How to Make Your Own Weave Poles

Teaching your dog to weave through a set of weave poles is one of the more challenging of the dog-agility exercises. However, making this particular set of weave poles is relatively simple and can be accomplished in a few hours' time. This set of 12 in ground weave poles are light-weight, easily transported to training areas and take little space to store when not in use. The measurements between poles can be adjusted to adhere to the rules of the most common agility organizations.

Things You'll Need

  • 12 36-inch-long sections of 7/8-inch or 3/4-inch PVC pipe
  • 24 7/8-inch or 3/4-inch PVC end caps
  • 12 5 1/2-inch long stainless steel spikes with threads near the head
  • 12 nuts to fit each spike
  • One roll of 1-inch-wide colored vinyl tape
  • PVC cement or glue
  • 28 feet of 4-inch-wide cloth webbing
  • 12 self piercing grommets
  • yardstick
  • drill
  • scissors
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Instructions

    • 1

      Take 12 of the PVC end caps and drill a hole in the center of each to accommodate the stainless steel spikes. Make the hole only large enough so that the spike fits tightly through the hole.

    • 2

      Put a dab of glue in the bowl of the cap and then put one spike through each cap. When placing the spikes in the cap, make sure the top of the spike sits firmly inside the bowl with the pointed end of the spike exiting the top or rounded side of the end cap.

      Screw a nut onto each spike to secure it to the end cap. Thread the nut from the bottom end of the spike and secure against the top of the cap to hold the spike firmly in place. Allow the glue to dry.

    • 3

      Spread glue on the inside of each of the 12 spiked caps and put one 36-inch PVC pole in each cap. Allow the glue to dry.

    • 4

      Spread glue on the inside of the remaining 12 end caps and attach to the top of each pole. Allow the glue to dry.

    • 5

      Using the yard stick, put marks on each pole starting at the top. The marks can vary, but ideally should be placed with the first mark 3 inches below the top cap and then a mark at 9 inches and the final mark at 12 inches. Mark all the poles so your pattern will be consistent.

      Use the vinyl tape to decorate the poles. You will make one full wrap at each mark on the pole so the result will be three consistent stripes near the upper portion of each pole. You can use the tape color of your choice.

    • 6

      To make the ground strip, unroll the length of cloth webbing and starting 2 inches from one end. Make a mark at even intervals along the length of the webbing. Your choice of distance will depend on which agility rules you use. American Kennel Club rules call for 21- to 24-inch spacing between poles, United States Dog Agility Association spacing is 21 inches between poles and North American Dog Agility Council spacing is 20 inches to 24 inches between poles.

    • 7

      Insert a grommet at each mark on the cloth webbing. One grommet should be inserted for each of the 12 poles. Cut off any excess webbing at either end and clean ends of any frayed material. You can use a little of the PVC glue to seal the ends and prevent future frays.

    • 8

      Lay your cloth webbing on an even area of ground and line up all 12 poles to make a straight line of poles. You are now ready to start your training.