LET'S REVIEW AND REFRESH
Leash should never be tight, should always
hang loosely. If pulling tight, flick leash to shake or snap chain in order to
gain dog’s attention. Direct dog to move closer to you so that leash is no
longer tight, and change something (direction, pace, or stop altogether). You
must use your voice to get your dog’s attention and keep that attention during
the change maneuver. When, for example, dog is pulling ahead, speed up, then give a heads up snap to the
lead as you suddenly slow down and at the same time cheerfully say, “GO EASY”,
then right away say, ”What a good dog!” in a pleased and happy voice.
The correction should have brought dog into
heel position or at least close to you and not tugging. Leash should be slack. If
not, perhaps you did not do the correction properly. Practise makes perfect. You
should have one hand on the leash most of the time, not two. Keep your elbows
snug against your sides. Feel where the
dog is rather than look. Keep your head up and look where you are going; the
dog will follow. In a controlled walk, the corrections are a snap or pop or
shake the chain, change direction of travel unexpectedly and follow through
with something else now and clapping. When dog is pulling ahead you can also
change direction, like, go the other way suddenly. Change of direction does not give the dog a chance if he is not
paying attention. He has to catch up because you are now suddenly nine feet
away from him. (With the about turn while heeling (in competition), the
handler actually steps around the turn to allow the dog to keep pace.) snap the
leash as you change direction and laugh. “Ha Ha! Pay attention Silly!” “What a
good dog!” Happy voice.
The idea is to have the dog walk with you
without tugging on the leash, at a comfortable pace. Remember, when the collar
snaps, your voice should be praising the dog. “Hey! What just happened?” Act as
though you had nothing to do with the correction. The leash did it; not you.
Keep your voice tone ”up”.
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| THE IDEA IS TO HAVE THE DOG BESIDE YOU IN A CONTROLLED WALK |
You must anticipate your dog’s next move
and decide your next move. Use the correct signal on the lead. Use the correct
tone of voice for commands. If your dog is lagging constantly, entice him to
keep up using a happy voice instead of more correction. Three tries and things
should work; if not try something else. Be especially aware of timing with requests, commands and corrections. Think about when it should happen. Mix up the practise routine to avoid boring
your dog. As the walk becomes more
controlled, heeling begins to happen. Happy voice, happy dog.
"WALKIES!"
WALKING IN A DECENT AND ORDERLY FASHION
