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

Abstract Background 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). Methods 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. Results 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). Conclusions 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.