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      Circle/Around/Bye

      How to teach your dog the "Circle/Around/Bye" command

      Introduction

      The circle/around/bye command is a great way to improve your dog's obedience skills and have some fun together. This behavior can be used during competition as one of the ways to "finish your dog". This command can be given no matter where your dog is in comparison to you.

      Common Misconceptions

      Some people believe that teaching their dog the circle/around/bye command is difficult or impossible. However, with patience and consistency, most dogs can learn this behavior.

      Another misconception is that you need to use force or punishment to teach your dog the circle/around/bye command. This is not the case. Positive reinforcement training is the most effective way to teach this behavior.

      Steps to Address

      Teaching Phase

      • Start with your dog in front of you in a stand position.
      • Hold a treat in each hand.
      • Lure your dog around you in a clockwise circle, ending in a heel position next to you.
      • As soon as your dog is in the heel position, mark and reward with a treat.
      • Repeat steps 2-4 several times until your dog is reliably circling around you when you lure them.

      Reinforcing Phase

      • Once your dog is reliably circling around you when you lure them, you can start to fade the lure.
      • To do this, start by holding the treat in your left hand only. As you lure your dog around you, gradually move your right hand away until it is no longer touching your dog.
      • If your dog continues to circle around you, mark and reward with a treat from your left hand.
      • Repeat steps 2-4 until your dog is reliably circling around you without the lure.

      Proofing Phase

      • Once your dog is reliably circling around you without the lure, you can start to add distractions.
      • For example, you can try practicing in a room with other people or animals, or in a room with loud noises.
      • You can also start to increase the distance between you and your dog.
      • Start by saying the cue word and then taking a few steps away from your dog. If they circle around you, give them a treat. Gradually increase the distance between you and your dog until they are able to circle around you even when you are several feet away.

      Maintenance Phase

      • Consistently practice "circle", "around" or "bye" in every obedience session.
      • This will help your dog remember the command and stay consistent with their behavior.
      • If your dog starts to regress, go back to the previous phase and practice more.
      • With consistent training, your dog will eventually be able to reliably circle around you in any environment.

      Case Studies

      Here are a few case studies of dogs who have learned the circle/around/bye command:

      • Bailey: Bailey is a 2-year-old Golden Retriever who loves to play fetch. His owner, Sarah, wanted to teach him the circle/around/bye command so he could heel in a more interesting way. Sarah started by teaching Bailey to heel in a straight line. Once Bailey was reliably heeling in a straight line, Sarah started to add the circle/around/bye command. After a few weeks of training, Bailey was able to circle around Sarah and return to heel in a straight line.
      • Charlie: Charlie is a 1-year-old Beagle who is very food motivated. His owner, John, wanted to teach him the circle/around/bye command so he could use it to finish his dog in competition. John started by teaching Charlie to heel in a straight line. Once Charlie was reliably heeling in a straight line, John started to add the circle/around/bye command. After a few weeks of training, Charlie was able to circle around John and return to heel in a straight line.

      Pet Parent Coaching Tips

      Here are a few pet parent coaching tips for teaching your dog the circle/around/bye command:

      • Be patient and consistent. It may take some time for your dog to learn this behavior.
      • Use positive reinforcement training. This means rewarding your dog with treats or praise when they do the behavior correctly.
      • Make the training fun. If your dog is having fun, they are more likely to be motivated to learn.
      • Don't punish your dog if they make a mistake. Just calmly redirect them back to the training.
      • Be sure to praise your dog when they do the behavior correctly. This will help them learn that the behavior is a good thing.

      Conclusion

      Teaching your dog the circle/around/bye command is a great way to improve their obedience skills and have some fun together. With patience and consistency, most dogs can learn this behavior.

      Frequently Asked Questions

      • Q: What if my dog doesn't want to circle around me?
        A: If your dog doesn't want to circle around you, try using a higher value treat. You can also try making the circle smaller or slower.
      • Q: What if my dog gets distracted?
        A: If your dog gets distracted, calmly redirect them back to the training. You can also try practicing in a quieter environment.
      • Q: How long does it take to teach my dog the circle/around/bye command?
        A: The amount of time it takes to teach your dog the circle/around/bye command will vary depending on the dog's individual learning