Training with 2 x 2 weave poles helped Rocco perfect poles quickly for his first agility trials this spring |
But now with the 2 x 2 weave pole method, your pup can have perfect weaves in just a couple of weeks.
Rocco is my first dog trained using the 2 x 2 method, and he had 12 weave poles down in about two weeks!
There are plenty of places you can order 2 x 2 weave poles online, OR you can make them yourself and save some money.
We made ours with the help of a welder and saved about 50 percent off the cost of those you can buy ready-made.
Here's what you need to make your own 2 x 2 weave poles.
For a set of 12 weave poles:
- Six bases
- Three 10-foot long, 3/4" PVC pipes cut into thirds. (each pole will be 40" long)
- 12 3/4" PVC pipe caps
- Spray paint
- Gloves
- Respirator
A welder made our bases for us out of scrap metal, but you also can use aluminum to make them a bit lighter. Ours our plenty light enough to move around.
Measurements for the base: The main part of the base measures 48" x 3", the wings off each side are 11" x 3", the round pole holders are spaced 24" apart (measured at the middle of each pole) and are sized so that a 3/4" PVC pipe will fit snugly around it.
My bases also have two half-inch holes cut into them on each wing so that you can secure them to the ground if needed. I don't need to secure mine for Rocco, but you might if you have a larger dog.
Here's what the base looks like when finished and painted:
After the bases are made, the biggest part of this project is simply cleaning and spray painting the bases.
Base before painting |
- Scrub the bases with a brush and dish soap if they need it.
- Prime the bases with a spray paint primer (I leave mine outside, so this helps keep them from rusting)
- Spray paint the bases in the color of your choice. I chose a light, neutral color to keep them from heating up.
- Be sure to use gloves to protect your hands and a respirator to protect your lungs when spray painting.
Once the bases dry, you're ready to assemble your 2 x 2 weave poles.
- Place the PVC pipe caps on the top of each pole
- Place your poles onto each pole holder
- Line up your poles
- You're ready to weave!
We found that having our own 2 x 2s made training the weaves so much easier. A few minutes several times a day is all it took! Does your dog do agility or train using the 2 x 2 method? Let us know how it's going for you!
This post is sponsored by BlogPaws. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about DIY projects that enrich the lives of dogs, but To Dog With Love only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. BlogPaws is not responsible for the content of this article.
WOW, yours are super professional looking! We don't have welding skills so I made ours using this tutorial http://www.ammothedachshund.com/2013/04/29/diy-build-your-own-2x2-agility-weave-poles/ But yours are way more impressive, you could start a side business!
ReplyDeleteExcellent! We need some proper weaves for our garden, instead of just sticking bamboo sticks in the ground, BOL! Your weaving is lovely and bouncy by the way!
ReplyDeleteLots of Woofs from Earl and I at Earl's World!
Weaving looks like so much fun but alas our garden is not big enough. Have fun. Have a wonderful Wednesday.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes Molly
What a great idea! We love DIY ideas!!
ReplyDeleteWow, you have quite the course set up there! Great weaves too!
ReplyDeleteI was just telling J this weekend that I want to create an agility set up for our dogs - thanks for this helpful post. I'm not very crafty and you make it look so easy!
ReplyDeleteWhat did you use for the “pole holder”?..
ReplyDelete