Weavers - Do You Have To Enter From The Left?

[megan_]

Hi All,

As above, does the dog always have to enter weavers from the left, even if you're approaching them from the right?

[Kavik]

Yes, the dog must enter with the first pole on its left.

[megan_]

so the pole must be on the dogs left (facing the poles) as opposed to entering from the left (which means the pole is on the dog's right)? Oh crap, I've taught it wrong!

When we've trained entries though (3 poles) it was the opposite. They walked parallel to the first pole (ie the pole was to their right) then around the second pole, and out with the third pole on their right. This is at a dedicated agility club.

[Kavik]

Looking the same direction as the dog is running, they must enter with the first pole on their left. It is the same everywhere, so have a good think about what you have been taught before you freak out.

[megan_]

I've tought it wrong then . Oh welll, we have a few weeks before training begins, so I'll just retrain it...and we'd finally got to straight poles!

[Weasels]

I always put Fox through so that her left shoulder passes the first pole. I find that helps me to remember.

Edited January 16, 2012 by Weasels

[kelpiechick]

so the pole must be on the dogs left (facing the poles) as opposed to entering from the left (which means the pole is on the dog's right)? Oh crap, I've taught it wrong!

When we've trained entries though (3 poles) it was the opposite. They walked parallel to the first pole (ie the pole was to their right) then around the second pole, and out with the third pole on their right. This is at a dedicated agility club.

I doubt that you would have been taught incorrect entries at a dedicated agility club, where most instructors would trial themselves.

Which method of weaving were they teaching ?

As others have said, dog's left shoulder goes into first gap - when you are talking about left and right hand weaving it refers to your position, rather than the dog - dog always goes in same side no matter what side you are on in relation to weave poles.

When teaching 2x2's there is one point with 2 poles where you start doing extreme left hand entries where it looks as if the dog is going in the wrong way, especially if you don't visualise the end result of the poles down the reward line - but you mentioned using 3 poles? So assuming that's not what you are talking about?

If you go onto the Vic. agility trials site at : www.agilitytrials.info/ there is a link to the rules (Button on the left hand side of the page) - always a good idea to print off and have a copy so you can refer to these if there is any confusion with what you are training.

Maybe talk to your instructor about it too if you're not sure.

Edited January 16, 2012 by kelpiechick