You can use shoulder targeting to correct this problem. Teach the dog that pressing his right shoulder on your left leg is a rewarding behaviour . This way he does not need to make eye contact.
That would work but here in the States it would get points of for "crowding" from the dog. The eye contact is also highly valued all though some judges are more lenient about it.
When I first started in OB competition many yrs ago things were lots easier. When I titled one of my present dogs I hadn't been in a AKC ring in a few years. WOW Was I surprised!
Schutzhund is becoming the same way. It seems perfect obedience gets higher value sometimes even they protection work.
I always prefer a nice tight military style contact heel where the dog is free to watch around him rather than having to watch my face.
That is a more natural style of heeling. The contact heeling is very useful in real life situations too where the dog is free to take in the world around him. But the judges want what they want.
I have seen a few schutzhund videos where the dogs are almost walking on just the rear legs only. The front legs seem to just touch the ground now and then. Seemed very unnatural to me. But then again I know nothing about IPO.
I do agree with the present competition methods being unnatural. I have a formal "Fuss" command for competition but a simple "with me" when just walking around.
Yrs ago I had a GSD x Great Dane that loved to lean on my leg while walking for the very reason you said. He could see what's going on around us. At 130 lb that was a real pain In the knee. lol!
Ram, thank you for sending me the link to your videos - I am so impressed by the progress you've made - it seems that in your newer videos you've grown to be a gentler handler and I really identify with that approach.
Three dogs and you do such excellent training! I will finish watching all of them soon as you are an inspiration to me.
christy mascari Webboard User Reg: 11-12-2012
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Loc: midwest
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Ram, I enjoyed watching your videos! I love the way Helga plays with you without a toy, and that you are so kind and affectionate with your dogs.
Keep up the great work, you are making quite a bit of progress.
Connie Sutherland Moderator Reg: 07-13-2005
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Loc: North-Central coast of California
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Quote: Maggie MacDonald
Ram, thank you for sending me the link to your videos - I am so impressed by the progress you've made - it seems that in your newer videos you've grown to be a gentler handler and I really identify with that approach.
Three dogs and you do such excellent training! I will finish watching all of them soon as you are an inspiration to me.
And also engagement! I love what Ram has done with his movements and voice inflections... and it all shows in the dog(s), too, with no flatness. That long down with people laughing happily at Ram's dog .... nothing about that was upsetting to me (just as Ram was not upset). It was all fixable. And there was a happy dog enjoying every second of the test. How great is that?
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Re: Engagement work
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