I discussed several matters with a trainer that I know. She told me that better to keep the dog on the left. I did not find this wise. My T-Mac walks on my right and sits on my right when I stop. Does anyone have any idea?
I'd have to agree with the trainer. Walking the dog on the left side of you gives you much better control over your dog. If he is on the right and for some reason decides to bolt to the right it would be much harder to control him and if powerful enough could pull you down. I think it also feels more comfortable. If you have the end of the leash in your right hand and a foot or so of slack in the left your dog should be snug to the left side of your body. This also keeps him from wandering all over the place and controlling the walk. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />
Stephan R Weber Webboard User Reg: 02-16-2004
Posts: 215
Loc: Des Moines, Iowa
Offline
For competition, of course, you have to have the dog on the side specified (typically left).
If you're not competing, and don't plan to, do whatever feels best to you and works best for you. I've trained dogs for people with special needs, who's dogs work on whichever side is best for them depending on body strength, balance, vision, etc.
Just be prepared for lots of people telling you what you're doing "wrong".
When I was a little kid, I was told the left-side heeling was a convienience for carrying your (broken) shotgun and being ready to aim, and for mounting and dismounting from horses. From the hunting I did then (a lot of bird hunting from muleback), it made sense.
I've taught several of my dogs to "heel" on different sides and switch sides on command. It was nice, especially when the kids were small, to be able to pick up the kid and shift the dog. Also, in some crowd situations, it can be easier to have the dog on the right (not meeting the opposing traffic).
Dan Oas Webboard User Reg: 09-21-2004
Posts: 190
Loc: MI
Offline
I met a left handed handler who simply couldn't,
wouldn't heel her dog on the left, and for her,
or many left handers that is the stronger side.
No reason the dog can't or shouldn't do both.
Thanks everybody. T-Mac easily switched to the left. We are doing fine. Sometimes he is trying to switch left and right but as you say it does not bother me.
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