U.S. Patent # 7,819,085 U.S. Patent # 8,181,605 U.S. Patent # 8,347,822 Other patents pending
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
These are the questions most frequently asked by our customers. Click on each
question to go to the answer. For other questions, feel free to
contact us by email (support@waytoweave.com)
or phone (866.814.4364).
For questions about the website and eStore, see our HELP page.
What's the
difference between your Competition and Training weaves?
Our Competition
weaves are made for regulation use (and 2x2 training); they're
solid, with no moving parts. Our Training weaves feature poles that
can be set at a variety of widths and/or angles. They can also be
used inline and vertical, just like Competition weaves.
Our most versatile
type of Training weaves, ALL-WAYS WeavesTM, have sliding
pole supports so you can create a 'channel' or 'chute' of poles.
With poles offset, your dog can run down the centerline (main axis)
with poles on both sides (first pole on the left, second on the
right, and so on). The process of minimizing the offsets until the
poles are inline is called the Channel method. Our standard (STD)
sliders are vertical-only poles made for Channel method training. Our
WAM sliders offer both angles and channels in unlimited combinations.
With ALL-WAYS sets (either STD or WAM sliders), each pole moves
independently, so you can start your dog with a wide channel and move
some or all of the poles closer together as your dog progresses.
There are no pre-set positions for poles; they all adjust in the
tiniest increments. When your dog is trained to enter correctly and
do the weaving motion all the way to the end, the poles are vertical
and lined up along the centerline as they would be in a regulation
set. [See #12 and #13 for more details about sliders.]
Our other type of
Training weaves, Traditional WAM (Weave-a-matic style) sets, don't
use sliders, but offer angled poles connected securely to the main
axis of the base (centerline). Infinite angle adjustments are
available with Trad WAMs, but no channel-like offsets.
Our Training
weaves meet specs for regulation use and some (ALL-WAYS with Standard
sliders) have also been approved for use (and actually used) in
official AKC trials.
What are the
different methods of training weave poles?
There are excellent resources readily available online to answer
this question. Most experienced trainers use 2x2, channel, or
angled-pole (Weave-A-Matic) methods. Some prefer to use inline poles
with guide wires or other types of directional containment (e.g.,
ex-pens). Most good trainers will tell you not to start
with a regulation set and slowly lead your dog from left to right;
this often produces sub-standard performance and long-term
difficulties in obtaining confidence and speed.
We recommend online research and discussing the options with your
trainer. Talk to people at agility events, especially those with
happy, fast, consistently weaving dogs. Every dog is different, and
what works best for your team may not be the advice you get. Feel
free to ask us about our recommendations based on the breed and
temperament of your dog.
What method(s)
of training can I do with your weaves?
All methods! If
there's a method we can't support, we don't know about it. Our
products are designed to support the most popular methods (2x2,
channel, and Weave-A-Matic style).
Guide wires (or
other devices that encourage the dog to weave by limiting the options
and controlling the path) are readily available from other
manufacturers, Guide wires that clamp onto 3/4" PVC poles can be
used with all our products.
What if I don't
know what method I want to use for training? Can I choose one method
now and another later? What additional parts would I need to order?
We designed our
products to be as modular as possible. In our experience, most
trainers end up using more than one method, for different dogs or
different stages in a dog's training. Depending on what you buy at
first, it's probably very easy to upgrade later. And since all our
bases use the same connectors, you can mix and match however you
want.
Our Basic Training
Combo (half 2x2, half channel) is a good way to save costs at the
beginning, and there are many ways to supplement it in the future. If
you have questions about what you need now and might want to add
later, please feel free to ask.
Should I start
with 6 poles and go to 12 poles later?
If your budget
allows, we recommend 12 poles fairly early in the training process.
We hate to see dogs that are stuck in a rut, happy to do 6, but
overwhelmed with 12. If you start with 6, ask your training partners
or coaches when they suggest adding more poles for your dog. Most
trainers will tell you it's a good idea to go to higher numbers of
poles (eventually 12 or even more) as soon as your dog is comfortable
with 6.
My instructor
only uses one method of training. Why should I buy a set that can be
used for other methods too?
We've seen many
trainers who prefer one method, but often end up using additional
methods, either to solve a particular dog's problems or simply
because different dogs work in different ways. Our own experience has
been that each method has some value. If you have an ALL-WAYS
WeavesTM base, you don't have to buy a complete set to
train one method, and another complete set to train another method.
I've seen
stick-in-the-ground poles, and I've seen bases made out of PVC.
