Could use help with weaves

[lovemyshelties]

Hubby and I are struggling to teach our guys to weave. They run through the channel weaves to the point they are almost closed and then start popping out. I've read so many difference ways to teach them my head is spinning.

Please is there anyone in our area (Millersville) that could meet us at Hog Dog and work with us a few times? This is the only thing holding us back from advancing to the Novice classes. Grrrr!!

[Silaria]

I trained Edan with channels as well as dogs that have come through our beginner agility programs. The biggest key I found with channels, especially when they are almost closed is very small adjustments the closer they get to closed. Many times it was closing just one pole out of a set of 6 or 12. I also would start with the slight adjustments in the middle and work out toward the ends so their entrance was always 'bigger' than the tighter center poles.

I'm learning to work with 2x2's now since our club just revamped our curriculum to use them instead of channels. These work well for helping a dog find their entrance but I'm finding some dogs still struggle when they get closer to straight. (The dog I'm working with now doesn't like the poles near his body.)

Regardless of which method you use, it's all about patience and slow changes of only one variable at a time.

[corbinam]

I agree with Sheri. I remember when I started teaching Bentley to weave I was convinced that he would NEVER learn. I was so discouraged. But we kept at it, and one day it just clicked.

I would just take it one day at a time. If they can do the channels up to a certain point, then close just one set of poles at a time. Typically the poles on the end are the last to be closed. Start with just closing the ones in the center a little bit and move just a bit at a time. You might even want to measure how far apart they are when they are successful and what the "breaking point" is so that you can come back the next time and start where you left off. I had a friend who marked on a note card with a pen.

You can also add wires if they really aren't getting it. This will help them learn the weaving motion, but it is something that you'll eventually have to fade in a similar fashion (take one set off at a time).