Our 2-yr-old Samoyed appears to want to learn the exercises we are training and is definitely enthusiastic for what we're doing but the heelwork is not up to scratch. Any suggestions?

Dear Mr Frawley,

Thank you very much for the HUGELY informative web pages helping us with dog training problems.

I am I am training a two year old Samoyed male for obedience. He appears to want to learn the exercises we are training and definitely has enthusiasm for what we are doing. However, the heel work is not up to scratch. He starts off "alright" and very quickly tries to "change the subject." He will hang his head and trail along for a few steps, then decide to catch up. Then he will stay with me for a few steps and suddenly stare off into the distance at a non-existent, hugely interesting, nothing! using food as an incentive and the negative correction is a verbal "no." Using a ball is successful to a point. He likes to play and will respond positively, but before long, he is behind me again.

I have tried a positive correction, tweaking the lead and immediately offering the reward. This does not change the scenario.

He does a great retrieve, excellent send-away, precise distance control and scent. No problem with stays. He is excited to train and has never tried to avoid going on the field. Teaching him these exercises has been pleasant and both of us enjoyed it. He likes being with me and thinks he is very important. When he is on the field, training, he ignores outside distractions and takes no notice of dogs / handlers busy near us.

I have a Bernese Mountain Dog male. 5 years old. Very sweet nature. The Samoyed is definitely pack leader but there is no controversy between them. Both dogs are being trained the same disciplines. I have one in my car while I train the other. They can't watch each other. They run together during the day.

Do you have any advice for me. I would really like to show the Samoyed, but I feel that with the very high standard of his other work, I can't accept the heel work. I think he would enjoy being shown, as he likes to be center of attraction.

Thank you.

Kind regards,
Sam