Don't they do the same things as yours? They're a lot cheaper!
They are indeed
less expensive! Stick-in-the-ground is what we used when we started
training our first agility dogs in the 90's. For subsequent dogs, we
just got tired of trying to set up the weaves in new locations,
keeping them straight, spacing them the right distances apart, etc.
Plus stick-in-the-ground and non-metal bases simply don't hold up
well and give dogs the right 'feel' for competition sets ... many
dogs knock them over on the first pass. Our earliest design (EZ
Channel) came about because we wanted a versatile and robust channel
set that looked like a competition set from the get-go. Our newer
models continue that tradition, and are as affordable as we can make
them.
My training
facility has a good set of weaves. Can my dog learn to weave by
going to classes once a week?
Simply put, no.
Almost every trainer will tell you that the weaves are the hardest
obstacle to master, and weekly practice sessions just don't give
the dog enough experience with them. Spend a few minutes each day,
keep your teamwork fun and focused, end each session on a happy note
... and your dog will be weaving sooner than you expected.
Can I buy a
single base unit that's 6 poles long? 12 poles long?
You can order
whatever you want, but please be aware that shipping costs make such
sets impractical. A 6-pole base unit (24" spacing) is 12 feet long.
A 12-pole set is 24 feet long! Our rigid connectors (included) make
multiple 2-pole or 3-pole units feel like a solid set of 12. A maximum of 3-pole units (72" long) is
what we suggest, so that sets can be shipped at affordable prices.
I only compete
in AKC agility right now. What if I want to try USDAA or another
organization later on? Are your weaves suitable for multiple venues?
We try to keep up
to date on changes within all major agility organizations in North
America. At the current time, our Competition weaves meet specs for
all of them, and for international organizations as well. And our
Training sets with standard, upright sliders (when secured inline)
meet specs for most of these organizations and have been used in AKC
trials (approved by several AKC reps). Just to be on the safe side,
please check the detailed equipment specifications for the venues in
which you plan to compete. If you have any doubts about regulations,
please feel free to ask us.
My club wants
to buy a single set of weaves to use for training as well as for
matches and possibly trials. Can one set of your weaves be used for
all these purposes?
Yes, for 2x2
training, simply order a Competition set with 2-pole units. For other
types of training, our ALL-WAYS WeavesTM can be used for
both training and matches. If your club will be hosting licensed
trials, please check with your sanctioning organization for
regulation equipment specs. Our Competition sets are recommended for
heavy-duty trial use. But for a set that can accommodate all training
methods and be usable for seminars, matches, Show & Go's, etc.,
check out our ALL-WAYS WeavesTM.
What is a
'slider'? Why do you sell different kinds of sliders?
ALL-WAYS WeavesTM
support either STD or WAM sliders. There are 2 styles of WAM sliders
(see #12 below). If you don't intend to use angled poles, go with
the STD sliders. You can always add WAMs later if you want to use
angled poles. STD sliders (when secured inline) have been approved by
several AKC reps for regulation use in official trials. You can set
WAM sliders vertically too, but STD sliders are more robust, since
they're permanently vertical.
What's the
difference between EZ WAM sliders and Tuff WAM sliders?
Both types of WAM
sliders provide angles and channels, as well as vertical and inline.
Get EZ WAM sliders if (a) you want the easiest way of adjusting the
angles (by simply twisting the PVC itself) and (b) you
don't have dogs that hit the poles hard enough to set up a
vibration. Get Tuff WAMs if (a) you want the most secure
angle-holding mechanism and (b) you don't mind bending to ground
level and using a tool (we provide) to adjust the angling screw.
What's the
difference between 'WAM sliders' and 'Traditional WAMs'?
Traditional WAMs
have poles that angle outward from the main axis (the centerline);
when viewed from the end, they appear like the letter 'V'. WAM
sliders combine the angles with channel-type training, so you can
also create a 'V' with a flat bottom \_/ and vary the channel
width as well as the angles.
Why do you
need connectors between base units? How do connectors work? Why do
you make both rigid and hinged style connectors?
We offer 2-pole or
3-pole base units. Longer units become difficult to transport and
expensive to ship (see #8 above). Each 2-pole or 3-pole unit has a
hole at each end (the 'tails' of the unit). You don't really
need to use a connector at these join places; you can also use
the holes for stakes. Or you can simply plug them (for safety) with
our plastic plugs (included). But connectors help align the bases and
make longer sets more solid.
