses curved wires around 42 COURTESY OF JOE CANOVA a straight set of weaves thereby creating a curved channel. The curves force the dog to weave between poles. One of the most common methods is the WAM, which slants the poles to the left and right alternately off the base. Thus, the dog is presented with a V-channel down the center. Over time, the V is slowly closed and the dog learns to weave between straight poles. Like the WAM, the channel method also opens the poles, but from side to side and vertically, rather than slanted. This method allows the dog to consistently see straight poles while the opening or channel down the middle of the poles is slowly closed. Regardless of the equipment used to teach the weaves, the ultimate goal is for the dog to weave consistently and with speed. Both are dependent to a certain extent on how the dog strides in the weaves, which is in turn dependent on the dog’s size and structure. Very small dogs, such as Chihuahuas, Japanese Chins, or Pomeranians, often trot or walk between the poles. Small- and medium-size dogs frequently hop back and forth through the weaves. To hop, the dog places two feet on each side of alternate weave poles and literally hops in and out. Clean Run | October 07

Clean Run Magazine - October 2007

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Clean Run Magazine - October 2007