canine freestyle moves database

heel work…left turn

The left turn is a sharp 90 degree left turn on the spot. It is not curved. The handler does not walk around the dog. The dog, in heel position, turns with the handler adjusting his body to be square with the handler, thus maintaining heel position throughout the turn.

If trialing is a consideration, it is useful to always use the same footwork when executing turns. A suggestion for handlers with big dogs is to turn with the left foot first and for handlers with small dogs to turn with the right foot first. For the small dogs, the right foot turning left first cannot step on the dog. Whatever you decide, use consistent footwork in your turns. This consistency will aid the dog. Practise the footwork without the dog until it is automatic, i.e. muscle memory so you don’t have to think about it.

Initially the left turn is taught in the stationary position.

For canine freestyle it is easier for the dog if he is standing.

There are two parts to the left turn:
….. left turn on the spot,
….. left turn in motion.

Left Turn on the Spot

Here, the handler turns on the spot, that is, without moving forwards, while the dog pivots his back feet around his front paws to maintain position.

1.      With the dog in heel position, get his attention.

2.      Cue the word “heel”, turn/swivel to the left on the spot.
Initially turn small angles, then increase the turning angle until the dog can handle the full 90 degrees in a single turn.
The dog should move his back paws to maintain heel position while the front paws remain relatively in place.

Left Turn in Motion

Here the handler turns left while moving with the dog in a forwards direction. The dog slows his pace to match the handler’s and turns left with the handler to maintain heel position. The dog then resumes moving forwards with the handler maintaining heel position.

Prerequisite is “Start” and “Left Turn on the Spot”.

1.      With the dog in heel position, get his attention.

2.      Cue “heel” and take a step forwards with the dog, stop, turn left 90 degrees on the spot and stand still. (You can cue “heel” again as you turn.)

3.      As the dog pivots to maintain position, stop, click, then reward in position.

Practice this turn until the dog is comfortable and can do this with confidence.
When the dog is doing this well, cue “heel” and take a step forwards with the dog, slow down, turn left 90 degrees on the spot and take another step forwards. Stop and reward in heel position.

Once the dog can do this you can

….. build up the number of steps before and after the 90 degree left turn and
….. practice the turns at slow, normal and fast pace.
….. train in at least six different locations.

Keep training sessions short, so as to not “drill” the dog.

At the end of the training session play with a toy or ball with the dog to keep up his interest.

In training never do a left turn without having the dog’s attention first.

Note: Turning left into your dog slows the dog down. After executing the left turn make sure the dog continues with you at whatever pace you
are doing and is maintaining heel position.

Troubleshooting

·       If the dog cannot gradually left turn on the spot while stationary he does not yet understand the heel position.
Train more on position.
Also, check the speed of your turn. You may be moving too fast for the dog to be able to work out what he should be doing.

·       If the dog is lagging on the left turn make sure you have his attention when you “start” and that he can take off with you.
Check the length and speed of your first step. You may need to slow down to help the dog succeed.

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