Figure-eight leg weave for dogs: how to play

Your dog weaves in a figure eight through your legs, then while you walk. A crowd-pleasing trick and a gentle full-body stretch.

You'll need

Stand with your feet wide apart. Your dog stands beside you.

Hold a treat behind your right leg and lure your dog through the gap between your legs from front to back.
Keep luring around your right leg and back to the front. Reward.
Switch hands and lure around your left leg. That's a figure eight.
Link both sides. Reward after a full figure eight.
Fade the lure to an empty-hand signal and add "Legs".
Step forward as your dog passes between your legs for the walking weave.

Make it easier: Stop after one leg, or widen your stance.
Make it harder: Walking weave, backward weave, or weave while you bounce a ball.

Smooth looping and a waggy tail; many dogs start offering it.

Hesitating, cringing at going under you, or ducking low. Widen your stance or try another trick.

Not for very tall dogs if they must crouch hard to fit; skip or teach a wide lap around your legs instead.
Seniors: a few slow loops only.

Written from these sources and checked against vet and trainer guidance. General guidance, not veterinary advice.

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