2x2 weave pole training A-Z

Weave pole training from beginning to weaving 12 poles with my young border collie, Hope, using Susan Garrett's 2 x 2 method. I videotaped every session that had a new set-up. In-between there were more practices until she was ready to move on. I have not edited out some of the 'failures' that occurred and how we worked through them.
You can see more of my training videos on my website: www.pawsome-connection.com
such as Jai's weave pole training using food rewards: • Weave pole training wi...

[@k9dancer]

I'm glad the video has helped you. One thing I do differently now with student's dogs is that I add 2 more poles before straightening them completely. If your need has problems with the entry at that point you can leave the first set of poles a bit open and straighten the other ones ... little steps is the secret to success!

[@Somniavero]

This is the best freely available demo of the method I've found so far, thanks for sharing!

[@k9dancer]

thank you! and thanks for watching!

[@lisademott7885]

Thank you so much for this video! I used it to train my 15 month old sheltie and it went great! I've never had a dog with good weave entries. Even my husband is impressed by it! Can't wait to get him into trials to try it with more pressure. We are still working on other things, but this helped us immensely!

[@sbayard64]

That was awesome!!! Thanks do much for posting. I can really see how the method develops independent and reliable entrances.

[@carlwelty9611]

just starting to learn how to train Lola do weave poles - I have looked a view videos - I really like the way you start with just two poles and make a game - well done

[@k9dancer]

thanks! I'm glad you're enjoying the video. I'll often go back to the 2 poles if a dog needs it... there are so many ways to teach weave poles and we always have to adapt to our dogs... have fun learning together with Lola!... and BTW, agility is always a game 😂

[@nancycampbell3486]

Thanks for the video...I'm even more inspired! Ordered my dvds this morning, and can hardly wait. My Aussie and I have had 6 beginner agility lessons, and we're both hooked. Ready to rock and roll on the weave poles!

[@friendlyfox18]

Lovely! I have the DVD and have been working on it, but your video is perfect for showing the whole process in a compact way. It makes it easy to see how each part goes together. Thank you!

[@samsiegman9248]

Really helpful video. Thank you.

[@k9dancer]

good luck and have fun at his first competitions!

[@dmkulbacki]

Great video! You represent Positive Reinforcement training incredibly well! I love how you demonstrate how to stay positive throughout the session and your happy dog proves that it works! As a novice trainer, I just trained my 8.8# chi/italian greyhound mix to weave 12 poles using a similar 2x2 method. The results are amazing. It's the 'trick' I am most proud of to date! Thanks for such an excellent demo! Love that Hope-dog!

[@k9dancer]

Thanks, glad you liked it. :) The DVD is worth every penny, taking a few lessons costs much more and you can always go back and watch it over and over, there is a PDF file that you can print which shows a lot of exercises... would make a great Christmas gift!

[@k9dancer]

thanks, I had a lot of fun teaching her to weave!

[@brittbritt3324]

Oh and thanks to your video Harley has the best weave entries in the class! He is 18 months old and we are doing are first competion ever usdaa.

[@k9dancer]

Hi, it took 35 sessions with Hope to do 12 straight poles, this may vary depending on your dog. Each sessions was ~3-5 minutes. I trained no more than once a day with her since she was still young, a few times a week.

[@SaltedTheluji]

Made perfect sense, thank you!

[@lauraingall]

Thanks so much for the advice! X

[@k9dancer]

thanks, Hudson2012. you'll love the results with this method!

[@ianthompson397]

Great video. I've got the Susan Garrett videos and am about to start this training with 2 very different dogs so I may do a video myself for reference. Great to see the dog enjoying it too. Well done.

[@k9dancer]

I use "try again"as a NRM (non reward marker) when training weavepoles.I don't use it hardly ever in my training otherwise but with the weavepoles it's important to give the dog information that they're not going to get a reward since continuing to weave is rewarding for dogs. I hope this makes sense!

[@michellejensen2373]

Thank you this video has been great to learn from, I'm using it to train my 11 month Aussie Benjie and he's really responding well to it. Thanks again great job :-)

[@k9dancer]

I'm glad you enjoy it and find it useful. Good luck with Benjie!!!

