Starting position: Your dog is on your left, and you are standing still with your legs well apart.
🎯The luring phase (step by step)▼
The call
Hold a treat in your right hand. Pass your hand behind your right leg (at knee level).
The pass
Guide your dog so that he goes under your right leg. Say “Weave!” and reward as soon as he has come through.
Linking the steps
Take a big step forward with your left leg. Lure your dog with a treat in your left hand, behind your left leg.
The reward
Say “Weave!” and give the treat as soon as your dog has finished weaving under the leg.
🗣️Introducing the verbal cue▼
Linking the word
Say “Weave!” (or “Zigzag”, “Through”) as you move your leg forward and present your hand.
Repeat
Repeat so that your dog links the movement of your legs and the word to the action.
🎓Fading the lure▼
Empty hands at your knees
Make the gesture with your empty hands, still close to your knees.
Spaced-out rewards
Reward your dog once he has done 2 or 3 complete passes (not at every leg).
Stand up straight
Gradually stand upright so that your dog follows the rhythm of your steps rather than your hands.
💡Final tips▼
Step size: Exaggerate your steps at first (a big lunge forward) to leave your dog as much room as possible. If he feels cramped, he will hesitate to go through.
Pace: Start very slowly. If you go too fast, your dog may miss a leg or get his paws tangled.
Flow: Don't stop between steps. The “weave” should become one continuous walking movement.
Large dogs: If your dog is big, adapt the exercise by simply having him go around you, or between your legs while you stand still.