Since all our
bases are made from the same material (structural U-channel steel
bar), you can connect any combination of bases (Competition and
Training) together. The connectors are hidden below the running
surface, completely out of the way of the dog's path.
We recommend rigid
connectors (included) for solid connections ... they make the
attached units feel like one base unit. Our '2-pin' hinged connectors
(optional) allow you to fold two connected units together completely
flat. We don't recommend hinged connectors for fully weighted sets
or for sets that might be dragged around without due caution.
We use only the
highest quality materials and workmanship to create a rugged and
lasting set of weaves. Our patented design requires precision
metalwork (both steel and aluminum) and expert craftsmanship to
create a set that can stand up to the toughest weaving dogs and still
be easy to adjust. We're always looking for ways to bring the price
down, but we won't ever sacrifice the high quality that we aim to
achieve.
How much does
shipping cost? Is the estimated S&H cost accurate?
Shippers (UPS,
FedEx, USPS, etc.) use the size and weight of packages, in addition
to the length of the transport, to determine shipping cost. If you
place your order online, an estimated shipping charge will be added
depending on which shipping method you choose. Please be aware
that these online estimates are not always accurate! Because of
the multiple configurations available (2-pole or 3-pole units,
weighted bases, other options you choose) it's difficult for our
web storefront to automatically calculate exact shipping charges.
We'll correct the charges, if necessary, after your order is placed.
If there are any increases to your estimated shipping and handling
costs, we'll notify you and ask for your approval.
If we have an item
in stock, we should be able to ship within a week or two after you
place your order. But if we have to backorder, that can take up to
4-6 weeks for the whole process. Feel free to ask about the progress
of your order and the estimated shipping date.
We don't charge
credit cards until shipping is imminent. Some credit card banks place
a 'hold' on funds that have been authorized, even though they
have not yet been charged. Please check with your financial
institution if you think you have been charged prematurely. Typically
we charge your credit card at the same time we email you the final
invoice and tracking number for the shipment of your order. If you
prefer to be charged when you place your order online, please mention
that in the Order Comments section.
What are
'short end pieces'? Why would I need these?
An 'end piece' is the
portion of the base (centerline) that extends beyond the final poles
on both ends of a full set. 'Short end pieces' simply means that the
tails of the bases (before the first pole and after the last pole)
are cut off.
Some dogs seem to be very aware of the base configuration. If a dog
always trains on weave bases that have end pieces, then trialing on a
tailless set may affect their weave entries and exits, and vice
versa. The best advice is to check out what the bases look like in
the trials that you're entering and use that information in your
training plan.
Most agility organizations
allow PVC poles to be supported either by posts (with the pole
surrounding the post) or cups (with the pole resting inside the cup).
All our sets use the former method, because cups often collect
moisture and/or dirt, and sometimes poles are difficult to remove
from cups. We also prefer the clean lines all the way down to the
base. And we take advantage of this design to utilize our hollow post
supports (in our Competition sets) as hidden places for stakes.
Many equipment managers have traditionally applied tape to pole
supports for a very good reason. Using standard materials there's a
gap between 3/4" metal supports and the interior of 3/4" PVC
pipe. That's because the average inside diameter of nominal 3/4"
PVC pipe (Schedule 40) is not exactly 3/4", but 0.804". We prefer
to use a specific type of heat-shrink tubing to take up this extra
space, padding the metal supports.
We recommend padded pole supports for trial use. They hold the PVC
poles more snugly, and they provide a softer sound and feel. That
being said, we also train our own dogs on un-padded pole supports.
That way they won't be surprised by the sound and feel of PVC
colliding with metal if they experience that in a trial setting.
If you purchase a set with padded pole supports and decide it's not
what you want, it's easy to slice through the padding and simply
remove it.
We think cast vinyl (sign company vinyl) works best, but our customers sometimes prefer other materials. Traditional vinyl tape has a tendency to dry up and unravel. Loose
tape can snag the coats of long-haired breeds, and we've heard
reports of eye injuries. Heat-shrink tubing lasts the longest, but it adds more thickness to the poles and the edges are possible safety hazards too.
Striping is often an aesthetic or personal choice, for example school or flag colors. Check the requirements of the organizations you
compete in, and make sure your poles are marked accordingly. Your
choice of bands (or spirals if you prefer) may also be different from our
standard design (2"-wide bands at 10", 20" and 30" from the
bottom). If you choose our striping or prefer to stripe the poles yourself,
just check your poles frequently and replace any material that could be
dangerous to your dogs.