[@k9dancer]

the pylon helps ME throw the toy in the right direction which is very important so they always drive forward on the line of reward. the method is really great to help the dog learn to find the entry. the dog always starts with the first pole on their left shoulder, no matter from which direction they come. hope this helps!

[@devonward7021]

I just ordered the DVD weave poles always seemed so daunting to me.

[@equinerauhl]

Hmmm, thank you for the advice, I will try some of the training methods you demonstrated in this video :)

[@keroropingtee]

We enjoyed watching well. Share. Thank you.

[@Munchito696]

Thanks! I started with 2 jumps yesterday, I made a video of it. I'm going to track their progress. So far my GSP does good on the jumps, my Dalmatian steers clear of it when it's above 8 inches.

[@k9dancer]

thanks! the spacing between the poles is 24 inches. the angle is 2 and 8 o clock, then 1 and 7 o clock. after that I moved them ~ 1 inch after 2 successful sessions. I hope this helps.

[@qwhizzkid]

It looks really pretty there. Great video

[@k9dancer]

I haven't read Ruff Love but Shaping Success is a great book and I've learned lots from it

[@k9dancer]

depends on the class: in standard all contact obstacles are used, jumps, a table, 6 or 12 weave poles, tunnel, chute; usually ~15 obstacles give or take. In jumpers we have jumps and tunnels

[@helenroussou554]

Wow!!!Just awesome....this video's gonna help me a lot teach my dog to weave through poles...definetely gonna try it as soon as posible!!!Thanks a lot!!!:D

[@k9dancer]

I only did one session a day when I taught weave poles since she was still young and not every day, depending on my schedule.She's almost 3 now and I train a few times a week during the summer season but not very long each time.

[@k9dancer]

Thanks, Bill! my sessions with Hope were ~3-4 minutes max. including tugging, You could do more than one session a day but I was not in hurry since she was still young when we started and the process is so fast. For something else to do: teach your dog tricks, lots of them or look into canine freestyle which is a lot of fun too! I agree that every dog needs a 'job' and they are much happier (and easier to live with) when their minds get challenged.

[@billshideler]

GREAT Video by the way! :)

[@a.sturzer8305]

Great Video, thanks a lot! :-)

[@k9dancer]

she often comes to work with me, we work sheep whenever we can, she's happy to just hang out with me as long as there are playtimes (work) every day :)

[@k9dancer]

good idea, their DVS's are awesome! just don't start too early with those weaves!

[@WavovowA]

Thanks, Super:))

[@k9dancer]

@naturebc thanks!

[@k9dancer]

i depends on the dog how long it takes. Hope had a good history of shaping so she picked up on in very quickly. it took 35 short sessions for her to do the 12 poles; I did one session every day or every other day since she was still young when I started. good luck with your dog!

[@buddy93075203]

Okay, thanks so much for the advice, I will definitely try those tips! I just want her to be comfortable enough to want to play and learn this stuff because I know she will be great at it! You're right though, for now I should probably drop the agility training attempts and focus again on basic obedience, retrieval and game-playing outside just to build her excitement with me out of the house :) Thanks again!

[@TronikaFatCat]

I felt your joy as she 'got' each stage!! Great video, I know I'm going to like a training video when the trainer sounds completely bonkers when the dog gets it right :o)

[@prariexx]

thank you so much for this video. I have watched it a lot and have gained valuable tips from it! I am pretty much there with my dog although I think I have rushed it a bit much... the minute i completely straighten the 4 poles she misses it but I think i have rushed it maybe? Back to the easy steps I think and get them perfect... Thank you again. x

[@k9dancer]

well, the criteria for contacts in competitions is that at least one paw must touch the down contact zone. some dogs have a running contact but it's not as easy to teach as a stopped contact behaviour such as 2 on 2 off. You have to make it clear to the judge that your dog has touched the contact zone to avoid faults on course.

[@k9dancer]

not sure what your question is: do you mean teaching a recall? It's never too late to teach that and always worth the effort and time. it's much easier to teach a puppy because they will most likely follow you when you run off and play with them when they catch up with you. It's all about making it rewarding for them to be with you. there are some great CDs available about teaching a recall

[@allstarpaws]

Hi there! Great video! Can you tell me what the angles were that you would move the poles to and how far apart were they as you got them closer together? THANK YOU!

