> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://dogsports.be/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Teaching Weave Poles: Methods Compared - URL: https://dogsports.be/en/teaching-weave-poles/ - Published: 2026-03-22T18:59:29.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-07T14:40:45.000Z - Description: Channels, 2x2s, guide wires or luring? An honest comparison of the main methods for teaching agility weave poles, with tips for fast entries and independent weaving. - Author: Giovanni Vandewaetere - Tags: Agility, Training, #en The weave poles are the most technical obstacle in agility. Twelve poles, 60 cm apart, with the dog entering with the first pole at its left shoulder and slaloming through all of them, often at speeds that make spectators gasp. Teaching it well takes time, but there are several proven ways to get there. ## What we're aiming for A good weave performance has four ingredients: 1. **Finding the entry** from any angle, including hard ones where the dog has to wrap around the first pole. 2. **Independence:** the dog keeps weaving while the handler runs away, slows down, crosses behind or gestures towards the next obstacle. 3. **Speed and rhythm:** most dogs either single-step (one foot between each pole) or double-step (bounce with both front feet together). Both are fine. 4. **Completing all 12:** no popping out at pole 10 because the handler moved on too early. Under FCI rules a wrong entry is a refusal, and any later error in the same attempt costs one fault. The dog must be corrected; weaving backwards through more than two gates is elimination. See [FCI Agility Rules Explained](https://dogsports.be/en/fci-agility-rules-explained/). ## Method 1: Channel weaves The poles are split into two rows, wide open so the dog runs straight down the middle. Over many sessions, the two rows close step by step until the poles are in line and the dog is weaving. **Pros:** builds speed and a straight line through the poles; easy for the dog to understand at first. **Cons:** the entry is not taught until late; some dogs struggle when the last few centimetres close; needs special channel equipment. ## Method 2: 2x2 method Developed by agility trainer Susan Garrett, the 2x2 method starts with just two poles. The dog learns to drive through the gap from all angles. Then a second pair is added, then a third, building up to 12 poles in a straight line. **Pros:** teaches entries and independence from day one; dogs truly understand the "gate" concept; equipment is simple. **Cons:** demands careful planning of the steps; some dogs build a slightly slower rhythm early on; requires patience in the middle phase. ## Method 3: Guide wires or gates Wires, mesh or clip-on gates are attached to the poles to prevent the dog from popping out. Gradually they're removed. **Pros:** fast initial results; the dog weaves the full set early. **Cons:** the dog can become dependent on the guides; entries and independence still need separate training. ## Method 4: Luring The handler uses a treat or hand target to guide the dog through the poles one by one. **Pros:** no equipment needed beyond the poles. **Cons:** slow, handler-dependent weaving; hard to fade the lure. Rarely used as a main method today, although it can help explain the movement at the very beginning. ## Combining methods Many trainers combine methods: 2x2s to teach the entry and the gate concept, with channels or a slightly open set for speed. Ask your trainer what they use and stick with one plan. ## A sample progression (2x2 inspired) 1. **One gate:** two poles, the dog drives through towards a thrown toy. Vary angles around the clock. 2. **Two gates:** two pairs in a line, slightly angled open. Dog drives through both. 3. **Three gates:** six poles. Close the angle gradually. 4. **Entries:** approach from hard angles, with the handler on both sides. 5. **12 poles:** add the remaining gates. 6. **Independence:** the handler moves, runs away, stops, crosses behind, calls the next obstacle. 7. **Course context:** weaves after tunnels, after contacts, in the middle of a course. Expect this to take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. That's normal. ## Common problems and fixes - **Skipping the last pole or two:** you probably moved on too early. Reward at the end of the poles, not after the next jump, and practise "leaving" your dog in the weaves. - **Missing the entry:** go back to entry work with two or four poles, from all angles. - **Slowing down when the handler slows:** reward placement ahead of the dog, toy throws at the exit. - **Popping out when the handler crosses behind:** proof rear crosses at the exit of the poles. - **Stress:** if a dog starts weaving slowly or avoids the poles, check for pain. Repetitive weaving puts strain on the back and shoulders. ## Physical care Weaving involves rapid side-to-side bending of the spine. To keep your dog healthy: - Warm up before weave sessions. - Keep repetitions low: a handful of good attempts is enough. - Don't train full weaves with young dogs; channel work with wide-open poles is gentler. - Include core and flexibility exercises in your dog's fitness routine. See [Fitness, Warm-Up and Injury Prevention](https://dogsports.be/en/agility-fitness-and-injury-prevention/). ## Equipment for home training Training sets with stick-in or base-mounted poles are widely available. Check that: - The spacing is **60 cm** (FCI standard) or adjustable. - The base is low and not in the way of the dog's feet. - The poles are flexible or safe, not metal. - Channel or 2x2 options are possible if you need them. ## Further reading - [Every Agility Obstacle Explained](https://dogsports.be/en/agility-obstacles-explained/) - [Contacts: Running vs Stopped](https://dogsports.be/en/agility-contacts-running-vs-stopped/) - [How to Start Agility With Your Dog](https://dogsports.be/en/how-to-start-agility/)