HOMEWORK Week 5: Fixing slow starts (lagging) and working dog briskly

 

*The way to reduce lagging when starting, "Heel" is to start the first step FAST. This is not a large giant step, instead it is simply a FAST step that catches a consistently slow starter dog off guard. MAKE sure your leash is well below the knee and don't trip doing this. Once that FAST step catches a consistently slow starter dog off guard with a sharp collar correction, immediately return to a normal step.  

*You should ONLY do this to train the learning dog to move IMMEDIATELY, and once they do, give them a verbal 'marker' that is soft praise as you continue to heel them.  

*This is a training method that works well with soft dogs who are more than willing to let a learning handler haul them around like a sack of potatoes. AND this method requires a soft dog to pay careful attention to handler's feet and move immediately WITH them.

*Don't overdo this, just use until dog learns to move WITH your left foot moving, praise softly and continue to heel them.