[@brittbritt3324]

and by the way the 2x2 weave poles works great! we are already on the second set 15 feet away away from each other and Harley is going through them like a bullet he loves to go outside and practice 4 times a day and he is up to it;) thanks!

[@xokatieox8]

I want to buy the dvd so much, why does it have to be so expensive?!?! Thanks for the great video! Very well done!

[@k9dancer]

sure, go ahead. I'll answer when I have time

[@brittbritt3324]

Cool thanks;) there is another question i want to ask you that i have been wondering. On like ramps and dog walks and things like that, when they get to the bottom of them what do need to do? usually i think they have there back legs on the ramp and there forelegs on the ground but i am not sure, and if they do do they need to stop and then go or can they just keep going as long as they have there back legs on and there front legs off?

[@AGILITYMAIA555]

IT WORKED!!!!! Now I can do that with the border collie pup I get soon! Im gonna get some Silvia Trkman and Susan Garret training vids for my pup! :)

[@DavidVerbyla]

I found string cheese bits were better when starting my black labrador retriever, she loves to retrieve, but seems to focus better on cheese bits thrown at 12 oclock..I also found it easier moving the poles inside (mounted on a half sheet of plywood) where I work with her for 2 minutes before her meals twice a day

[@Munchito696]

so how do you teach the dog to lead into the correct side?

[@k9dancer]

no, I'm from Switzerland originally, living in Canada now

[@buddy93075203]

Because I want to start training her on the weavepolls but I can't seem to keep her motivation or focus up while we are outside...

[@isij6085]

What a nice dog! I really love your video. I trained my dogs in a slight different way and I'll definatley wanna try your way of 2x2 with my next dog. One lil question, am I allowed to ask where you got your weave poles from? Here in Germany it's difficult to get a set of 6 poles :/

[@k9dancer]

Thanks, I'm glad you liked it! I used 12inch nails and PVC pipes for the training set-up and I have 2 sets of 6 straight poles that someone local made. They have a hinge to fold so it's easier to store them. Look for a welder where you live, they can make them. I can take a picture for you if you send me your email.

[@isij6085]

k9dancer Thank you very much for your support and the really quick answer :) I sent you a Private Message on KZbin :)

[@headborough]

Just started to teach this method with my young collie. How long did it take until Hope could weave the 12 poles? Love the video - very helpful!

[@44prot]

Really good video. I only wish that when the angle changes I could see how much of a change. There is too much distance from the camera to really tell. The rest of the video is very helpful. Thanks

[@k9dancer]

+44prot At the beginning I would move one side of the poles ~ 2 inches, later on only ~ 1 inch once they get closer. Glad you like the video, thanks!

[@brittbritt3324]

i am on session 17, but i cant really see how the poles are placed can you help me on that please.

[@equinerauhl]

My dog can do the weave perfectly if I am standing on the right side of him but if I am standing on the left he doesn't know what to do, any tips?

[@k9dancer]

you always reward the correct entry, ignore incorrect ones .... at first the poles are not off-set and then rotated gradually. hope this makes sense!

[@brittbritt3324]

i think i need a little bit more description of how the poles are set up in session 17. i thought i had done it correctly, and harley is doing it the right way its just he keeps nocking them over and touching them way to much i am pretty sure i set them up wrong?

[@k9dancer]

I would wait until he's at least a year old, this method is fast for dogs to learn so there is no need to start early. Each session is ~3-4 minutes; I trained Hope no more than once a day but you can do more sessions if you like, just don't rush it, listen to you dog!

[@billshideler]

I have a one year old Australian Shepherd. I bought some 8 inch spikes to pound into the ground to place PVC poles over for his training, for easy removal from the lawn, since we live in an urban area, with limited space for training. Our trainer has advised us to give him a job to do and this will be ideal. I would like to know about how long you worked each session? Do you do more than one training session a day? Any other information that you can provide will be much appreciated. Thanks!

