How to teach your dog the "left turn" command.
Introduction
A left turn is a command that tells your dog to turn 180 degrees to the left. It is a useful command for getting your dog's attention and teaching them to concede space to you. For example, you can use a left turn to get your dog out of the way of traffic or to move them away from another dog.
Common Misconceptions
- You should never use the "Left Turn" command as a punishment. This can make your dog associate the command with negative experiences and make them less likely to obey it.
- You should never use the leash to pull your dog into position. This can make your dog feel tense and uncomfortable, and it can also damage their neck and spine.
"Left Turn" Command - Video Walkthrough
Steps to Address
Teaching Phase:
- Start by teaching your dog the "Sit" and "Stay" commands. These commands will help your dog to learn to focus on you and to stay in one place.
- Start by practicing the "Left Turn" command in a quiet area with few distractions. Have your dog sit next to you on your left side. Hold a treat in your right hand and use it to lure your dog to your left side, turning 180 degrees as you do so. Once your dog is in position, mark and reward them with the treat.
- Repeat steps 1-2 several times. Gradually increase the distance that you turn your dog before you give them the treat.
Reinforcing Phase:
- Once your dog is reliably turning 180 degrees to your left for short distances, you can start to introduce distractions. For example, you can try walking by other people or dogs. If your dog stays in position, mark and reward them with the treat.
- Gradually increase the level of distraction.
Proofing Phase:
- Once your dog is reliably turning left with distractions, you can start to practice in different environments. For example, you can try practicing in your backyard, at the park, or in a store.
- Gradually increase the level of distraction in the environment.
Maintenance Phase:
- Once your dog is reliably turning left in different environments with distractions, you can start to move into the maintenance phase. This means that you will need to continue practicing the "Left Turn" command regularly to keep it fresh in your dog's mind.
- You can also try practicing the command in new and challenging situations, such as when you are going to be in a crowded area or when there are other dogs around.
- It is important to make sure that the "Left Turn" command is always a positive experience for your dog. If your dog starts to show signs of anxiety or distress, you may need to take a step back and revisit the earlier phases of training.
Case Studies
- Case Study 1:
A client came to Partners Dog School with a 1-year-old Golden Retriever named Buddy who was pulling on the leash whenever they went for walks. The client was worried that Buddy would hurt himself or someone else if he kept pulling. We started by teaching Buddy the "Left Turn" command. We used a combination of positive reinforcement and proofing to help Buddy learn the command. After a few weeks of training, Buddy was reliably turning left on command and he was no longer pulling.
- Case Study 2:
Another client came to Partners Dog School with a 3-year-old Border Collie named Bailey who was very distracted on walks. Bailey would often see other dogs or people and would start to pull towards them. We started by teaching Bailey the "Left Turn" command. We also taught Bailey some focus exercises to help him stay focused on us during walks. After a few weeks of training, Bailey was reliably turning left on command and he was no longer as distracted by other dogs or people.
Pet Parent Coaching Tips
- Be patient and consistent with your training. It takes time and patience to teach a dog a new command.
- Make sure your dog is getting enough exercise. A tired dog is a well-behaved dog!
- Be aware of your surroundings. If you are in a distracting environment, it may be helpful to shorten the length of the leash or to use a head halter.
- Don't give up! With patience and consistency, you can teach your dog to turn left on command.
Conclusion
The "Left Turn" command is an important command for any dog to know. By following the tips in this article, you can teach your dog to turn left on command reliably and safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What if my dog is still pulling on the leash?
A: If your dog is still pulling on the leash, you can try using a head halter or a no-pull harness. These devices can help to redirect your dog's pulling and make it easier to control them. - Q: What if my dog is distracted by other dogs or people?
A: If your dog is distracted by other dogs or people, you can try practicing the "Left Turn" command in a quiet area with few distractions. Once your dog is reliable in this environment, you can start to practice in more distracting environments. - Q: What if my dog is not responding to the "Left Turn" command?
A: If your dog is not responding to the "Left Turn" command, you can try using a firm voice and a short tug on the leash. You can also try taking a break from training and coming back to it later.