Of all the things I train, I never feel more connected with my dog than when I am heeling.
It can be breathtaking to watch a well-trained team. Even if the team doesn't look super polished, if the dog has that solid connection with their handler then it turns heads!
That feeling of connection and joy with my dog is reflected in my priorities in training it.
When heeling, I prioritize the following:
1. Attitude
Desire/Motivation
Focus
Energy level/ arousal
Precision
Attitude
Attitude always comes first. I think of attitude as a combination of 2 things that rely on each other: desire and focus.
They are so interwoven that it is impossible to separate them completely. Having focus on us tends to come for many if the dog is motivated by the actual rewards we have, likes how we deliver them, and has a clear understanding of what leads to the rewards.
So usually when the dog has "a focus problem" I look less at training eye contact itself and more on how I am motivating the dog and how clear I am in my training.
Which sounds simple, but is ridiculously complicated! We often have strong feelings around it as we think of being more interesting than dirt type of feedback we may have received, often with being told we have a relationship problem.
I don't want to say any of that!! Actually, I would recommend not running around and poking your dog trying to get them to play!
But I DO want you to experiment with what your dog likes with their rewards- so you can find ways to make them more of an "event" than just handing over a cookie.
Then we need to look hard at the clarity piece and find ways to break it down for the dog, and us, so we can be consistent. Heeling is a LOT for the person to learn too!
What is your criteria for resetting the dog for an error? Are you consistent with that? Are resets actually FUN for your dog, or do they feel like you are nagging and adding pressure?
I don't need the dog to know they are wrong for an error, but I do need to get them back on track quickly. When I am looking at prioritizing the goal of attitude, that means my resets in heeling are usually pretty motion based and game like, and naturally that sucks the dog back into focus! And then splitting the skill down so the dog is quickly on the path to success after an error.
And finally being clear on the "in between" parts if often the last missing piece to help get more consistency in the dog's desire to work and focus vs multitasking. Work on a clear plan for what you're doing after each reward that either keeps connection with the dog, or clearly tells them to take a small break.
Energy
Energy is 2nd on my list and I debated about grouping it in with attitude. Generally if the dog doesn't have a happy attitude then they won't have the level of energy I want. And if the dog has low energy, then it makes it a lot harder to keep up their motivation and focus.
But energy is also the one thing on my list that is more playable to find just the right level where my next goal of precision is easier.
I tend to like powerful heeling done at a quick pace! It doesn't have to be prancing, but I move quickly with my dogs in most of my heelwork other than when I'm working on specific pieces for the next category of precision.
Many of the dogs I work with who are more prone to lagging, we do a lot of big right circles at a brisk pace so the dog rehearses that fast movement as part of their heelwork. It becomes their habit to power out. And they learn how to catch up to their handler when sent away on cookie tosses or cone sends.
I do a lot of games in my heelwork to not just work on that fun piece, but to rehearse that level of energy I want in heelwork.
And then of course some dogs have all the energy and need more work on controlling that energy and collecting themselves- both physically and mentally! With these dogs it doesn't mean I don't do games, but I do work on shorter bursts of games followed by coming into collection and thinking!
Energy is also closely tied to frustration levels. Often we think we are creating "energy" when we try to entice the dog to play, but it can easily turn into a nagging feeling and frustration from the dog if they aren't clear on what we want and aren't getting enough rewards. Be careful that your own energy isn't overpowering the dog!
And be just as careful for the dogs that go "up" in energy, that you aren't trying to create excitement from feelings of frustration. We can often push things too fast with dogs who easily opt-in, and then that can result in behaviors like whining, barking, slamming into us, etc
Being calmer and lowering energy isn't necessarily the solution (although may be needed to help find success), breaking things down more and making sure the dog has clear understanding of what leads to reinforcement is key! And not always easily done!
Precision
I am envious of teams who have consistent precision. It is my dream. But honestly not high enough on my list to really be nitpicky with even once I have great attitude and energy!
I realized that while I absolutely love breaking down fancy moves in heeling, and having solid mechanics, I'm not a trainer who cares enough to fiddle with the remaining 5%. I clearly love a little too much forging ;)
It is ok if precision isn't high on your list. The green qualifying ribbon doesn't have your score on it!
But I think you will find that the more you concentrate on desire, focus, and energy, the more your dog will be right there next to you when you are heeling!
My novice obedience class has some lectures on breaking down the precision pieces for you.
But my main priority is helping you and your dog to find joy! What games does your dog like?! How can you be more consistent in your training to be able to reward before mistakes happen, and to do a quick happy reset for those occasional errors?
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