Part One of Progressive Poles Series: The Channel

Well done weaves take time- as they should! There’s really no need to rush. Weave training can start early, and still be done safely for a young dog’s body. There are so many different elements to weave performance, and they all deserve individualized attention.

Progressive Poles is a four-part series of online courses that break down weave training into focused topics. This series can be purchased by individual classes, or as package of all four classes. (Please go to topodogs.com/store to find this offer.)

Part 1: The Channel (4 weeks)
Part 2: Distractions, Motion, and Sequencing (6 weeks)
Part 3: Entries (6 weeks)
Part 4: Integration and Closure (6 weeks)

This method uses channel poles (a channel can be made out of a full set of 2x2s if needed) and strongly recommends (but does not require) weave guides/wires. Part 3 does recommend using two sets of 2x2s, but it is not mandatory. Ability to use placed reinforcement (such as a placed toy or Treat N Train) is required.

Part 1 requires only straight line movements from the dog, and so is appropriate for dogs 9 months and up. Part 2 requires only straight movement through the open channel but incorporates tunnels and jumps/wing wraps in minimal amounts. Dogs should be 12 months or older for Parts 3 and 4, as entries will require hard turns at speed, and closing the poles will require weaving.

The training in this series is malleable, and some adjustments to methodology may be made depending on the individual dog and team. Lessons will be posted all at one time so that teams may progress at their own pace (but graduation from one lesson to the next requires instructor approval.)

This class will release all lessons at the beginning of the class, but progression from one lesson to the next may be done by instructor approval only. Students will have access to the class for 190 days after the first lesson is posted. Feedback will be available for eight weeks.