To teach a dog to weave through your legs, build each loop before joining one voluntary figure eight.
Prepare the space
The AKC advanced-tricks guide warns that a leash can wrap around your legs.
Practise in a secured space where you can stand steadily and your dog can pass freely.
If either of you lacks room or comfort, choose another activity. Do not squeeze or pull your dog through.
Build the loops
AKC first rewards passage, then builds a complete loop.
Start with your dog in front. Take your right food hand behind your right leg; guide through, around your leg and back in front. Reward; switch hands for the left loop.
Choose a transfer route
Battersea joins the food-guided loops into an eight before using an empty guiding hand and rewarding from the other hand.
The AKC stationary guide instead removes food on each side before joining the empty-hand eight.
Name the learned movement
Battersea changes the guide to a pointing signal, reduces it, then adds the word. If the smaller signal loses the response, it suggests a clearer knee bend.
AKC names the empty-hand eight before reducing its hand signal.
Simplify or stop
If passage is difficult, begin with a voluntary pass before adding a loop.
End if your dog is unwilling or uncomfortable; never hold them in the gap or keep stepping while they are stuck.
See our nose-target lesson for an optional guiding skill.
Note which loop, food prompt and signal worked before choosing the next attempt. A failed smaller signal and a difficult passage need different descriptions in your notes.
