Setting up is an “active” position....

While training with a friend yesterday, we were working with her dog on effort regarding getting into the heel position. He is not a super motivated dog, either via toys or food, but he will occasionally work well for treats or personal praise. 

I thought some people may like to see how I require effort from my dog when setting up. I do not simply want him to move into place, he needs to hustle and get their quickly and with attention. This is the starting point for EVERY exercise you do. If you dog is slow to get into position or is unmotivated, you are starting off on the wrong foot. I also firmly believe in teaching your dog a motivational bounce and a hand touch...both of which can be used when your dog is not giving enough effort. Effort NEEDS to come from the dog. If you don’t require effort in practice, you will definitely not have effort in the ring.

Comparatively, here is a dog that knows what “place” means (heel position) and he knows what a bounce is, but yet he doesn’t really want to give much effort. 

I am going to REQUIRE that he give me effort, even if it is lacking somewhat in the precision department. If your dog feels like this hands on work is a “correction”, you need to really up the rewards and/or verbal praise to counter balance the work. Your dog’s attitude should not deflate when you put your hands on him!!

I do not like to “pop” my dog to get him quickly into heel position. I like to use my hands either through oppositional work (like at the beginning of Gunner’s clip) or directly in their collar. I will also use random “call to heel” drills, either with a toy or a cookie, whatever the dog will work harder for. The dog can be set anywhere for this drill, but it is easier for the dog in the beginning if he is behind you or slightly off to the side. 

So, make sure this exercise of moving into heel position is something you teach your dog how to do correctly. It sets the tone for the entire exercise you are about to do and puts both of you into the correct frame of mind to work. Insist on effort from your dog EVERY time you train or work. It doesn’t matter if you are outside throwing a frisbee or if you are doing formal obedience work. What you “accidentally” train in relaxed playtime WILL carry over to the ring. Take every opportunity to instill engagement and teamwork with your dog and you will both reap the benefits. 

Train hard. Play harder.
Shannon