In my
class I always enforce the rule that all dogs must remain in the
"heel" position.In
class this prevents problems but it can also be so useful in practical everyday
life.
The
"heel" position refers to the dog being on the handler's left side
with his shoulders in line with with the handler's hip.When the handler comes to a halt, the
dog automatically sits.
Any
dog trained to remain in the "heel" position appears to be a highly
obedient dog and helps the handler avoid other problems as well.When you stop at a crosswalk on a busy
street your dog will sit.If you
stop to have a chat with someone your dog will sit.No matter how long you talk you dog will be sitting
obediently by your side.If you
need to stop and tie your shoe, your dog will not pull you over or wrap you up
in the leash because he will be sitting.When your dog is sitting at your side he can't be doing anything else,
thus avoiding all sorts of potential problems.
Teaching
your dog to automatically sit at your left side when you come to a halt is
relatively easy and it quickly becomes an ingrained response with minimal
repetitions during training.
To
teach your dog the auto-sit he must first know how to" heel".For the next week, take a walk around
your block with your dog.Every
few feet and at every curb stop and have your dog "sit".If he knows the command already, tell
him to "sit " verbally.You can also lure him into a "sit" by using a treat and
raising it up and over his head so that he has to look up to see the
treat.When he looks up he should
fold into a "sit".If
neither of these work, you can simply physically place your dog into a sitting
position.By the end of the week,
your dog should be beginning to automatically sit when you come to a halt.
