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by Mystere on 25 April 2013 - 15:04
Don't stress over it. 
I have never had any issue with the dog "switching," when NO "fuss" command is given. Dogs seem to learn easily that "fuss" means a focused heel and no "fuss" command means they are free to just....walk, sniff, check out the "doggy newspaper" on walks, etc. I have also taught them to walk out at the end of the lead with the "strut" command for the few times that my dogs are shown. They hear "strut" and know that they can go to the end of the lead, even be on the right side and to the front of the [show] handler. TIme and place.
Also, keep in mind that under the new rules, there is a "lightening up" of the focused heeling. The judges now want a more natural movement and top-line, without the "gathering" and prancing that people previously trained (or encouraged) into the heeling. Some people interpret this to mean no focused heeling at all.
I have never had any issue with the dog "switching," when NO "fuss" command is given. Dogs seem to learn easily that "fuss" means a focused heel and no "fuss" command means they are free to just....walk, sniff, check out the "doggy newspaper" on walks, etc. I have also taught them to walk out at the end of the lead with the "strut" command for the few times that my dogs are shown. They hear "strut" and know that they can go to the end of the lead, even be on the right side and to the front of the [show] handler. TIme and place.Also, keep in mind that under the new rules, there is a "lightening up" of the focused heeling. The judges now want a more natural movement and top-line, without the "gathering" and prancing that people previously trained (or encouraged) into the heeling. Some people interpret this to mean no focused heeling at all.
by melba on 25 April 2013 - 15:04
I've finished my boy's AKC CD (194.5 pts 1st place) on his last leg and have done the Sch BH so far. When casually walking, the command is lets go. Focused heel is foose... the same goes for lay down. Platz is sphinx style, lay down and over are relax, we're not going anywhere anytime soon. He definitely understands the difference between the 2 commands. When in the AKC ring, I ask for a focused heel just the same as Schutzhund. He is not a pushy heeler and does not like pushing into my personal space so it works out.
This is what works for us :)
Melissa
This is what works for us :)
Melissa
by Hired Dog on 25 April 2013 - 15:04
When taking the dog for a walk, simply dont tell it to heel. Unless I am training, I dont expect the dog to walk down the street doing a focused heel, staring at me the whole time, plus, how long will/can a dog do that before you need to correct it for failing to do it?
Its better to have the dog just go for a relaxing walk, not worried about doing anything, unless you want to train in that environment.
Its better to have the dog just go for a relaxing walk, not worried about doing anything, unless you want to train in that environment.
by minro on 25 April 2013 - 15:04
My comp. dog's "heel" command is just that... heel. However, his "fuss" is a focus heel.
My other two dogs know "heel" as a focus heel, and just know not to walk like an asshole when no command is given, so on regular walks, they seem to walk next to me naturally.
My other two dogs know "heel" as a focus heel, and just know not to walk like an asshole when no command is given, so on regular walks, they seem to walk next to me naturally.
by Keith Grossman on 25 April 2013 - 16:04
"Now, those of you who do the schutzhund style heel, with the dog's eyes riveted on your face...do you ever do an UNfocused heel? You know, where you just do what your average joe pet owner does....take the dog for a WALK?
And how do you make it clear to the dog that it doesn't have to do the extreme focus thing, and can relax and actually sniff around a bit?"
I do something similar to minro in that I reserve the fuss command for focused heeling and use the command 'bei' (by) when I want the dog to walk next to me but focus or strict position isn't necessary. I find the latter to be useful in traffic when a car, bicycle or pedestrians are approaching.
And how do you make it clear to the dog that it doesn't have to do the extreme focus thing, and can relax and actually sniff around a bit?"
I do something similar to minro in that I reserve the fuss command for focused heeling and use the command 'bei' (by) when I want the dog to walk next to me but focus or strict position isn't necessary. I find the latter to be useful in traffic when a car, bicycle or pedestrians are approaching.
by RLHAR on 25 April 2013 - 16:04
Easy, different commands.
