Gait style during weave pole performance affects limb dynamics in agility dogs

Canine agility is a physically demanding sport that carries an inherent risk of injury. The weave pole obstacle is a mandatory component in agility courses under UK Kennel Club regulations, requiring a complex forward and lateral side-to-side gait that is not typically replicated outside the sport. This study aimed to evaluate key kinetic parameters-peak force (PF), peak vertical force (PVF), vertical impulse (VI) and stance time (ST)-experienced by forelimbs and hindlimbs during weave pole performance, and to assess differences across the three most common forelimb gait variations: front-feet single-stepping rear double (FFSS/RD), double-stepping (FFDS) and hopping (FFH).

Seventeen experienced agility dogs completed a set of six competition-standard weave poles (FFSS/RD, n = 8; FFDS, n = 4; FFH, n = 5). Data were collected using two pressure-sensing walkways and statistically analysed.

Outer limbs, in general, have shown significantly higher PVF, PV, VI and ST (p < 0.001 for all variables on both forelimbs and hindlimbs). Peak vertical force was significantly greater in the outer forelimbs and outer hindlimbs of FFH dogs compared to FFDS and FFSS/RD (p < 0.001 and 0.021, respectively, for forelimbs; p = 0.014 and 0.003, respectively, for hindlimbs). Stance time and VI were higher on the outer forelimb on FFSS/RD (the only forelimb used in this style) in comparison with FFH (ST: p = 0.003; VI: p = 0.024) and FFDS (ST: p = 0.041; VI: p = 0.032).

Overall, there is a clear asymmetry in outer and inner limbs in all styles, which is consistent to the expected on turns. All gaits have shown a trend on redistribution of load towards the outer hindlimb, which was more extreme on FFSS/RD. Stance time was generally lower, and PVF and PF were higher in the FFH group. These factors raise questions regarding the long-term implications of weave pole performance in dogs exhibiting this gait.