[@brittbritt3324]

i have Australian shepherd border collie he is almost 8 months do you think he is to young to start weave poles? if he is int how long per session and how many times per day?

[@brittbritt3324]

is it to late to teach harley the right way to come? how did you teach hope to come?

[@k9dancer]

I would use a container filled with treats that I can throw to get the dog to focus forward and then run to where it drops, open and reward there. A pencil case may work or something that won't come open when you throw it. make sure the dog knows there are treats inside! good luck

[@brittbritt3324]

to compete in competitions do you need a agility club?

[@brittbritt3324]

what kind of things do they do in beginners agility?

[@brittbritt3324]

do you know about ruff love by Susan Garret? well if you have can tell me about it, and can you tell me if it is a good book to get. and if you can, can you give me some suggestions on other books that you think are good.

[@BlackMist301]

My dog is not toy motivated and when I throw the treat he can't find it. Tips?

[@juttamichenbach3650]

Thank you for this helpful video! We started to weave with our female Malinois "Page" and your video is great to look for the single steps.

[@k9dancer]

thanks for your comment! I'm glad you're finding the video useful

[@SaltedTheluji]

How did you correct her from entering from the wrong side? When she started the wrong way she stopped almost immediately and returned to you, what cue did you use for this? Thanks

[@k9dancer]

the poles are at 'regular' distance (24 inches) just offset at this point

[@campbellva]

Hi, I'm getting ready to use the 2x2 method with my dog. Are you using stick in the ground poles and angling them? All I have are 6 separate sections of welded steel with 2 poles on each one. I was starting her out the way Mary Ellen Barry modified this method but wondering if Susan Garrett's original method promotes more speed from the very start since hers are separated more like channel poles while MEB's are in a line.

[@k9dancer]

I'm not familiar with Mary Ellen Barry's method and there are so many variations for training weave poles; I've used a slightly different approach with Jai and Crystal, whose videos are also on my channel. When I trained Hope it was pretty much when S.G.'s 2x2 was new and I followed the DVD pretty closely. I now prefer going to 6 off-set poles sooner and then starting to close the channel as Hope struggled going from 4 to 6. I'll always adapt to my dog and an open channel will promote more speed early on for many dogs! I am using pieces of PVC pipe on 12" nails (biggest I could find) but your are totally fine... I just never invested in 2x2s with a base as I don't need them for very long. You can set yours up any which way you like!

[@k9dancer]

I would go back to how you trained with him on your right side and do the same with you on the other side, the obstacle is very different for the dog from either side, that's why I train many different angles right from the start. Best thing is to start from scratch until he understands the entry from any angle. Good luck!

[@DelDogLuvr]

Hi, I was wondering how long it took to train straight weave poles using the 2x2 method? Also, how often and how long did you train per session? Thanks :)

[@brittbritt3324]

can i ask you some questions about agility? i don't want to intrude on your time so i wanted to ask if it was ok.

[@brittbritt3324]

what do you do with hope all day?

[@brittbritt3324]

He already knows a bunch of tricks. But I am sure I can think of some more. We are working on the foot

[@k9dancer]

to compete in AAC (Agility Association of Canada) you don't need to be a member of any club. It helps though for training and practices to belong to a group

[@brittbritt3324]

How often do you practice with hope each day?

[@neishpot]

I'm having quite a bit of trouble with my whippet on weaves. He went really well for a while but then we had a week of terrible stormy weather and floods and didn't get much practice now its like he's forgotten everything and we're back to square one! He's very ball oriented so watches me instead I don't know if I should change to something else? I got so frustrated today so I packed up within 5 mins! I don't know what I'm doing wrong. I feel like I'm doing exactly what you are in this video. Ugh! Had to get that off my chest! Hints and tips will be much appreciated. I want to get Susan Garrett's 2x2 DVD but I'm in Australia so the exchange rate is very expensive!

[@k9dancer]

if things don't go well it's sometimes best to take a step back and maybe a few days' break. if you get frustrated, there's no point in training as your dog will pick up on it and possibly shut down. go back a few steps in your training and start over, it's no big deal. What I'm often using now with my student's dogs that are not toy driven or have too much focus on the toy is, putting a big bowl about 6 feet after the last poles, nice and straight on the line of reward and toss food rewards into it when the dog does it correctly. sometimes we'll use a helper to deliver the food to get the focus away from the handler.

