canine freestyle moves database
heel work…right about turn
The right-about turn is a sharp 180 degree right turn. It is not a curved u-turn. The handler does not walk in a right curve (u-turn) away from the dog. The dog, in heel position, turns with the handler, adjusting his body to be square with the handler at all times, thus remaining in heel position throughout the 180 degree turn. The handler turns on the spot while the dog moves with the handler around that spot.
If trialling 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. 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, ie you don’t have to think about it. In canine freestyle footwork is not that important once the dog understands the right about turn.
A prerequisite is the dog can do 90 degree right turns.
Stationary Right About Turn
Initially the right about turn is taught in the stationary position.
With the dog in heel position, get his attention.
· If the dog can do a 90 degree right turn, execute 2 x 90 degree right turns as
smoothly as possible. On completion of the right about turn, treat the dog with
the right hand, close to the body and in the heel position.
The dog should remain in position while being treated.
· If the dog cannot yet do a 90 degree right turn say your cue word, eg “heel”,
and start turning right slowly on the spot without moving forwards.
With each movement ensure the dog also moves his back legs to maintain the
heel position. Reward each movement in position.
Gradually build up to the full turn.
In a training session, repeat only 3-5 times and after that last turn play with a toy or ball with the dog to keep up his interest.
In training never do a right about turn without having the dog’s attention first.
Right About Turn On The Move
Set the dog up for success.
Ask your dog “Are you ready?”
Say your heel cue word.
Take one step forward.
Right about turn and stop.
Reward in position.
Repeat this until you can execute this smoothly.
Over time build up the number of steps you move forwards before executing the right about turn. The dog needs to speed up to maintain heel position on the right about turn and then return to the previous pace to maintain position. Give the dog time to learn these subtleties.
Troubleshooting
· On the stationary right about turns, some large, long bodied dogs will move their front feet only to maintain their head and shoulders in the
heel position. This means that they do not understand that to be in correct heel position they must be square, which means adjusting their back
legs. Always look at your dog to ensure all of him is in correct position. If he tends to do this, go back to teaching the correct heel position.
· If the dog has a tendency to overshoot the heel position at the end of the right about turn, execute the turn a little slower and teach him to pay
attention and maintain the heel position.
· If the dog starts to lag after the right about turn in heel work, execute the turn a little slower. Go back to teaching the right about turn.
After a right about turn you can toss a ball or treat in front of you for the dog to run out and get. He may come to anticipate this and hence
execute the right about turn a little faster. Make sure you do not use the ball/treat as a bribe.