How to teach weave poles using 2 x 2 method - part 3 (of 3)

I finally finished editing the last part of Jai's weave pole training video. There were times where we progressed quickly and others where he struggled and it took several sessions to progress in narrowing the channel. While he was doing well with accuracy when the poles were almost straight, I did not like his lack of drive and speed with the Treat & Train (food reward). I then decided to switch to a toy reward and opened up the channel a bit to allow for more speed. Notice that his forward focus remains with the thrown toy as he was used to being rewarded on a straight line after the weaves. This is very important as we don't want dogs to watch us or the toy in our hand while they are in the weaves. There is lots of training yet to be accomplished once a dog is able to perform 12 straight poles, such as more handling before and after, proofing while in the weaves and taking it to a trial environment! It will also take some time for Jai to perfect his footwork with speed over the next few months. Training is never finished and that keeps agility interesting for me and my dogs!
here's a link to part 1: • Weave pole training wi...
and part 2: • How to teach weave pol...
More training videos are on my website: pawsome-connection.com/
Please join my free FB group / thepawsomeconnectionco...

[@timstout6133]

This is great. Thank you for sharing!

[@milkapeismilky5464]

Thank you!!!!! Weave poles were the only obstacle that my girl struggled with, because I wasn't using the right training approach. We needed to completely reset, restart, slow down and take it in smaller steps. Following your method has been amazing. Once we got down to roughly your session 21 / 9in spacing, things just "clicked" for my girl. And me!

[@k9dancer]

thanks for your feedback and I'm very happy that the videos helped you and your dog! :)

[@NixDaEpunkt]

Good video. Helps me a lot to understand how to teach weave!

[@simplefarmgirl]

This is fabulous; thank you so much for showing the process! I've been super frustrated!! But this helps A TON 😊😊

[@k9dancer]

glad it's helping you!!! :)

[@lindamcmanus5807]

very good video. I am working on weave poles now and having a horrible time. Will work on how you do it and see what happens.

[@k9dancer]

I hope the videos will give you some ideas how to change the things that are not working for you right now...good luck!

[@sweetdogstrainingcoaching7628]

Thank you for taking the time to put together this 3 part series documenting Jai's progress. This really helps me visualize the process, watch for pitfalls, and steal ideas from your obstacle set up to keep the mundane training interesting. Have you noticed your smile as he was doing the 12 in a row? So pawsome! :)

[@starfiire]

Congrats Jai!!!!

[@saaanee]

Just started agility training with my dog and she was doing so good but some days she’s just off and it was so discouraging it made me want to give up but it’s so nice to see that we’re not alone! Great work!

[@k9dancer]

thanks, Sarah! Don't give up on your dog.. you just started and it takes patience and perseverance to succeed. Learn from your dog: what type of rewards does she like, what time of day does she like to work, how long is she happy to play? Sometimes just taking a break and playing some other games is all that's needed to come back with refreshed enthusiasm. Video your own sessions and watch it back: you may pick up on things you need to change to become the best handler for your dog... and never give up having fun together!!!

[@master19421]

Great

[@fionacharles328]

Absolutely wonderful. Am very new to dog agility & am attending a super dog agility training school. But wow! - These videos of yours on training weaves right from the beginning stages through to 12 poles are so so helpful. Thank you SO much for posting. Showing “mistakes” is so helpful too. What timescale did your lovely Jai achieve this from start to finish? ( Watching from Scotland.)

[@k9dancer]

thanks for watching and I'm so glad you found the videos useful! I think I started Jai in the fall and took a break during winter...his progress wasn't as fast as Hope (his mother) which is shown in another video... you can find all my free training videos on my website also pawsome-connection.com/training-videos/ One day hopefully I'll make it to visit Scotland!!!!

[@fionacharles328]

Thank you. Also for the website ref. Will definitely look at that. Thanks again for the videos & all the info on gradually reducing the width distance. So clear. Hope you do visit Scotland one day - the west coast especially is beautiful. x

[@amberamos5199]

When u say the distance 14, 9, 3 where do u measure that from ? Pole to pole or at a 3 inch angle right then left

[@k9dancer]

to measure the distance in the weave channel, I make a line between both rows of poles and measure the distance between those line (by putting poles on the ground). If you look at the first setup where it says channel width 9", that's about his shoulder width. I hope this explains it?

[@mandyroot-thompson1279]

Hi, thanks for the great videos. I was just starting agility with my 2yo English Cocker when COVID hit and everything closed. I'm working on training him at home but wondering if you could recommend a good order in which to train. As in, jumps, weave, tunnel, etc. Or could let me know where I can find that information. Thanks again!

[@k9dancer]

I work on multiple things at the same time, depending on the dog, we'll do a bit of offering a jump, a few reps of weaves and integrate the tunnel in other exercises. If you're looking for a structured online training, check out the current offer at OneMindDogs (I am a certified OneMind Dogs instructor) tinyurl.com/y96vjvn9

[@mandyroot-thompson1279]

@@k9dancer Thanks! I'll check it out.

[@sweetdogstrainingcoaching7628]

@@k9dancer your link didn't work :( I found it anyway, but if you want to track...

[@k9dancer]

@@sweetdogstrainingcoaching7628 which of the links didn't work for you? they are all working fine for me.

[@janhoppe3145]

Is that a self feeder at the end and is it something you treating by remote control

[@k9dancer]

yes, it's called a Treat & Train and I have a remote control in my hand to release some kibble. I helps keep the dog's focus forward on away from the handler

[@janhoppe3145]

@@k9dancer Going to get one .I have a very fast Aussie and getting back into Agility with him ...so many great new ways to train...TY

[@k9dancer]

@@janhoppe3145 Thanks, Jan. I'm glad you enjoy the video! There are many great uses for the Treat & Train but I didn't get the speed I wanted with Jai so I switched to a toy reward at some point. Have fun with your Aussie :)

[@janhoppe3145]

@@k9dancer TY

[@lorettamannix7980]

Hi Gisela, What brand and model treat robot are you using... and are you still happy with it? Thanks in advance, Loretta

[@k9dancer]

Hi Loretta, it's a Treat 'n Train; I've had it for many years and yes, I'm still happy with it. I bought it on Amazon ... it's widely available across the world as far as I know

[@lorettamannix7980]

@@k9dancer Thanks for your quick reply. I am starting weave training per your three videos... have trained the 2x2 method to other dogs with success and really like your approach as it seems to promote speed from the get go. I love the idea of not having to run and put the treat in a bowl... and the robot will also promote only forward movement 😁👍.

[@k9dancer]

@@lorettamannix7980 yes I really want that forward focus right from the start and the Treat & Train gives the dog a focal point. As you'll see in this video I switched to toy rewards as I wasn't getting the same kind of drive and speed with food... it all depends on the dog!