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  Channel Weaves...

Here you will find commonly asked questions and shipping information about the Channel Weaves.  Drop us a line if you have any other questions or comments - we appreciate your input!

Q. "How do I use the Channel Weave Poles?"

A.  The 'Channel Weave' method of training is similar in concept to our "weave-a-matic"-style practice Weave Set, in which the dog is not weaving at first, but just getting a reward after running all the way through the "channel". (see the first diagram).

You may want to do this for about a week (if you practice for a short period of time each day) before bringing them close enough together to cause your dog to start weaving slightly (as shown in the next diagram).  Always remember that your dog must always enter on the *right* side of the first pole.

After you think your dog is reliably (and eagerly) weaving "slightly", keep inching them closer together.  Its best to keep the whole process extended over the course of a few weeks.   If your dog ever "pops" out of a pole (skips one) then you should take some steps backwards, and spread the poles back out a little.  The purpose of the Channel Method of training is to reinforce the act of weaving to your dog, so he "understands" what is required of him.  That way, he is much less apt to ever miss a pole.

Q.  "How do the poles adjust?"

A.  The upright poles pivot on a specially designed swinging arm. When adjusting the poles, you will turn each pole clockwise or counterclockwise until poles are in line, straight, and until you have your desired spacing set.   The pivots are not so loose, however, to cause your dog to push them out of place.  

Q.  "What are the specifications and distances set at?"

A.  The poles are 24" apart, which is the optimum distance required. Weave poles are always spaced the same, no matter what the size of the dog using the poles  (unlike some of the other obstacles, like jumps, which must be adjusted for different size dogs).  The width of the "channel" that can be created is adjustable to to a maximum distance of 18" in width.

Q.  "Can I use two Channel Weave sets to make a 12 Pole set?"

A. Yes, you may connect two or more 'Channel Weaves' together, making a '12 Pole Channel Weave Set'.  If you order 2 sets, you will get a free connector piece to use to connect them together.  

Q.  "I need help...which weave pole set should I get?"

• Stick-in-the-Ground Weaves
  The least expensive and simplest set.  They push into the ground.  Not recommended, however, if you have poor ground such as sand, or very rocky soil.
  

• Practice PVC Weaves with Fixed Base
  This is our most popular practice style. The poles are fixed (glued straight up and down) which is better for large and fast dogs. 
  

• Practice PVC Weaves with Slanted-Poles
  This is like the set above, but, the poles can be slanted for training beginner dogs ... similar to a "weave-a-matic" style. If you have a big or rambunctious dog, however, the above set is better (or the Competition Weaves).
  

• Practice PVC Weaves - Channel Method
  This is a training-only set that is growing in popularity, but the set is more complex, and just a bit more money than the above sets.
  

• AKC 24" Competition Weave Poles with Steel Base
  Flat steel base with rigid fixed poles for serious practice work (and competitions). Recommended for the fast and furious. Can also be used for training beginner dogs, especially when paired with our clip-on wire guides (below).

• USDAA 21" Competition Weave Poles with Steel Base
  Flat steel base with rigid fixed poles for serious practice work (and competitions). Recommended for the fast and furious. Can also be used for training beginner dogs, especially when paired with our clip-on wire guides (below).

  VersaWeaves™
  A versatile, full-fledged competition weave pole set that easily converts into two different training sets, a "channel set" or a "2x2 set." This is the ultimate 3-in-1 weave pole set.
  
   Optional Accessory:
  

• Weave Wire Guides
  These clip-on wires attach to ANY of our weave poles.  This is a specific training method used by many trainers, and one that we particularly like around here because they are so easy to use.