DIG adding Turns
How to TEACH & PEFECT Heeling
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DIG Work adding Turns Closer to Barrier
Reminders – DIG is an introduction into proofing and can determine how your dog responds to pressure. It is teaching your dog how to be successful when faced with new locations, environments, and or people. In addition, it is teaching your dog that distractions both visual and auditory, are a rewarding cue to your dog.
Pay close attention to discover what your dog’s threshold is in a variety of environments and situations! The threshold or distance from a distraction your dog can remain focused may vary. Some dogs work comfortably 10 feet from a distraction while others need more distance or space.
Working with distractions will help your dog become confident and will enable him to concentrate and successfully do his “job” and focus on you in many different situations or new locations. After all, the “ring” is a continually changing new environment.
This skill cannot be rushed! Work on the DIG skill a few minutes in every training session.
DIG ~ Introduce Turns
- First, your dog needs to know turning concept.
- Start heeling out of play. RESIST the habit of always starting your heeling with your dog in an SIT!
- Heel forward and release your dog as you are turning. The idea is to make the heads up in the turn desirable.
- Always video to check your timing as well as your dog’s focus.
- Signs of barrier stress of lack of confidence can include: your dog dropping his head, changing his gait, ears going back, his mouth closed or opened, etc. Basically any sign that he knows you are approaching something.
- Reminder: your dog may not actually LOOK at the barrier. In most cases a dog gives “PRE” signs before actually looking. Your job is to be able to see the PRE signs!
- Please take your time when teaching and training DIG to your dog.
Only when your dog is confident should you heel closer to an object or barrier. As your dog becomes confident with heeling towards barriers of all types, start practicing different heeling paces towards the objects. Continue to build your dog’s confidence by building on success!
HOW do you know when your dog is confident? Your dog will exhibit an increase in focus. In other words, he will increase his intensity or look harder at you. If you are having a hard time seeing this, ask a friend to watch or better yet video yourself and see the difference in your dog’s posture and focus. ONLY when you see this increase intensity should you move to the next step and move closer to the barrier.
Use a consequence, like the “U-Missed It” Game, when your dog is not giving 100% effort or loses attention. Tell your dog to “get it” when he is not looking or has gotten distracted. The second he looks back or focuses on you, start to tease him and say something like “ha ha you missed it.” Be theatrical with the toy or treat but DO NOT let him have it. Pretend to eat the treat or play by yourself with the toy. Repeat the skill where he lost focus. Reward him when he offers you more effort and focus.
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