Duane Hull Webboard User Reg: 09-23-2011
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I've been working on adding a focused heel to my mature dog, who already had a casual heel. It is a real challenge, as the dog absolutely wants to watch where she's going. Asking her to focus on me is stressful for her.
I've helped start a couple of young prospects at our club using this method...
Carol Blumlein Webboard User Reg: 03-29-2012
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Thanks everyone. Due to some life interruptions, I am finding my brain is on vacation. Or is that just another word for getting older . Anyway, after I posted that, I really though about it and realized I need to do BABY STEPS. I'm glad Bob said to go back to one step if necessary.
Kory, I am interested in how long your instructor is having you keep your dog focused while still. Is it like 1 minute, 30 seconds or what?
Right now I seem to be going back to beginnings on many things. Sigh.......
I just went out to the yard to try again. I found out, I have really only trained him to watch while seated in heel position. When I had him stand by me, it took a few tries to convince him to watch me while standing!! Sheesh, how could I expect him to watch while heeling if even standing is a problem???
Once again, my dog makes me look stupid !
Edited by Carol Blumlein (03/29/2014 07:16 PM)
Edit reason: addition
When you do finally start moving be consistent. Always start heeling on your left foot. That will be a cue to the dog understanding What's expected.
Starting out on your right foot will then become a cue for the dog that it's then expected to stay in place while you leave.
I've always practiced foot work without the dog. If your not making mistakes it will be so much easier on the dog.
My first AKC OB class yrs ago look like an Arthur Murry dance studio with all the foot steps pasted to the floor.
Carol Blumlein Webboard User Reg: 03-29-2012
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Thanks Bob~
I have all that footwork down, and he's definitely got it. But it needs much proofing because he is still checking out the other dogs from time to time. I guess I taught him to feel my movement without enough focus. So I am losing him from time to time="checking out". Also, those classes are too long. I think I will start taking a break on the side.
I have a difficult time with the marker training because he is not super food motivated even when I don't feed 1 or 2 meals and toys or tug are about the same. But he is sweet and a pleaser so I am determined to figure out how to get what I want!
If what you're asking is how long he is having me keep the dog in position and focused before I reward, right now it's only a few seconds. I basically have a hot dog in my hand, dog in is in perfect position and focuses for a few seconds, reward. Repeat over and over for 5-10 minutes I guess. Maybe it's 15 minutes. I don't really keep track of that. I've been doing this for about 4 weeks now. He gets it. If he looks away, he gets an Uh-Uh, and he instantly looks back. Then I make him focus slightly longer than normal before the reward. He doesn't even need a leash pop so far. The verbal cue works. I don't know how much longer he'll be having me do this. I just made a commitment to do everything exactly as he tells me. No offense to anyone here, but I kept coming to the internet in my desire to learn more and more and I still read alot here, but I felt I needed to pick a method and stick to it. Since I don't have a ton of experience, I felt the best way was to stick to what my trainer is telling me.
I have all that footwork down, and he's definitely got it. But it needs much proofing because he is still checking out the other dogs from time to time. I guess I taught him to feel my movement without enough focus. So I am losing him from time to time="checking out". Also, those classes are too long. I think I will start taking a break on the side.
I have a difficult time with the marker training because he is not super food motivated even when I don't feed 1 or 2 meals and toys or tug are about the same. But he is sweet and a pleaser so I am determined to figure out how to get what I want!
If your going to compete in either schutzhund or AKC the dog wwill loose points for crowding if he's working off you movements with his body.
If not.....Nevermind!
Carol Blumlein Webboard User Reg: 03-29-2012
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Bob when I said "feel" my movement, I did not mean it literally. I meant "sense" the movement. Maybe he is watching my foot or leg out of the corner of his eye. But he is not watching my face.
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Re: "Watching" While Heeling
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I knew that.....yea, I did.......really....I did! 
something's happening to my nose! 
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