How to Build a Set of Weave Poles

Weave poles are one of the most difficult agility obstacles for a dog and his handler to master. They must be entered correctly and completed without fault in order for the dog's score to count. Weave poles are a fairly simple obstacle to build at home, and having your own set will allow you all the practice time you need.

Things You'll Need

  • Eight 3’ PVC pipes
  • Four 18” PVC pipes
  • Twelve PVC “T” pieces
  • Twelve 36” PVC pipes
  • Saw
  • Drill
  • PVC-safe glue
  • Sandpaper
  • Rubber hammer
  • Paint or colored tape
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Instructions

    • 1

      Start with two of your T-joint pieces. Drill a hole through one side of the middle of your T joint, big enough to accommodate your 20” sections. Place an 18” piece in either of the open ends and hammer them. If you wish to make your structure permanent, you can apply glue to the PVC before hammering them into place. Repeat this process with the other T joint and two 18” pieces, so that you have two stabilized bases.

    • 2

      Cut 20” long segments of PVC pipe and sand the ends smooth. These 20” sections will be the ground pieces for your weave poles, and will serve as part of the base. You can glue these sections together as well if you need more stability.

    • 3

      Insert a 20” segment of PVC into the drilled hole in the T that lies flat on the ground, and hammer it in. Attach another T joint at the end of the 20” segment; continue this process until you have a total of 11 open T-joint tops in which to insert your weave poles.

    • 4

      Attach the remaining stabilizer end to the last 20” segment of PVC pipe. This will give you a solid base for your weave poles, with 12 open T segments to insert your actual poles into. This will give you a set of regulation-sized weave poles, and will get you well-prepared for competition.

    • 5

      Paint or tape off your 36” PVC sections in bright colors. You can color them in broad bands or stripes. The bright paint or tape on the weave poles offers a contrast to the white background of the pole, making it very visible to your dog.

    • 6

      Push the 36” colored poles into the top of your 12 T joints and hammer them in securely. Your weave poles and base should be very stable and secure, and should not wobble or fall over when they are touched. Your completed set of weave poles will put you and your dog well on the way to the winner’s circle in the agility world.