I’ve been doing a lot of reading on various boards and agility groups about striping poles (on weaves and jump bars) vs. not striping them, and what the disadvantages are to each. One of the concerns is that sometimes tape can peel (on weave poles) and cut a dog’s eye if the edge is sharp. Or it might catch and pull your dog’s hair. So while tape has been used for decades, and can be occasionally checked for safety, another option out there is painting poles. A lot of work, but if you want to do it….
Another issue, however, is simply whether to stripe or not! This may come as a surprise to many involved in agility competing, but you may encounter poles that are not striped. Or they may be striped up too high, out of your dog’s line of sight. Will it throw your dog off? It’s up for debate! One reader said that his dog ran by the weaves 3 times before finally ‘finding’ them, because at home he only practices with striped poles. Others disagree, saying the dog’s don’t pay any attention to the stripes, and the dog was probably missing them for other reasons.
I did some research to see what the different rules were considering striping. I found inconsistencies. Here’s what I found (correct me if I’m wrong)…
Weave Poles: AKC required (10″ and 20″ from the ground). CPE recommended. USDAA & NADAC no mention.
Jump Bars: AKC no mention. CPE required. NADAC no mention.
My suggestion for this dilemna?…Use both! Stripe your weave poles sort of low and practice them this way. Then sometimes turn them upside down so that there is no striping at your dog’s eye level. For your jumps, stripe one bar but leave the other unstriped. Alternate them from time to time. Then your dog will be prepared for either!
In this training video on YouTube, notice they have two sets. One is striped, one is not.
I’m interested in any opinions out there!
Note on the Video: Like the Channel Weaves? It’s personally my favorite method. We have both a competition set or a practice one available.
Today I want to share an great pic that one of our members sent me. This is Mick, a “scream’n fast” agility dog owned by Liz Dodge. Mick is an Aussie rescue who was a 2005 USDAA World finalist, and was featured on the cover of Clean Run and Bark magazine. He LOVES agility. Liz was kind enough to give me permission to share Mick’s love of agility with everyone! Thanks Liz! Keep up the good work Mick!
Today’s contest is all about spoiling your dog. I know we all have our secrets…some we don’t want to tell anyone about! But you are safe here. We are all friends, and we all love our dogs to a fault sometimes! So share one of YOUR spoiling secrets, and you will have a chance to win a $30 gift certifcate at Affordable Agility! Just one more way you can spoil your dog silly!
Recent Comments