Weaving is Hard Work!
18 Sep 2021
I’m always fascinated, and a little concerned, watching dogs when they go through the weave poles.
Snap! and I were at the UKI Midwest Cup and photographer Alissa Behn at Pet Personalities got a great sequence of photos of him weaving. I think Snap! is the fastest weaver I’ve had (though Milo was pretty speedy back in the day in the Ultimate Weave Pole Challenge).
But, I don’t want to just show off his “snappy weaving”, take a look at these photos to see how dogs contort themselves to get through the weaves.
Here is the sequence. Look closely at how Snap!‘s body spans two poles at a time. Longer dogs have it even harder.
Also take a look at the photo at the top of this article to see how Snap!‘s body moves in multiple directions (photo courtesy of and copyright Whitney Rupp of Chops Photography).
Here is video showing him weaving in real time and slow motion.
So many things to say so I’ll just bullet point some important points:
- Keep your dog fit and not over weight.
- Dynamically warm up/cool down your dog before weaving (or other training), don’t take them out of their crate cold and start working.
- Visit your sports/rehab vet as frequently as they recommend (we go at least monthly).
- Discuss supplements with your rehab vet.
These are critical IMHO:
- Don’t weave your dog more often than necessary to obtain/maintain their skills.
- Practice weave entries/exits with as short a set of weaves as needed (2, 3, or, at most 6). They don’t need to do 12 poles every time. Dogs are smart, they won’t forget to do the rest when you add all 12 back.
- Many modern trainers feel that dogs only have so many sets of weaves in their body. Don’t “use them up” with needless practice.
I hope now when you see your dog weaving you are wowed too. And considerate of your dogs’ physical ability to weave and take extra good care of them!
If you enjoyed this article won't you please: 
Thanks!