"Fuss" means focused heel, no exceptions and is rewarded with the ball, play, etc and I move as if I mean business, not just 'stroling around'.
"Heel" means stay by my leg and I release with "Okay" which means it is okay to go to the end of the leash and sniff. Pulling is NEVER allowed but during "heel" is merely corrected with a small "Aht," and a light pop to remind them I'm on the end of the leash.
The same with "Platz" vs "Relax". Platz means the sphinx position and the dog is corrected if they get up before being released. "Relax" means just stretch out on your side and chew on your ball while I have a conversation.
The key, I've found at least, is to be consistent. If you say "fuss" don't tolerate any distraction, that means focused heeling, period; if you say "platz" that means down until released, no exceptions.
"Fuss" means focused heel, no exceptions and is rewarded with the ball, play, etc and I move as if I mean business, not just 'stroling around'.
"Heel" means stay by my leg and I release with "Okay" which means it is okay to go to the end of the leash and sniff. Pulling is NEVER allowed but during "heel" is merely corrected with a small "Aht," and a light pop to remind them I'm on the end of the leash.
The same with "Platz" vs "Relax". Platz means the sphinx position and the dog is corrected if they get up before being released. "Relax" means just stretch out on your side and chew on your ball while I have a conversation.
The key, I've found at least, is to be consistent. If you say "fuss" don't tolerate any distraction, that means focused heeling, period; if you say "platz" that means down until released, no exceptions.
by melba on 25 April 2013 - 16:04
I'd like to add, our "lets go" does not permit sniffing or peeing etc... "free dog" means we're walking, but he's allowed to do dog things, out in front if he'd like, but not allowed to drag me or put any tension on the lead at all.
Melissa
Melissa
by LynOD on 25 April 2013 - 16:04
I trained a "With Me" means just walk be side loose leash, but pay attention to where I am going and come with. Then I use "Heel" for focused heel for OB work. Dogs have no problem learning the difference. My Down command is for a sphinx like lie down(used in OB for drop on recall exercise) where as I use settle to get them to turn on one hip and lie relaxed. When doing out of sight stays I use my settle command so the dog is relaxed while I am gone.
by Koach on 25 April 2013 - 16:04
Hi Sunsilver,
Like most people here I want a focused heel when in competition (French Ring) and a "follow me close by on the left" when out for a walk. When walking in the city where people are at close quarters and some don't appreciate dogs I will have her walk at "fuss".
You can also use "cues" to help the dog understand what you want = for focused heeling use the dogs competition collar/lead and for walking about use a different collar and lead.
As someone has mentioned the IPO heeling is going to be much less militaristic and the dog in a more normal posture in the future.
Here is a video well worth watching of what I consider to be a beautiful and relaxed top level IPO performance:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2TZuTDnZcc
Like most people here I want a focused heel when in competition (French Ring) and a "follow me close by on the left" when out for a walk. When walking in the city where people are at close quarters and some don't appreciate dogs I will have her walk at "fuss".
You can also use "cues" to help the dog understand what you want = for focused heeling use the dogs competition collar/lead and for walking about use a different collar and lead.
As someone has mentioned the IPO heeling is going to be much less militaristic and the dog in a more normal posture in the future.
Here is a video well worth watching of what I consider to be a beautiful and relaxed top level IPO performance:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2TZuTDnZcc
by Sunsilver on 25 April 2013 - 17:04
Thank you everyone. Koach, I STILL wouldn't call that heel 'nice and relaxed', though it is very good. For the changes of speed, what REALLY was remarkable is the way he's taught the dog to only take a step forward when he does! That must have taken quite a bit of work!
I was reading a book this afternoon, Brenda Aloff's Aggression in Dogs, and she talks about the use of eye contact. She said that in competiton, your stance, position of your arms, etc. tells the dog you want that eye contact
I was reading a book this afternoon, Brenda Aloff's Aggression in Dogs, and she talks about the use of eye contact. She said that in competiton, your stance, position of your arms, etc. tells the dog you want that eye contact
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