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      Off Leash Precision Heel

      How to teach your dog Off Leash Precision Heel

      Introduction

      Off Leash Precision Heel is a high level obedience behavior where your dog walks perfectly in heel position next to you with no leash. The dog should be focused on you and tracking your left heel at all times. This type of heel is common in competition.

      Common Misconceptions

      Some people believe that teaching their dog Off Leash Precision Heel is impossible or very difficult. 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 Off Leash Precision Heel. This is not the case. Positive reinforcement training is the most effective way to teach this behavior.

      Off Leash Precision Heel - Video Walkthrough

      Steps to Address

      Teaching Phase

      • Start with your dog in a heel position next to you.
      • Hold a treat or toy in front of your dog's face so that they have to look up at you to see it.
      • Mark and reward your dog with the treat or toy as soon as they make eye contact with you.
      • Repeat steps 2-3 several times until your dog is reliably making eye contact with you when you hold the treat or toy in front of their face.
      • Once your dog is reliably making eye contact with you, you can start to take one step forward.
      • As you take one step forward, mark and reward your dog with the treat or toy as soon as they make eye contact with you.
      • Repeat steps 4-5 several times until your dog is reliably making eye contact with you and taking one step forward when you cue them to.

      Reinforcing Phase

      • Once your dog is reliably making eye contact with you and taking one step forward when you cue them to, 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.
      • Start by taking one step forward with your dog in a distracting environment. If they make eye contact with you and take the step forward, mark and reward them with the treat or toy.
      • Gradually increase the number of steps you take with your dog in a distracting environment.
      • If your dog ever loses eye contact with you or fails to take the step forward, calmly redirect them back to the training and try again.

      Proofing Phase

      • Once your dog is reliably making eye contact with you and taking one step forward in distracting environments, you can start to increase the duration of time they are in this position.
      • For example, you can start by asking your dog to make eye contact with you and take one step forward for 10 seconds. If they are successful, mark and reward them with the treat or toy.
      • Gradually increase the duration of time your dog is in this position.
      • If your dog ever loses eye contact with you or fails to take the step forward, calmly redirect them back to the training and try again.

      Maintenance Phase

      • Once your dog is reliably making eye contact with you and taking one step forward for a sustained period of time in distracting environments, you can start to practice this behavior less frequently.
      • However, it is important to continue to practice this behavior regularly so that your dog does not forget it.
      • You can also start to add new distractions to the training so that your dog is able to generalize the behavior to new situations.

      Case Studies

      Here are a few case studies of dogs who have learned Off Leash Precision Heel:

      • Bailey: Bailey is a 2-year-old Golden Retriever who loves to compete in obedience. Her owner, Sarah, started teaching Bailey Off Leash Precision Heel when she was 1 year old. With consistent training, Bailey was able to learn the behavior in a few months. Bailey now competes in obedience competitions and has won several awards for her Off Leash Precision Heel.
      • Charlie: Charlie is a 1-year-old Beagle who is very food motivated. His owner, John, wanted to teach Charlie Off Leash Precision Heel so they could go for walks together without a leash. John started by teaching Charlie to heel on a leash. Once Charlie was reliably heeling on a leash, John started to add distractions. With consistent training, Charlie was able to learn Off Leash Precision Heel in a few months. John and Charlie now go for walks together without a leash and Charlie heels perfectly the whole time.

      Pet Parent Coaching Tips

      Here are a few pet parent coaching tips for teaching your dog Off Leash Precision Heel:

      • 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

      Off Leash Precision Heel is a challenging behavior, but it is also very rewarding. With patience and consistency, most dogs can learn this behavior. If you are willing to put in the work, your dog will be able to heel perfectly off leash, which will allow you to enjoy walks and other activities together without having to worry about your dog pulling or getting distracted.

      Frequently Asked Questions

      • Q: What if my dog doesn't want to heel off leash?
        A: If your dog doesn't want to heel off leash, try using a higher value treat. You can also try making the training more fun by adding some distractions.
      • 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