Schutzhund LEFT ABOUT TURNS? - Page 1

During the Schutzhund Obedience - I understand the left about turn is whereby the Handler obviously turns while the dog goes around the Handler and meets together again on the left of the Handler as the turn is completed.  (Which does look rather smart).  However, do you therefore teach and use a different command for an ordinary LEFT TURN?

Obviously this is different to the usual Obedience, whereby the dog is required to follow the left leg at all times.  So the left about turn would have the dog turning backwards with the Owner at the same time.

Do the two variations of the Left turn  present any confusion if the Handler is not quick enough to time which alternative to their dog, to clarify whether a left turn or left about turn is required?


(Hope I have explained suitably)!


Regards,
Vixen

I'll be interested to see the responses on this one.  I think it's a fluid movement that doesn't need a command if the dog is following your lead, so I've never used one.  Other turns are different becuase they can be abrupt and the dog can get under your feet easily if not paying attention, but when he's in heel and I turn into him, he natuarally comes back to heel.

I think it's more the way you turn in, it's a different movement than just turning left.  It's more like a pivot and i think changing hands with the lead is also a cue, becuase as you turn, your arms are coming together at the same time. That's what I mean by fluidity and I can't explain it any better.

Hey Vixen - in the left about turn - when the dog goes behind the handler and comes back up to the left heel position - I don't teach a command - it is just an understanding between me and the dog...When I just turn to my left - he turns with me - there is no command for that either.... I do, however, practice them both on the field.......The only time my dogs seem to get confussed is in my kitchen when I go into the biscuit bowl and they start giving me behavior I didn't ask for... No you are not allowed to talk to your dog during the routine except to give the one command for the exercise.... The Left turn about is hard to describe on trying to teach it to a person in words- it is something you have to show - it takes coordination... First with you turning - then you taking the leash out of your left hand -putting in you right hand - taking it behind your back then taking it out of your right hand and back into your left hand - with the dog attached to the lead..... Yogie

www.youtube.com/watch   Watch the body posture right before the about turn.  especially right before the group. 

Here"s a different look.www.youtube.com/watch

For those that haven't seen the secret tape.  www.youtube.com/watch