Heeling - Page 1

Molly is my 4th gsd and by far the best heeler in the bunch.  I would like to think my handler skills are getting better, but was wondering what people thought.  Are certain dogs just better at heeling?  Is it a better bond between handler and dog or just better training.  I practice about as much as I did with Libby - probably use much more motivational type training on her than Libby and she picked it up much quicker and just presents a much better picture.

Also, what is a good amount of time to practice the heeling for preparation for Schutzhund I?  That heel pattern just seems so daunting.  I admire how people keep their dog focused for that amount of time and want to make sure I am putting enough training time in on it, without overloading and boring her.

Here are some pictures taken on Monday Night. 

She looks really nice! I am not sure about if its the dog or the training. In the past, the dogs I trained kept heel position and had their head turned to my leg but did not look at my face. I didn't teach the focus. My male who stems from those dogs just naturally looks at my face and the faster I walk or more animated I get with my arms, the more animated he gets. Hopping up and down and wrapping a little. The part I found difficult was the motion exercises in that they anticipated the down after doing the sit. Probably my fault for not training totally seperate. Anyway sure someone has some better tips for you, but your girl looks great in those pics!!

 Looks very nice. The question is can the dog sustain this type of attention with distractions present? If for the most part, the answer is yes, then you have come a long way. I personally love to see a dog who is attentive on the handler and I believe dogs do best obedience when so focused. However, I personally prefer the dog NOT be a robot as some try to make them, and prefer to see a happy, animated dog in the heeling, even is a little is lost in the looking at me.....

As for your question about some dogs being better at heeling than others, yes, it is in my experience with many dogs that each is unique. Some really are better at certain things, but the way one accomplishes such beautiful attention is by starting early, not doing it too long, timely rewards, and later, timely and fair corrections, with lots of play interspersed. 

The way one gets to the point where one can do the pattern is to do practice always with short, intense sessions, directed to quick reward. One week you go 10 paces with reward perhaps (assuming you have worked up to that point and that can take weeks and months) and two weeks later go another 5 paces. Be prepared to go back to 8 paces. Break it up. Keep it fun and challenging for the dog. Do something unexpected which is fun for the dog in the middle of heeling. I think most dogs find heeling boring....as do most handlers.

Seems like you are on the right track. Just don't over do it. That is a killer of spirit for the dog!

Best of luck.