HEEL - how to separate the command for normal life from the one we need for exams
First of all, it is important to know that one trick can have more commands. On the contrary, it must have more commands, especially if we are planning to go to exams. How to do it, it is probably so hard?
And this is also connected to HEEL. If we are not planning to attend exams with our dog, we do not need to focus so much on a precise heel full of concentration, horse movement and head up high in the skies. We can focus on relaxed walk on loose leash in busy city.
Calm walk next to our leg is quite complicated for most dogs. They want to go to see other others, pee on all trees or just sniff around. We need to understand the dog's point of view - would you go around cafes and shops and not look into the window shop. You can not shop for simple hello with your friends. It is possible to teach your dog this behaviour, but think about it - don't you want too much in short period of time? Never compare yourself with others, it is not just your fault that the dog pulls so much on the leash. Some dogs are just more curious than others.
If we are talking about dividing walk on the leash, let's introduce the differences. There is walk and there is another one.
1. HEEL at the exams as a command
The walk that is performed at the exams must be top-notch. It must be pleasing to an eye. The dog is happily wagging its tail and his eyes are locked on his human. But honestly how long this kind of walk can last? And does this walk has a point somewhere else? The walk that is trained for the exams is reward itself, the dog just needs to love it.
We are not saying that you can not go to exams when your dog is not the biggest fan of heel. The dog can tolerate heel and the reward will come in different form, quick fetch, some turns or other dynamic drill. Most of exams are performed from heel, so it is really important to work on it.
Sports where heel is a main element:
- Rally obedience
- Obedience
- Dogdancing - heelwork to music
- Sport cynology
As any training, it is best to start with puppy, but can you teach heel also to an adult? Of course! You can't expect it to be easy or to have results within a week. It can take up to months. The results will come with regular and consistent training, that you can be sure of.
How a proper HEEL should look like?
- The dog walks concentrated next to human's left leg. (There are some sections in different sports where the dog must walk next to a right leg, beware of it!)
- Dog's focus is only on the human. He does not deal with other humans, other dogs looking at him, or maybe occasional screaming baby.
- Dog does not walk ahead or behind the human, neither gets in the way.
How should we teach such a walk?
There is quite a few methods and techniques, but it is important to find the right one for you and especially for your dog. It is neither of these listed below? Never mind, just combine more of them.
- Luring after treat in our hand - ideal for training puppies who is mindlessly following human's hand holding food. The drill is all about muscle memory. Also great for eaters.
- Luring after toy hidden in our armpit - it is great for advanced training
- Nosetouch luring
No matter which method you will choose, the result should always be a natural walk with the dog next to your left side.
TIP: If your furry friend has nosetouch on your palm, you can try teaching heel with this method. We can exchange palm for our Nosewand target so we can stand up straight naturally. Now you need to prolong the intervals of endurance and add movement. Step by step and the trick is born.
2. Operational walk - the one in regular life
The dog, which has wonderful walk during training or exams, might not have great walk on the leash in the city. It is two different drills that are not connected. Can we teach both exercises simultaneously? Yes, but with consistency and great mind of the human, it will need a bit of your skills.
What do we have in mind when we are talking about operational walk?
- The dog is not crazily pulling on the leash after other dogs, does not response with barking or growling
- The dog can pass by other dogs on the streets
- The dog respects the length of the leash and is not dragging you behind him
- The dog understands that he must stop and wait somewhere, e.g. when waiting on the sidewalk to cross the road.
- ... and basically everything that is connected with regular life of (not only) city dog!
"It is two different exercises, which are almost not connected" - make the rules clear
If you are training heel with your dog for exams, you have strict command technique, meaning when and what command to say. In sport cynology it is "heel" which you say once and it lasts until the next exercise. In rally obedience you are allowed to support and praise the dog, but we recommend to teach this command, so it is fixed in on one say. So exams = clear command and otherwise we are silent.
On the other hand during operational walk, the heel is completely different with different "rules". We can say whatever we want, whenever and to whoever we want. It means we can talk to other people while walking which most dogs take as they can do whatever they want, because we are not paying attention to them.
Forget the command "heel"
If you are using command "heel" during training for nice concentrated walk, forget about it during everyday life. You will just ruin it. Just think of a different command which you will use outside of trainings. You can use "here" or "together" etc. This command will be used when you want the dog to be close to your leg, but do not need his full concentration.
We are not giving out a specific method how to teach your dog walk in heel position. That would take a lot of time. The basic rule is just "walk it", so put on some sneakers, take your dog, some good treats and let's get into training.
Don't be desperate if you and your dog are behind in something. No need to compare yopurself to others, you never know how hard journey is behind them. Just enjoy every minute with your dog, you are doing everything just for you and your dog.
