I started working with Kodee tonight on the "heel" command, off-leash (in the house ). I just want to make sure I have him in the right position. Right now, what we're doing is I say "heel" and take one exaggerated step forward with my left leg (he's on my left side), luring him with a treat in my left hand. I am marking/rewarding when moves with me, with his shoulder about even w/my left leg.
I then release him with "ok" when I'm done.
Does this sound ok, as far as his position relative to mine? (Shoulder even w/my leg)? Just wanted to make sure...
Carolyn Pike Roman Webboard User Reg: 03-20-2007
Posts: 559
Loc: San Antonio, TX
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Kori-
I think I read somewhere (a thread here on LB that I can't put my finger on) that a good place to start is with the dog to your left in the sit position so that the sit is incorporated into the stepping out action automatically. You may be already doing this, but I didn't see in your post whether Kodee was sitting or standing when you stepped forward.
Just a thought
Good luck! and I'll keep looking for that thread...
He is starting out in a sit on my left side. He is also learning to sit automatically when I stop. I didn't incorporate the "sit" command verbally into the training, but I hold the lure out while we step forward (he's following the lure), and then when I stop, I hold the treat up and out just slightly from my left leg, so he steps up a little bit, then sits (still following the treat), and he gets a reward upon sitting. He's also getting rewards as he's walking beside me, both as a lure, and a reward for walking next to me. I was afraid that if I just reward at the very end while he's learning, then I would be teaching him that "heel" means "sit next to me when I stop." Hope I'm doing this right.
I also found out while we were working today that if I don't lure him just slightly ahead of me before sitting, he ends up in a sit about a half pace back from me. Oops!
FYI - I ordered the Competition Heeling DVD from Leerburg last night. Hopefully I'm at least getting started right in the meantime.
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Teaching "heel"
#202498 - 07/21/2008 09:01 PM 
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). I just want to make sure I have him in the right position. Right now, what we're doing is I say "heel" and take one exaggerated step forward with my left leg (he's on my left side), luring him with a treat in my left hand. I am marking/rewarding when moves with me, with his shoulder about even w/my left leg. 
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