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This Month's Free Training Lesson:
Training With Weave Wires
"Dear Professor K. Nyne,
Q. I'm having a tough time teaching my dog to weave- he keeps popping out, or going in the wrong way! Please help!"
- Weaving in Wyoming
The Professor's Answer: 
Oh dear! That's so frustrating! Weaves are the most difficult obstacle for most dogs, since the weaving motion doesn't come naturally- unlike jumping! Weave wire guides may solve your popping problem. Wire guides are a very handy training tool for dogs of all ages and sizes when they learn to weave.
 Using wires on fixed weave poles is easy. Simply clip the wire guide on every other pole, so that there's a pathway formed through the weaves. Make sure you form the correct pathway! Now you're ready to learn to weave with your dog. Your dog always enters the weaves from the right side, the dogs' left shoulder against the weaves and wire. The wires keep your dog within the weave poles. If your dog jumps over them, runs over them, or tries to plow through them, adjust the height. They should stay right in your dogs' line of sight to start out with. Reward your dog frequently as he works through the poles. You want him to believe that weaves are the best thing that has happened to him since he met you!  As your dog becomes accustomed to doing the weaves with the guides, gradually raise your criteria. Encourage your dog to go faster. Give huge rewards for speed, and encourage the dog verbally. Work off both sides of the dog, and from a distance as well as close to his side. Send him ahead to the weaves with a target beyond them. Run alongside him and encourage him. No matter where you are, what you're doing or saying, your dog should keep on weaving like a machine! The wires serve as a gentle reminder of the action you want him to complete.  Slowly phase the wires out. Raise them or lower them so they're out of sight (as shown in the video!) and then remove them, one at a time. Take the middle ones off first, and the entry and exit wires last. If your dog starts popping out or missing the entry, bring them back to remind them of the behavior you want. Don't make things difficult while removing the wires, just ask for the weaves and slowly build up to the distractions you had with the wires on. Reward frequently. Make certain the rewards are wonderful and worth working for. Wires are a great tool for reliable weaves and good speed. Weaves are the hardest obstacle for dogs to learn, and wires make it easier for them to perform the weaves consistently, speedily, and correctly. Reward your dog often and enthusiastically. Remember to have fun and enjoy your training time with your dog!
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