canine freestyle moves database
heel work
“Heel”, used generically here, is a position the dog assumes in relation to the handler. The dog maintains this position regardless of whether the handler is stationary or moving. Heel work is fundamental to canine freestyle. Good heel work is a dance in itself!
Refer to Basic Positions for the most common heel positions.
In heel work, the position is taught first while the handler is stationary. Heel positions can be taught using:
rectangular platforms
a pivot platform
squaring the dog into position
using an x-pen
When the dog can assume the given heel position on the flat, precisely, on verbal cue, from any direction around the handler, the dog is ready to be taught heeling on the move, that is, maintaining that position as the handler moves in any given direction.
teaching heel on the move
Heel on the move, starts with the first step of the handler.
Given there are several heel positions and four major directions the handler can take (forwards, passing left, backwards and passing right) the method and principles described here apply to all positions and all directions. For simplicity, the following will assume left hand heel.
The Elements of Heeling
Heeling consists of the following components:
· heel position (if you are ready to teach heel work, the dog should already understand the position cue)
· start
· left about turn (180 left turn)
· right about turn (180 right turn)
· changing pace … normal pace forwards,
slow pace forwards
fast pace forwards
· halt (stationary, sit or stand or drop) but in position next to the handler.
· putting it all together – the heel dance
Advanced heel work includes:
· stepping left (side-pass left)
· stepping right (side-pass right)
Note, depending on which of the 8 heel positions the dog is in, each of the above elements will have a different movement result.