Week 1

• Goals
• Weave Framework Skills
• Build the Weave Framework Sequence
• Begin Closing the Weaves
• How to Handle Mistakes - Early Training

Week 2

• How to Progress
• Speed and Self-Regulation
• Close the Weaves - Getting the Bend
• How to Handle Mistakes - Getting the Bend

Week 3

• The Process of Fading Guides
• Vary the Line to the Entry
• Add Rear Cross
• Increase to Six Poles
• How to Handle Mistakes

Week 4

• Strategy for Building Confidence for Six Poles
• Continue Building Robust Weave Entries
• Distractions - Handler Movement and Position

Week 5

• Strategy for Building Fluency for Six Poles
• Generalization Strategies
• Continue Building Robust Weave Entries
• More Distraction Training

Week 6

• Add Another Set of Six Poles
• Add Short Sequences Before the Weaves
• Training for Early Exits
• Strategy to Introduce (or Reintroduce) Weaves to Trialing
• How to Handle Mistakes in Trials

Prerequisites

Dogs must be 12 months or older.

Supplies and Equipment

List of Required Items for this class

Reinforcer

• Tug toy
• Food toy

You must be able to throw the reinforcer or have your dog grab the tug toy from your hand—no hand feeding. If you don't have a food toy and want to get one, I have some recommendations below. You will be allowed to throw food if it is in large pieces, your dog can easily track it, and your dog isn't overly handler-focused.

Recommended food toys are on Clean Run:

• Treat Hugger: https://www.cleanrun.com/product/treat_hugger_treat_holding_fleece_dog_toy/index.cfm
• The Clam: https://www.cleanrun.com/product/the_clam_treat_dispensing_training_dog_toy/index.cfm
• Lotus Ball mini: https://www.cleanrun.com/product/mini_lotus_ball/index.cfm
• Lotus Ball small: https://www.cleanrun.com/product/small_lotus_ball/index.cfm
• Lotus Ball medium: https://www.cleanrun.com/product/medium_lotus_ball_dog_toy/index.cfm

Weave Poles and Guides

• Weave Poles
  • Preferred, 2 x 2s - Three sets of 2 x 2 weave pole bases - 24" between poles. The lightweight bases (aluminum) will be fine if you have a small or medium-sized dog. If you have a medium or large dog, the 2 x 2s should be heavy enough to remain in place when your dog touches or hits a pole. If it's a lighter-weight set, they must be staked (outdoors) or double-sided taped (indoors) in position.
  • Alternatively, channel weaves. A set of four adjustable poles is required in the early stages of training. Eventually a set of six adjustable poles will be required.
• A set of six closed weave poles, or use the three sets of 2 x 2s.
• Four (minimum) guides to attach to the poles – some dogs may require two additional guides, but this is rare.

Check with your friends to see if they have 2 x 2s and weave pole guides you can borrow for this class. If you have a medium to large dog, ensure the bases are not light or can be staked down.

Otherwise, here is a list of businesses that make the equipment. I have experience with Clip and Go and I highly recommend their guides. I do not have experience with the 2x2s that are listed below. But they come recommended by others. The business that makes the 2x2s I use is currently not able to take orders, but I will add it here when they are up and running again.

Weave Pole guides

Clip and Go Agility:

https://clipandgoagility.com/clearway-weavepole-guides-for-6-poles-4-guides/

10% Discount Code ending December 2025: FenziWeaves10

24" 2 x 2 weave pole sets

MAD Agility

https://www.madagility.com/product-page/24-2-x-2-weaves-6-colored-poles

These bases would work best for large or medium-sized dogs with a lot of forward drive because they use powder coated steel bases. They usually have them in stock, and they come with colored poles.

Mark's Agility Equipment

https://www.marksagilityequipment.com/product-page/2x2-weaves

These bases are aluminum and lightweight and will need to be staked down for medium to large-sized dogs. They make them as ordered, so it will be 8-10 weeks before delivery.

Nosetouch.com

https://nosetouch.com/2x2-Weave-Poles_c_16.html

These bases are made of steel and can be staked or taped down if they move. They can also be ordered in different colored bases. The web site page has not been updated to reflect that they no longer default to 20” between the poles. It doesn’t appear that it will get updated, but they do make them 24" apart now. The business owner states that they usually ship within 2 weeks.

Local welder

Many people get their 2 x 2s by contacting a local welder. If you show them the design, they might be able to make you a cheaper and sturdier version.

Jumps

Two wing jumps. You can get by with two wingless jumps and two wings (or any object your dog will wrap).

Goals

Here are the general goals for this class:

1. Minimize the number of incorrect responses from your dog.
2. Build your dog's optimal arousal into weave pole performance.
3. Create the beginning of an independent weave entrance and weave performance for your dog.
4. Build focus forward during your dog's weave performance.

We do this by using:

1. Props to help your dog focus on the path forward.
2. Sequencing from an obstacle into and out of the weaves for most training. This procedure:
   • Is more reinforcing (fun) for you.
   • Creates more movement in your dog before and after the weaves, teaching it to use its body more effectively to find the entry at speed and navigate through the gaps at speed.
   • Keeps your dog focused forward.
3. Minimal handler movement and varied handler positions to create independent performance.
4. Appropriate distractions for your dog at various stages in training.