Just keep weaving, just keep weaving…

Bonus cookie for you if you thought that line in Dori’s voice from Finding Nemo!

Weaves don’t come ‘naturally’ to dogs, so weave practice is imperative. What can you do to encourage speedy and accurate weave performances?

• Don’t overdrill your dog; quit while you’re ahead.  Go through the weaves only a few times before moving on to something else – or have him go through different sets.  My dog doesn’t get as cranky about practicing things if he gets to move around (for example, a four-square of jumps for jump practice makes him happier than playing with one jump.)
• Take it easy Weave poles are not trained in one session.  Accurate fast weaves often take weeks of five minute sessions to train.  They also take many cookies 😉
• Give it up  treat your dog like it’s their last meal with you, and make sure you give them only the best rewards.
• Keep your criteria clear Don’t reward less than perfect weaves once your dog has picked up the concept.  Rewarding poorly performed weaves is encouraging a problem.
• Make Fast festive Once your dog learns to weave, reward enthusiastic, fast weaves.  Give a good job and a cookie for any weaves at all, but throw a party for a fast run!

With patience and practice, you and your dog can succeed on the weavepoles. What method you use doesn’t matter as much as the way you approach the training itself – positively and carefully!