In agility, weave poles are arguably the most difficult obstacle for your dog to learn. This is because the action is unnatural and dogs don't think in terms of weaving through things in a set pattern. Because weave poles are so challenging, beginners often become frustrated trying to teach their dog this important skill.
The best way to teach weave poles (and agility, for that matter) is using positive reinforcement. One way to do this is with clicker training.
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Clicker Training and Operant Conditioning
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Clicker training is a form of operant conditioning where the dog learns from the outcome of any action, or inaction, which invokes a positive or negative response (or lack thereof). Clicker training is a form of positive reinforcement operant conditioning, meaning that when the dog performs the correct actions, there is a reward or treat. When the dog doesn't do the correct action, the animal is ignored until the correct behavior is exhibited.
In clicker training, you go one step further. You use a clicker to mark the correct behavior and time the click with the dog's correct action, then follow it up with a treat (called Click and Treat). That way your dog associates the click with a treat and in order to get the treat, the dog must perform the correct activity. Eventually you pair a cue word (or command) with the activity and fade the clicker by clicking infrequently or at the end of the exercise.
Introducing the Weave Poles
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Most trainers use a form of training poles when teaching the weave poles. These poles can be set up so that instead of sticking perpendicular to the ground, they are bent at an angle relative to each other so that they make a V shaped channel when looked directly on. Be sure to start the first pole bent to the left because your dog needs to enter the poles right to left.
Have your dog on a leash when you first start training. You'll want to lead the dog through the V poles using a treat as a lure, clicking and treating each time the dog passes through a pole. Practice this several times until the dog becomes comfortable with passing through the weaves without a lure.
Narrowing the Poles
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When your dog is confident enough to walk through the V shaped channel without hesitation, it's time to narrow the V by raising the weave pole tips a few inches. Now send your dog through the poles, clicking and treating when the dog enters the poles and the exit. If necessary, click and treat in the middle to keep your dog motivated. If your dog balks at the new configuration, use a treat to lure your dog into the weave poles.
If your dog does not complete the weave pole set, do not click and treat. Instead, send the dog through again. until your pet finishes the poles. If necessary, click and treat at every completed pole until your dog gets the idea.
Continue Narrowing
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As your dog becomes proficient with the weave pole configuration, you can narrow it a few inches at a time. If, at any time, your dog appears to not "get it," return to a previous configuration that your pet was proficient in and train with that for a while.
Keep narrowing the weave pole gap until the poles are standing vertical.
Avoid Overtraining
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Weave poles are especially challenging to dogs because it forces them to think. If your dog is backsliding too much, give your pet a break from training and do something fun. Don't spend more than 20 minutes a day training weave poles.
Adding the Cue Word
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At some point, the weave poles will be in their final position or near their final position. You'll need to add the cue word or command (if you haven't already). Use the command "weave" each time as your dog enters the weave poles. After several repetitions, your dog will associate the command with the action.
Fade the Clicker
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After your dog becomes proficient running the weave poles, reduce the number of click and treats. Start small and work your way forward. If you have been clicking and treating each pole, click and treat every second pole. Then, every third pole. And so on until you click for the entrance and click for the exit. Eventually, you will click and treat for the exit only.
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