"How do I use the Channel Weave Poles?"

The 'Channel Weave' method of training is similar in concept to our "weave-a-matic"-style practice Weave Set, in which the dog is not weaving at first, but just getting a reward after running all the way through the "channel". (see the first diagram).

You may want to do this for about a week (if you practice for a short period of time each day) before bringing them close enough together to cause your dog to start weaving slightly (as shown in the next diagram).  Always remember that your dog must always enter on the *right* side of the first pole.

After you think your dog is reliably (and eagerly) weaving "slightly", keep inching them closer together.  Its best to keep the whole process extended over the course of a few weeks.   If your dog ever "pops" out of a pole (skips one) then you should take some steps backwards, and spread the poles back out a little.  The purpose of the Channel Method of training is to reinforce the act of weaving to your dog, so he "understands" what is required of him.  That way, he is much less apt to ever miss a pole.

  "How do the poles adjust?"

The upright poles pivot on a specially designed swinging arm. When adjusting the poles, you will turn each pole clockwise or counterclockwise until poles are in line, straight, and until you have your desired spacing set.   The pivots are not so loose, however, to cause your dog to push them out of place.  

  "What are the specifications and distances set at? "

The poles are 20" apart, which is the average distance required.  Weave poles are always spaced the same, no matter what the size of the dog using the poles.  (unlike some of the other obstacles, like jumps, which must be adjusted for different size dogs).  The width of the "channel" that can be created is adjustable to to a maximum distance of 18" in width.

  "Can I use two Channel Weave sets to make a 12 Pole set?"

Yes, you may connect two or more 'Channel Weaves' together, making a '12 Pole Channel Weave Set'.  If you order 2 sets, you will get a free connector piece to use to connect them together.  

  "Which Weave Pole Set should I get?"

If you are just starting off in agility, the basic 6-pole Practice set w/PVC Base is our most popular training set.  It is similar in concept to the Channel method, by slanting the pole in a "V" shape, you provide a "parted-waters" type of channel for your dog to run through.  The Channel Weave Set, however, though slightly more complicated in the pieces used/assembly, is probably better if your dog is larger, over 50 lbs for example, as they tend to plow into the poles harder, and the poles are upright in the Channel method.  So the Channel Weave Set is less apt to have the poles move out of place. 

For people serious in the dog agility, and for competition, the Competition Weaves provide sturdy rigid poles and a steel base.  Technically it is a "trial" set, not a training set, but it can be used for both introducing dogs to the weaves, and for training, by using either a simple "straight pole" method (just guiding the dog with a leash/body movement/etc) or adding our popular clip-on wires guides).