Heelwork

Part 2 of 2

What?

This is the second heelwork module this week. Before starting this training, you should have completed the first module where we developed your dog's ability to focus on you whilst stationary.

Today, we show you how to get your dog to follow you in a straight line by using a technique known as 'luring'. In this part of the exercise, we start you moving around with your dog on the lead and create a positive association from following you.

How?

In this exercise, we get you moving backwards. Your dog moves forwards, but learns that by following you and not pulling on the lead, this gets the human to reward them.

Here lies the secret of success in using this technique. If you were to walk forwards with your dog at this stage, there's a really good chance they'd lose focus on you and pull on the lead. By walking backwards, we set you and your dog up for success from the get-go. It's physically impossible to create tension in the lead from pushing on it.

So, by getting you to walk backwards and teaching your dog to follow you, you will achieve the first stage in heelwork training.

Your goal this week is to be able to lure your dog, with food in your hand. You will move progressively further in straight line without them getting distracted.

Target to Achieve For Next Week

Before undertaking the next module on this course, it is important that you practice at home. Daily repetition will ensure that your dog has enough time to learn the behaviour before we progress further.

Next week, we will start the training at the point where we assume that your dog can perform the following criteria:

Whilst walking backwards in a straight line and using a single food lure, have your dog follow you for 10 consecutive steps without breaking-off (they get the food as a reward after the 10th step)