Weave Pole Training..........

[*LabLoverKEB*]

Yesterday, my dad built me some weave poles!!! I don't know if Sadie really likes them..... but I want her to learn them! But........... she's not very good at ALL!! I need some instructions on how to train a dog to do the Agility weave poles. So, if you have instructions on how to do this, or know a good Agility website, please tell me! Thank you!

[*LabLoverKEB*]

Can anyone help me? please!

[Dixieland Dancer]

I have just started my Dixie in Agility recently. We have not gone above the Novice level yet. We can not offer valid advice since we haven't done weave poles before but I would recommend going to agility classes. If you can't do that then this might work but remember I don't claim to know how to train in this area yet! This is an unproven technique.

Start out using a lure. A lure is a food that your dog really likes. It is best to do this when the dog is hungry. Lay a track using the lure so that the dog has to weave through the poles. Take another lure in your right hand. Starting at the beginning of the poles have the dog on a sit. At the dogs nose level show him the lure then tell him to come. You will be going backwards while the dog goes forwards. Start to weave through the poles stopping at the food you laid on the ground so the dog finds it's reward! Continue through the rest of the poles then at the end give the hand lure and praise like crazy. Go slowly for up to 10 to 15 repetitions this way. Then when you lay your track around the poles make the rewards a little farther apart. Eventually you want to be able to have it so the reward is only at the end. You also want to eliminate the hand lure so you move it from the right hand to the left when you think your dog will follow your hand signal without food. After your dog gets the real idea of what is going on then eliminate the hand lure all together and just go with the reward at the end.

Again.... this is just an idea that is unproven. My real suggestion is to join a agility class. It will be great fun for both you and your pup!

[*LabLoverKEB*]

Thank you sooo much DixieLand Dancer! I'm going to try that!