Skip to content
English
Sign in
Visit Our Main Site
  • There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

Right About Circle | 360°

Teach your dog to follow you through a smooth 360° right-hand turn while staying in heel—great for focus, control, and leash manners.

Overview 

The Right About Circle is a smooth, controlled 360° right-hand turn that keeps your dog mentally with you and physically aligned at heel. Unlike a quick 90° right turn or a stationary pivot, this continuous circle promotes engagement, balance, and body control. It’s handy on walks (to reset focus, create a little space, or interrupt forging) and polishes precision for families who enjoy clean heel work.

Topics

  • Overview & Why It Matters

  • Key Benefits & Features

  • Training Phases & Steps (simple, step-by-step)

  • Your Role at Home

  • Who It’s For

  • Quick Start Checklist

  • Best Practices (Do / Don’t)

  • Everyday Examples

  • Common Questions & Answers

  • Troubleshooting

  • Glossary 

Key Benefits & Features

  • Engagement reset: A familiar pattern that re-centers attention on you.

  • Leash manners: Helps reduce forging and teaches your dog to track your left leg.

  • Body awareness: Encourages smooth rear-end movement and coordinated steps.

  • Calm control: A quiet alternative to constant verbal cues—let the pattern do the talking.

  • Versatile: Works in warm-ups, during loose-leash walks, or between obedience reps.

Training Phases & Steps (simple, step-by-step)

Setup: Flat/buckle collar, non-retractable leash, small treats. Hold the leash in your right hand with slack; treats in your left hand near your left pant seam (dog side).

Teaching (quiet space, wide & slow)

  1. Start in heel (dog on your left).

  2. Take small right-arc steps (think hula-hoop size), moving smoothly and slowly. Keep your left hand by your leg to “anchor” position.

  3. As your dog follows the arc beside you (not cutting in front), softly mark “Yes!” and feed at your left seam while moving or immediately after the circle.

  4. Complete the full circle and reward for staying aligned.

  5. Repeat 3–5 circles per short session; end while your dog is successful.

Advance when: Your dog tracks the wide circle without drifting, pulling, or cutting across your path.

Reinforcing (tighten shape, add cue)

  • Name the pattern (“Circle,” “Right Circle,” or “Around”) as you begin the arc.

  • Gradually tighten the circle (a little smaller each session).

  • Keep rewards low and by your seam so your dog stays parallel.

  • Practice on different surfaces (mat, grass, sidewalk) to build confidence.

Proofing (pace, places, and distractions)

  • Change pace: slow circle, normal, then a touch quicker—still controlled.

  • Randomize: Mix circles into normal walking so your dog stays attentive.

  • Mild distractions: people at a distance, quiet dogs, parked strollers. Reward successful circles generously, then space out treats.

Maintenance (life-ready skill)

  • Use a circle as a warm-up before walks or classes.

  • Pair with simple routines (Auto-Sit at the end, or “Watch” as you begin).

  • Reward intermittently to keep it sharp.

Your Role at Home

  • Think smooth & predictable—your dog reads your hips and shoulders.

  • Keep the leash loose; the circle teaches, the leash doesn’t.

  • Feed in position at your left seam so your dog learns where “heel” lives.

  • Go wide and slow first; small or fast circles come later.

Who It’s For

  • Families working on loose-leash walking and consistent heel position.

  • Dogs that forge ahead or lose focus around mild distractions.

  • Parents who want a calm, cue-light way to reconnect with their dog on walks.

Quick Start Checklist

  • Quiet area, non-retractable leash, small treats.

  • Decide on your cue (e.g., “Right Circle”).

  • Practice 3–5 wide circles, 2–3 short sessions today.

  • Reward at your left seam; keep pace slow and smooth.

  • End each session on a confident success.

Best Practices (Do / Don’t)

Do Why it helps
Start wide and slow. Builds confidence and clean footwork.
Feed low, at your left seam. Keeps the dog parallel in heel.
Keep the leash loose. Encourages self-carriage, not leash dependence.
Tighten the circle gradually. Prevents cutting corners and lagging.
Vary pace once the shape is solid. Prepares your dog for real-life walking.
Don’t What to do instead
Don’t spin fast on slick floors. Use grippy surfaces and moderate speed.
Don’t lure with big, floating hands. Keep food anchored by your leg.
Don’t let the dog cross in front. Widen the circle; reward for parallel tracking.
Don’t nag with cues. Let the pattern teach; add cue once reliable.
Don’t use the leash to steer. Shape with movement; reward correct position.

Everyday Examples

  • Walk reset: Your dog starts to forge; you smoothly start a Right Circle, reward at your seam, then continue straight with a calmer rhythm.

  • Warm-up before class: Two or three circles, an Auto-Sit, then into heel—your dog is tuned in.

  • Crowded sidewalk: A circle buys you a moment to reconnect and choose a clear path.

Common Questions & Answers

Is this the same as a right turn?
No. A right turn is typically a 90° change in direction. The Right About Circle is a full 360° rotation that maintains heel the entire time and emphasizes flow and focus.

Can I use this on walks?
Yes. It’s a great pattern reset when your dog gets a bit forward or distracted. Keep it smooth and wide at first, then make it smaller as your dog learns to track you closely.

My dog keeps cutting the corner—how do I fix that?
Go wider and slower again, and pay at your left pant seam (not in front of you). If needed, start the food hand touching your thigh to anchor position. Reward earlier in the arc before the dog drifts.

Should I add a verbal cue?
Add your cue (e.g., “Right Circle”) as you begin the movement once your dog is following reliably. Keep the cue cheerful and calm; the pattern does most of the teaching.

What about dogs with reactivity?
This pattern can help re-focus and create a small bubble of space. Keep circles wide, smooth, and brief; increase distance from triggers first. If reactivity is significant, ask us about program-fit so we can guide you.

Troubleshooting

  • Leash tightens: Slow down, make the circle wider, and feed for parallel position.

  • Dog lags behind: Try a slightly quicker but still smooth pace and mark early for catching up.

  • Dog forges across your path: Reset to a bigger arc, deliver treats at your seam, and practice shorter circles.

  • Slippery surface issues: Move to a grippy floor or grass; avoid abrupt speed changes.

Glossary

  • Heel (family version): Dog walks at your left side, shoulder near your left pant seam, with a loose leash.

  • Parallel position: Dog’s body lined up beside you, not cutting in front or drifting behind.

  • Pattern reset: A familiar movement (like this circle) that resets attention without extra words.

The Right About Circle is a simple, low-stress way to restore focus and polish heel work anywhere. Begin wide and slow, reward in position at your left seam, and gradually tighten and vary pace as your dog’s confidence grows. Use it as a quick reset during walks, a warm-up before training, or a calm alternative to extra verbal cues. With a few short sessions each week, you’ll see smoother leash manners and a dog that checks in with you more naturally.