[@neishpot]

thank you so much for your reply. do you have a website?

[@k9dancer]

yes, it's clickerpaws.com

[@buddy93075203]

I have a young toy poodle who will do anything for me IN the house and she will play fetch and stuff for hours. She knows tons of tricks and will eagerly do them inside... but the moment I take her outside, even to our backyard, the enthusiasm is completely gone... she goes off sniffing and doesn't seem to want anything to do with me even if I have her favorite toy or treats... Do you have any suggestions on how I can get her more excited while playing outside?

[@AGILITYMAIA555]

Beutifull dog!

[@Jessicurr8]

Can I ask where you got your agility equipment?

[@k9dancer]

which pieces of equipment are your referring to? the contacts were made by a local guy from the Edmonton area but he's not doing it anymore. I made most of my jumps out of PVC and the tunnels are available from a company named Schauenburg in Canada. the weaves I use for the video are just pieces of PVC pipe stuck onto 12" nails that I hammer into the ground

[@naturebc]

What's the maximum number of times you can "Like" this!?

[@k9dancer]

teach lots of tricks!

[@wolfsrule100]

My rottie/golden is almost 10 months. He can already tunnel and pause. Can we start weaves?

[@k9dancer]

you can start but take it real slow. you don't want too much bending in the spine which they will once the weaves get straightened, until they're at least a year old or more. have fun!

[@wolfsrule100]

ok! thanks!! God bless

[@brittbritt3324]

In agility?

[@brittbritt3324]

what if you don't live in Canada?

[@wolfsrule100]

Can only purebreds compete in competition? I keep hearing this but I have a highly energetic crossbreed rottie/golden that loves running around and doing agility. Ny dream is to compete someday because he is only 1 year 3 months right now but I keep hearing only purebreds can compete?

[@k9dancer]

Here in Canada we have AAC and NADAC where any dog can compete. Where do you call home?

[@CathyGoes]

wolfsrule100 You can do AKC agility through their Canine Partners program. The only requirement is that they be spayed/neutered.

[@lolabc9700]

No it can be any breed cross breed or pedigree

[@wolfsrule100]

@k9dancer. I live in the United States

[@k9dancer]

I know that NADAC and USDAA are North American organizations that allow all breeds and mixes, there may be more, It shouldn't be hard to find info online. Best of luck!

[@wolfsrule100]

Thank you!

[@k9dancer]

I can't evaluate your situation from a distance but it sounds like something happened at some point that stressed her out while outside. have you tried other locations? or have the door open but still play inside? it may be hard to find out what's different for her but try doing babysteps and when you get anything good from her outside, go back indoors where she's comfortable. I'd keep her on a long line outside so she can't leave you and reward for any attention she gives you, however small.

[@brittbritt3324]

It's just really hard not to work with him because I am at home all day and I have nothing else to do.

[@k9dancer]

if the cheese works for you that's great. I prefer to throw a toy because it's easier for the dog to see and pick it up. Using food may make the dog slow down because he's looking for the morsel of food on the ground whereas they can speed up driving to the toy. that's my take on it :)

[@k9dancer]

I'm not familiar with regulations in other countries

[@federicasavinelli7604]

quanto ci hai messo? dalla a alla z

[@k9dancer]

For Hope it took 35 sessions to do 12 weaves. I didn't work her every day. It may take some dogs longer than that, it's not important how fast they get it done but that they enjoy it and understand the job.

[@AgilDogsVideo]

Just for information, the true "Susan Garrett method" does not use a Clicker. ;-)

[@brittbritt3324]

Harley as surprising as it is is actually very laid back and lazy, he does not want to go through the poles he will because i told him to but he would rather not and the heat makes him even more lazy. he loves to play and that is the only thing that he is outgoing about. i tried throwing a toy and he would case it through the poles but then would quit he gets very distracted of sents and wont budge for anything is all this him telling me he doesn't want to do this?

[@brittbritt3324]

Stall right now