This is a placeholder text
Group text
by beetree on 08 November 2010 - 18:11
Why does Schutzhund demand a dog's focus to be only on the handlers eyes, to the point the dog seems to walk sideways? It was mentioned that dog's read our body cues all the time (on the left turn about thread), so why is such exaggeration necessary?
by Scarlet Akai on 08 November 2010 - 18:11
Good question.
I know that actual focus on the handler is important, however it seems that with the obedience routine that it needs to be Flashy Focus....
The kind that makes it seem like the dog is actually getting instruction on how to move forward by actually touching the left leg, staring at, and crowding the handler.
I personally think that it's not necessarily for real world benefit, but more of a what can I make this dog do to make it appear that s/he will not breathe unless I have given the okay. Which I can understand as it is an obedience competition....
I obviously am not the world authority on this and would love to hear the thoughts of someone with experience
I know that actual focus on the handler is important, however it seems that with the obedience routine that it needs to be Flashy Focus....
The kind that makes it seem like the dog is actually getting instruction on how to move forward by actually touching the left leg, staring at, and crowding the handler.
I personally think that it's not necessarily for real world benefit, but more of a what can I make this dog do to make it appear that s/he will not breathe unless I have given the okay. Which I can understand as it is an obedience competition....
I obviously am not the world authority on this and would love to hear the thoughts of someone with experience
by Phil Behun on 08 November 2010 - 19:11
There is no need for a focused dog to be crooked while heeling, it's just poor work.
To explain the "need" for motivated, focused heeling I'll use the ever popular "Dancing With the Stars" as an example. When you are walking down the street, do you have a partner and utilize a choreographed set of steps? Are you being scored on how you walk? The SchH routine is basically a choreographed set of dance steps that while pretty to watch, is not very practical. SchH has evolved to become more of a sport than actual "personal protection", in fact, it was really designed to be more of a test of the dog's temperament than personal considering the A and B phases.
So in short, focused heeling is not every day life but it sure does look good when done correctly doesn't it?
To explain the "need" for motivated, focused heeling I'll use the ever popular "Dancing With the Stars" as an example. When you are walking down the street, do you have a partner and utilize a choreographed set of steps? Are you being scored on how you walk? The SchH routine is basically a choreographed set of dance steps that while pretty to watch, is not very practical. SchH has evolved to become more of a sport than actual "personal protection", in fact, it was really designed to be more of a test of the dog's temperament than personal considering the A and B phases.
So in short, focused heeling is not every day life but it sure does look good when done correctly doesn't it?
by Vixen on 08 November 2010 - 19:11
I do precise obedience with my dogs for formal training. (However there is a huge difference between formal and general respect).
I require my dog's head in a comfortable position on my leg, and for that position to be maintained, so that we can feel each other, and then the dog can feel my movements and watch for any direction. The dog would not actually see my eyes because I am looking straight ahead, otherwise the dog would not be walking straight.
However, when I come to a Halt, I expect the dog to be clearly looking up to my face, suggesting; "How was that"? and "What next"? When the exercise is finished I can look down and meet my dog's eyes.
Regards,
Vixen
I require my dog's head in a comfortable position on my leg, and for that position to be maintained, so that we can feel each other, and then the dog can feel my movements and watch for any direction. The dog would not actually see my eyes because I am looking straight ahead, otherwise the dog would not be walking straight.
However, when I come to a Halt, I expect the dog to be clearly looking up to my face, suggesting; "How was that"? and "What next"? When the exercise is finished I can look down and meet my dog's eyes.
Regards,
Vixen
by MAINLYMAX on 08 November 2010 - 22:11
The judge will look at the were the right front paw is hitting the ground.
If your dog is arched to much in front of you,.. you could get faulted. You
will see the handlers adjust their stride to accommodate.
The problem most of the time is the handler, he will get very nervous
in a trial. They almost want the dog velcroed to their leg.
Schutzhund was a breeding suitability test first than became
a sport.
If your dog is arched to much in front of you,.. you could get faulted. You
will see the handlers adjust their stride to accommodate.
The problem most of the time is the handler, he will get very nervous
in a trial. They almost want the dog velcroed to their leg.
Schutzhund was a breeding suitability test first than became
a sport.
by Don Corleone on 09 November 2010 - 03:11
Yeah, cause if I had a real PP dog, focused on me is where I want him.
Contact information Disclaimer Privacy Statement Copyright Information Terms of Service Cookie policy ↑ Back to top